JB Alumni Named Nautical Master Captain

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

It was 1972 when Mike Mochan first entered the doors of Julie Billiart’s Lyndhurst School as a second-grade student. For Mochan, JB was a new place filled with uncertainty. However, he quickly learned that JB would provide a safe and welcoming environment . . . one that he is still so grateful for in his life today.

“When I first came to JB in the winter of second grade, Sister Mary Francois made me feel so welcomed and comfortable in this strange new school. Sister Francois has made a positive, everlasting impression on me to this day,” said Mochan.

After graduating from JB, Mochan attended Euclid High School. His clear vision for the future and kind heart led him through an education at Cleveland State University, the Fire Academy at Tri-C, and Paramedic School at Brentwood Hospital.

After years of classes and training, Mochan became a firefighter so that he could help those in need. For more than 20 years, Mochan has worked with pediatric burn victims. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2007. When reflecting on his career as a firefighter, Mochan said, “I have been blessed doing a job that I love and being able to help people on their worst day.”

Mochan resides in North Ridgeville, Ohio with his wife, Colleen. He has four children – Melissa, Dale, and twins, Jack and Patrick. Mochan is also a proud grandfather to Dale Jr.!

He credits JB for setting him on the right path back in 1972.

“JB has impacted my life by giving me the tools to help overcome my learning disabilities and dyslexia.”

In Mochan’s free time, he enjoys tournament walleye fishing. In fact, he won the Cabela’s National Walleye Tour in 2017. Additionally, he recently became a Nautical Master Captain running Lake Erie walleye charters. When Mike’s not on the water, he enjoys traveling, going to sporting events, and spending time with his family and friends.