John Michael Pickett

He was born on February 20, 1940 in Wichita, Kansas to John and Julia Pickett. He attended Nevada High School in Nevada, Missouri, followed by attended Wichita State University. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a minor in Nuclear Physics & Math. He also attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, graduating in 1984 with a Master's in Urban Planning.

He proudly enlisted and served six years in the United States Air Force, serving in Vietnam during 1966 and retired as a USAF Captain. He was an avid member of VFW Post # 1533, and Vietnam Veterans of American, Alamo Chapter # 366. In 1970, he became a member of the San Antonio Fire Department, where he served 25 years and was head of the "Fire Science" Program.

After retiring in 1995, Mike started his own company "Pickett Primer"; a company that helped first responders to recognize explosives and how to deal with them. In 1999, he became a published author with his book titled," Explosive Identification Guide" and a second edition released in 2006.

Mike often said, "he wanted to be remembered for trying to make this world a safer and better place. And to be remember as a Fire Fighter first and a professor second.

GRAVESIDE

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2017

10:00 A.M.

FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Contribution can be made in his name to the San Antonio Fire Department Museum at 801 East Houston Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205.