RICHMOND – Officer Michael Fielder, a respected member of the Richmond, Virginia Police Department, has died this week after living the final year of his life as the beloved police safety mascot, “Danger Cat,” following a bizarre accident. Officer Fielder, who was known for his dedication to community outreach, found himself permanently encased in the feline costume after a freak accident during a charity event last year. Despite the adversity, his commitment to duty has not wavered, and he has been recognized for his exemplary police work under extraordinary circumstances. Tragically, Officer Fielder passed away at the age of 38 due to complications from a mysterious respiratory infection that doctors are referring to as “cat scratch fever.”
The incident that changed Officer Fielder’s life occurred during the annual Richmond Police Charity Carnival. Fielder, who volunteered to wear the Danger Cat costume, was performing in a safety demonstration for children when the zipper and headpiece of the outfit became fused to his body in what officials later described as a “freak accident.” Witnesses recall a sudden spark from a nearby electrical device, before a ball of fire erupted in the crowd. 9 people were killed in the explosion, and the extreme heat caused the material of the suit to melt and adhere to Fielder’s skin. Despite immediate attempts to remove the costume, the fabric and synthetic materials had fused in a manner that made it impossible to take off without causing severe injury.
Doctors and specialists were brought in, but all efforts to safely extricate Fielder from the costume failed. The decision was made to leave the costume intact to avoid life-threatening harm. Thus, Officer Michael Fielder became permanently known as “Danger Cat.”
Undeterred by his new appearance, Fielder continued his duties as a police officer. His bravery and resilience quickly became an inspiration to the Richmond community. In his new persona, Fielder attended schools, safety fairs, vaccination drives, and community events, promoting safety and trust between the police department and the public. His efforts in bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community were recognized as he received the “Officer of the Year” award last December.
Chief of Police, Maria Gonzalez, praised Fielder’s dedication, stating, “Michael Fielder exemplified the spirit of our police force. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, he never ceased to serve our community with courage and compassion. Danger Cat became a symbol of safety and hope for the people of Richmond, and for that, we are eternally grateful. It’s unfortunate that he’ll be remembered for the explosion that permanently made him Danger Cat, and of course, for the illness that killed him, which was probably because that cat head kept him from breathing properly, because other than that he was all about safety.”
Fielder’s daily life as Danger Cat was not without its difficulties. Wearing the heavy, fur-lined costume caused physical discomfort and health issues, but he never let these challenges hinder his work. Colleagues described him as a beacon of positivity, always ready to help and never complaining about his situation.
Sgt. Jason Hill, Fielder’s longtime partner, shared, “Mike was a real-life superhero. He turned what could have been a career-ending event into a chance to do even more good. Kids looked up to him, and adults saw the strength it took to keep going every day, even when the department forced him to use a litter box in the station. He was the heart of our community.”
The community rallied around Fielder, showing support in numerous ways. Local businesses and residents donated to a fund to cover medical expenses related to his condition and to improve the quality of his life. A mural featuring Danger Cat was painted on the side of the police department, serving as a constant reminder of Fielder’s heroism and dedication.
Despite his outward resilience, Fielder faced significant health challenges due to the prolonged wear of the costume. He experienced respiratory issues and skin conditions that required ongoing medical attention. The constant exposure to the synthetic materials and the limited ventilation within the costume is thought to have contributed to his deteriorating health.
On Monday, Officer Fielder was admitted to Richmond General Hospital with severe respiratory distress. Doctors diagnosed him with a rare respiratory infection they termed “cat scratch fever,” exacerbated by the conditions he had lived under for the past year. Despite their best efforts, Fielder’s condition worsened, and he passed away painfully on Tuesday morning.
The Richmond community mourns the loss of a true hero. A memorial service is planned for later this week, where residents and fellow officers will gather to honor the life and legacy of Michael Fielder, the man who became Danger Cat. His story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and inspire, even in the face of the most unusual and challenging circumstances.
Officer Michael Fielder’s legacy will live on in the hearts of the people he served, a reminder that heroes come in all shapes and, sometimes, even in furry costumes. His dedication and bravery will never be forgotten, and his spirit will continue to watch over the streets of Richmond as Danger Cat, forever a symbol of hope and safety.
Jessica Cortez-Hill
