Retiring SHAES Firefighters David Henry (left) and Donald Quinn (right) were presented Resolutions of Appreciation by State Senator Tanya Schuitmaker during the department's annual banquet on Saturday, May 2. The resolutions were signed by Senator Schuitmaker, Representative Aric Nesbitt and Governor Rick Snyder.

David Henry joined the South Haven Fire Department in 1978 and rose to the rank of captain in the South Haven Area Emergency Services. Bob Henry, David's father, was also a longtime member of the department, joining in 1958. David's daughter Kristina is a current member of the department.

Don Quinn served 45 years as a firefighter, first for 25 years with the Covert Township Fire Department and since 1994 in South Haven. He served as president of the SHAES Part-Paid Organization during most of his time with the department. He is part of an amazing family lineage dedicated to the fire service. Both retirees were honored as the department's Firefighter of the Year, David in 1998 and Donald in 2002.

Fire Chief Ron Wise presented awards for outstanding service during 2014 -– pictured from left to right are Shawn Smith, Life Saving Award; Tim Quinn, Firefighter of the Year; and Brian Montgomery, Leadership Award.

On June 6, 2015 SHAES responded to a minor fire at a Geneva Township residence. Firefighter Shawn Smith was on duty. Much to his surprise, the occupant was the mother and child he was credited with assisting during an emergency childbirth situation on Aug. 25, 2014. Firefighter Smith is pictured with a grateful mother, Blanca Hinojosa, and her 10-month old child, Camilo Ocampo.

South Haven Area Emergency Services has been the beneficiary of many acts of kindness from local businesses, organizations and individuals. During the annual banquet the department expressed its appreciation to two businesses, Cashway Body and Frame Shop and Big Boy Restaurant. In photo above, Fire Chief Ron Wise and Deputy Chief Tony Marsala are pictured with Doug and Beth Kuhn, longtime owners of Cashway.

In photo at left, Chief Wise presents an appreciation plaque on behalf of the department to Brian Smith, owner of the Big Boy Restaurant in South Haven. Recent support from community businesses has allowed SHAES to acquire state-of-the-art gas detection equipment.

Fire Chief Ron Wise and Deputy Chief Tony Marsala recognized Timothy McGee for his years of service as SHAES Chaplain.

Jonathon Vandenberg is the news SHAES Chaplain. A swearing-in occurred during the annual banquet with out-going chaplain Timothy McGee administering the oath.

David Griessel is the newest member of the fulltime staff of South Haven Area Emergency Services. Chief Ron Wise administers the oath of office during the annual banquet.

Four new Paid on Call Firefighters were introduced during the annual banquet. Pictured after the swearing-in ceremony with Chief Ron Wise and Deputy Chief Tony Marsala are Willie Wright, Johanna Quinn, Steve Cavadas and Ronald Washegesic.

• 35 Years– Ronald Ridley
• 25 Years – Ronald Wise
• 20 Years – Thomas Leva, Donald Quinn, Brian Horan
• 15 Years – Nancy Whaley, Dustin Guminski
• 5 Years – Shawn Smith, Drexal Haner, Phillip Quinn.

• EMT-Basic– Zachary Kenreich, Andrew Biderman
• Firefighter 2 – Johanna Quinn, Steven Cavadas, Ronald Washegesic, Willie Wright
• Haz-Mat Operations – Johanna Quinn, Steven Cavadas, Ronald Washegesic, Willie Wright
• Fire Officer II – Patrick Quinn
• Fire Officer III – Shawn Smith, Brian Montgomery, Tim Quinn, James D. Quinn, Brian Horan
• Veteran – Steve Cavadas

Zachary Kenreich and Jon Vandenberg are concluding their classes for Firefighter 1 & 2.