Michael Robinson Sr. has dedicated over three decades to the fire service, forging a legacy rooted in operational excellence, innovation, and a deep personal commitment to firefighter safety. His career began in volunteer departments, where he served for 15 years before joining Rural Metro Fire in Knoxville, Tennessee, ultimately retiring after another 15 years of service. A skilled ladder operator and Hazmat team member, Robinson spent nearly a decade navigating some of the most high-risk aspects of fire response.
His journey into fire service innovation began in 2011, following a harrowing near-tragedy when a fellow firefighter suffered heat stroke during an intense house fire. That moment inspired Robinson to design a cooling device using a modified blind cap fitted with misting nozzles—a simple yet groundbreaking invention that rapidly reduces ambient temperatures by nearly 30 degrees. What began as a tool for his own station quickly evolved into a sought-after solution, leading Robinson to found Heatseeker, a company now distributing rehab and cooling units across the U.S. and internationally. His invention has won numerous awards and progressed through multiple rounds of Shark Tank auditions, with a national debut pending.
Robinson’s Heatseeker rehab units are designed to quickly and effectively lower core body temperatures on firegrounds, during training, and in extended operations. These plug-and-play systems attach directly to apparatus or hose lines and are now considered essential tools for firefighter rehab and recovery.
Born and raised in Homestead, Florida, Robinson’s calling to the fire service came after relocating to Karns, Tennessee in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. A chance encounter with the local fire department following a nearby barn fire set him on a lifelong path of service. Today, he continues to advocate for firefighter health and safety—driven by experience, innovation, and a legacy that includes his three sons, all of whom have served in the fire service.
