Candlelight tribute for Michael "Mikey" Hallenbeck

"How wonderful you are making us feel," were words shared by fallen firefighter Mikey Hallenbeck's dad Kirby during the candlelight vigil held in his honor on Wednesday evening at Sierra-at-Tahoe. "A reflection of your love for him is reflected back to us."

Approximately 350 people gathered on the Plaza at the ski resort where the younger Hallenbeck worked for two seasons.

"We were expecting 100, so we bought 200 candles," said John Rice, General Manager of the resort. "Had no idea it'd turn out like this."

Tears, hugs, smiles and laughs were all shared among those that knew Mikey.

"Mikey is what Sierra is all about," said Rice. "Work hard, play hard, and respect each other. He was a buoy and not an anchor. Mikey always had a big smile and reached out with a positive energy."

Rice's words touched everyone who was gathered, some who knew the young man from snowboarding and Sierra, some from the fire crew and others he grew up with. Rice told the crowd that he saw Mikey the day of the fire that claimed his life. "I'm going to save Sierra today," Hallenbeck called as he headed into the backcountry to fight his first fire, the Sierra Fire.

Good friend and roommate Michael Cagle spoke to the crowd of friends, family and community. He read from Mikey's journal and shared several special experiences he had with the charismatic man.

"He made me a better person," said Cagle.

City Councilmembers JoAnn Conner and Wendy David were at the vigil as well. "We respect him and he will be missed," said Conner.

Also there was El Dorado County Sheriff Sgt. Michael Seligsohn who met Hallenbeck when he was in scouting on the west slope where the sergeant was a scout leader. A piece of black tape draped his badge.