Long Beach Native, Firefighter, Teacher Dies From COVID-19

The founder of Long Beach Local News has lost his brother this week after battling COVID-19.

Michael McGinnis was a firefighter, compassionate father, loving husband, devoted son, caring brother and hero to many, he was 44 years-old.

McGinnis was born in Long Beach, and started his journey in education at Lafayette Elementary School, to then continue on to Hughes Middle School, Polytechnic High School and then Long Beach Community College.

McGinnis was a member of Long Beach Search and Rescue, Firefighter for Compton Fire Department, CalFire and Riverside County Fire Department. He later became a teacher and instructor at Fontana High School Fire tech and Chaffey College. He also was a police volunteer and Fontana City Commissioner for Parks and Recreation.

McGinnis inspired his brother Ryan to cover breaking news back in 1995 were he helped him get his first local video story on Fox11 LA.

McGinnis also inspired countless students to become first responders and give back to the community as he had.

A GoFundMe has been organized to support his three daughters and wife through these difficult times.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-mcginnis-family

Memorial services will be announced soon. He will be missed. 

His brother Ryan and the staff of Long Beach Local News encourage those who have not been vaccinated to do so.