THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 9, 1997 TAG: 9702070194
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: CLOSE-UP
LENGTH: 75 lines
When it comes to parades, concerts or festival on the Boardwalk Police Sgt. Mike Ronan is there. If it's a lost child, possible drowning or just keeping the peace on the resort, Ronan is the man.
He's is in charge of the officers on the all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and mountain bikes, but he prefers to say he works with the officers as opposed to supervising them.
A decorated police officer, he is credited with saving the life of a elderly woman in a house fire when he was helping out in Charleston, S.C., after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. In 1995, he and a fellow officer ran into the ocean to save a man from drowning.
Full name: Michael Patrick Ronan.
Hometown: Lewiston, Maine.
What brought you to the Beach? My family and I moved here 20-plus years ago when my father received a transfer (thanks to the Navy).
Birthdate: Feb 29, 19?? (Leap Year).
Occupation: Sergeant with the Virginia Beach Police Department. Currently assigned to the 2nd Police Precinct at the Oceanfront.
Nickname: Mike.
Marital status: Single.
Children: None, but hope to some day!
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Sleep in a little. Start off with the newspaper, ``Sports Center'' on TV and a large cup of coffee. Breakfast at Buoy's and a good workout at Wareing's Gym. Spend the afternoon and evening with someone special having a nice quiet dinner, then meeting friends out at a local night spot.
Last smart thing you did: Enrolled in Troy State University in order to start a master's degree program in public administration.
Last dumb thing you did: Just after Thanksgiving, I made a decision regarding a relationship. What I thought was a good and right decision turned out to be very bad and wrong! I didn't realize how many people were affected and for that I am still very sorry.
Favorite meal: Anything my mother will cook for me! Her seafood Newburg is great and will get me home for dinner every time.
Favorite movies: There are too many to list but ``The Rock,'' ``Top Gun'' and any of the ``Die Hard'' movies can be watched at any time.
Favorite song: Anything by Jimmy Buffett.
Last book read: ``Men Are From Mars and Women Are From Venus.'' This was suggested reading from a very special and good friend. (See last dumb thing above).
Hobbies: Mountain biking, running and weight lifting at Wareing's Gym.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wouldn't volunteer and work as much as I do. I really enjoy and love what I do for a living. This tends to overlap into my personal life. I'm working on this but it's a slow process.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? Not a thing! If I had a spouse, she would be perfect!
Secret vice: Ice cream late at night while watching ESPN.
Favorite restaurant: Buoy's for breakfast and/or lunch, Chix Cafe and Laverne's for wings for a snack and Atlas Diner for dinner.
Your favorite night on the town: Dinner with someone special then meeting friends out at Five O1 City Grill and/or Croc's.
Favorite TV shows: NFL Football, ``Friends'' and ``Miami Vice'' re-runs.
Favorite sport: Football - the Dallas Cowboys will be back!
Last vacation: My parents took my sister, brother and myself to Vienna, Austria, for 10 great days during Christmas. This was the most unbelievable and best Christmas I've ever had. Thanks again Mom and Dad!
Of what achievements are you most proud? Any successes or achievements that have or may come my way are a direct reflection of my parents and family. I am very proud to be a police officer and member of the Virginia Beach Police Department.
What would you like as your epitaph? He grew older but never up. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DAVID B. HOLLINSWORTH