Mike Ehrmantraut

WARNING SPOILERS

Michael "Mike" Ehrmantraut is a Marine Corps veteran, and former Philadelphia police officer, a former kid scarer, and a calm and calculating career criminal. He worked for both Gustavo Fring and Saul Goodman as a private investigator, head of security, cleaner, fixer, and hitman. He has extensive knowledge of how to operate on both sides of the law without detection. As a former beat cop and true professional, Mike maintains extensive, up-to-date knowledge of forensic evidence, surveillance equipment, and police procedure. Mike is also well trained and calm in all types of combat situations, once using science and long strategy to take down a large number of hostiles with ease.

History

Background

Mike was born sometime between 1940-1944. He remembers his father as leaving him a "cold-water flat and a stack of bills," implying he didn't have a very good childhood. It's implied that Mike served as a marine scout sniper in the Vietnam War is possible he has a history in special operations or intelligence agencies, as he has extensive knowledge of surveillance equipment and is well trained in stealth tactics. He also mentions that he specializes in tracking individuals down, no matter where they are in the world. Mike had previously been married for 22 years. For thirty years, Mike was employed at the Philadelphia Police Department as a beat cop, frequently having to deal with situations such as break-ins and domestic disputes. His career was mired in corruption, with his fellow officers pressuring him into accepting bribes and participating in protection rackets. When his son Matt joined the force and faced similar peer pressure, Mike was forced to persuade his son to go along with the corruption. Unfortunately, Matt's partner Troy Hoffman and their sergeant, Jack Fensky, distrusted Matt and murdered him by staging a gangland shooting. Devastated by the loss of his son, Mike fell into alcoholism and depression until he decided to take action. He announced his retirement from the PPD and staged another bout of binge drinking, during which he tricked Hoffman and Fensky into believing he had evidence on them. When the duo came after Mike, he allowed them to drive him to a deserted alleyway with the intent of staging his suicide. Brandishing a hidden pistol and throwing off the illusion of his drunken stupor, Mike gunned down Hoffman and Fenske, suffering a shoulder wound in the process. He departed for Albuquerque the following day, where he reestablished ties with his daughter-in-law Stacey, who had moved there several months earlier.