South Haven Area Emergency Services Authority

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South Haven Area Emergency Services</div></html>
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**The Mission of the South Haven (Michigan) Area Emergency Services (SHAES) is to preserve life, limb and property through aggressive fire prevention, education and fire suppression. To provide the highest quality of emergency medical care with skill and compassion. To serve our communities with pride, integrity and courage.**

**[[http://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:responses|SEE RECENT RESPONSES]]** **[[http://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:oct_2024|SEE FIRE PREVENTION MONTH GALLERY]]**

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<html><div style="text-align:center; font-size:200%;">SHAES News Updates</div></html>

===== Beach Safety Flags Flying at Beaches; Get Text Messages  =====

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The City of South Haven beach safety flags are now being flown at the city's seven public beaches. Click here for beach safety information --
https://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:beach_safety

On your cell phone text 888777 BEACHES to receive regular updates throughout the summer.

===== It Takes a Community  =====

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The SHAES Dive Team recently acquired new Mares dive computers and clip-on compasses that were purchased thanks to the continuous generosity of Lake Arvesta Farms and Sports Complex.   This purchase would have cost SHAES and the taxpayers nearly $1300. We are so grateful for the community support.

===== Dustin Guminski Retires After 25 Years of Service  =====

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Dustin Guminski, a valued member of SHAES has retired after 25 years as a paid-on-call Firefighter/EMT-B, most of those as a Lieutenant.  Dustin was also the department's Firefighter of the Year honoree in 2004-2005.  We will always value Dustin as a Life Member of SHAES and a liaison between SHAES and SH City services.


===== Community Foundation Grant Spearheads Fund Drive  =====

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We grateful to the Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation for their grant of $10,000 to start a fund raising drive to purchase new battery-powered extrication tools to replace the department's 27-year old hydraulic extrication tools.  SHAES needs to raise $30,000 to purchase this set of tools. Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Pant is pictured with Foundation representatives Janice Varney and Jim Marcoux during a presentation to recipients of grants. The extrication tools are used primarily at vehicle accidents when occupants are trapped inside.

===== SHAES Honors Members for Service, Leadership  =====

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When Ron Wise retired as Executive Director (Chief) of South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) in 2020 he didn’t put away his helmet and boots.

Instead, he changed from wearing the traditional white helmet of Chief to the yellow helmet of the paid-on-call responder.

On Saturday (April 26) he was named the SHAES 2025 Firefighter of the Year during the department’s annual banquet.
“Ron is one of the most dedicated, hard-working members of SHAES – always willing to help and doing it well,” said Chief Brandon Hinz. “He has a positive attitude and is encouraging to others, notably our younger members.”

A third generation firefighter, Wise joined SHAES in 1989 and served as Executive Director (Chief) from 2008-2020. He was the co-recipient of the Firefighter of the Year recognition in 1992-93.

In “retirement” he led the paid-on-call ranks in emergency responses over the past year. In recent months he has helped the department upgrade the staffing and response times from its Casco station.

“Ron loves this organization and the community we serve,” said Hinz.

The department’s Leadership Award was presented to Training Officer Shawn Smith for the second time in his career. Smith joined the department as a paid-on-call member in 2010 and within six months joined the career ranks. He also received the Leadership Award in 2018. He has served in the newly created Training Officer position since 2023.
“Shawn has excelled at setting the bar high for this newly created position, reiterating the importance of proper training,” said Hinz. “He has earned this award through hard work, a vision of what this organization needed and an unwavering commitment to make it happen.”

Three new career members were formally sworn-in – Jessica Trinklein, Mason Pletz and Duke Packer. Joining the paid-on-call ranks is Jacob Florey.

Years-of-Service recognitions were presented as follows: Ron Wise, 35 years; Dustin Guminski and SHAES Board member Nancy Whaley, 25 years; Shawn Smith, Drexal Haner, Phillip Quinn, 15 years; Jon Vandenberg and Zach Kenreich, 10 years; and City Manager/SHAES Board member Kate Hosier, five years.

Welcomed to the new Firefighter Cadet program were Ayden Quinn, Lyla Quinn, Sam Rose, Scott Ritchie, Alyssa Ockerman and Nick Rainey.

Citation Bars were presented as follows: Phillip Quinn, Fire Officer I; Ron Wise, Tech Rescue; Dawn Nyhof, EMT-B; Jessica Trinklein and Kevin Wildey, Paramedic.

SHAES responded to a record number of calls in 2024 and is on pace to set a new response record this year according to Hinz. “Our ability to provide a high level of service and care would not be possible without the dedication of our members and the community’s support. We are grateful.” 

**Read more SHAES News -- http://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:2025_review**
South Haven Area Emergency Services Authority

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