At Saint Michael’s Fire & Rescue, we take great pride in seeing where our members go after their time with the department. Few stories better demonstrate the impact of the Saint Michael’s Fire and Rescue experience than that of former Fire Unit Captain Brian Eldridge.
During his time at Saint Michael’s, Brian served as the Captain of the Fire Unit, gaining experience in emergency response, teamwork, decision-making, and leadership. Today, he continues that commitment to service as a Lieutenant in the United States Coast Guard, where he serves as a helicopter pilot conducting search and rescue missions.
Brian and his fellow Coast Guard aircrews regularly respond to some of the most challenging emergencies imaginable, often operating in difficult weather and dangerous conditions to reach people who need help.
That commitment was put to the test during Typhoon Halong, which devastated communities in Western Alaska in October 2025. Coast Guard and Alaska National Guard crews conducted search-and-rescue operations in the aftermath of the storm, working to reach residents in isolated and heavily damaged communities. The Coast Guard ultimately reported saving dozens of lives and evacuating people from affected areas.
Brian’s aircrew was among those recognized for their efforts, receiving acknowledgement from United States Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska for the extraordinary work performed during the response.
For those who knew Brian during his time at SMFR, however, the setting may have changed, but his mission has not.
The same spirit of service that brought Brian into the fire service at Saint Michael’s continues to guide him today: answering the call, working as a team, and putting the needs of others first.
From responding to emergencies on campus and in the surrounding community as an SMFR officer to flying Coast Guard rescue missions, Brian has carried the lessons of his time at Saint Michael’s with him into a career dedicated to saving lives.
SMFR is proud to call Brian one of our own.
His story is a great reminder to our current and future members that the skills, leadership, and experiences gained at Saint Michael’s Fire & Rescue can become the foundation for a lifetime of service, no matter where that path may lead.
Thank you, Lieutenant Eldridge, for continuing to serve and for representing SMFR so well.
To view United States Senator Dan Sullivan’s full post with Brian, click here for Instagram. Click here for Facebook
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