This page highlights in photos the activities of South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) during 2015. At the bottom of this page is a news archive for the current year. When you click on a photo it will enlarge.

See video of training exercise courtesy Chief Matt Quinn, Keeler Fire Department

South Haven's Big Boy restaurant, located at exit 20 of Interstate 196, will hold a fundraiser for South Haven Area Emergency Servies (SHAES) on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. Big Boy has been a longtime supporter of SHAES. In past years the proceeds of the fund raiser have been used to purchased state-of-the-art gas detectors. Fifty percent of the Pasta Buffet sales will be donated to SHAES. The cost will be $9.99 for adults and $6.99 for children 10 and under. Fire department apparatus will be displayed and firefighters will be serve as greeters.

Members of South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) are wearing pink shirts while on duty during October in honor of Cancer Awareness Month. The custom-made shirts are available for sale at the SHAES station on Blue Star Highway – $15 for t-shirts and $30 for hooded sweatshirts. Pictured during a fire prevention presentation at Lincoln school are firefighters Paul Quinn and Brian Montgomery.

South Haven Area Emergency Services will sponsor its annual Family Fire Safety Fun Night on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Fire/Police Complex, 90 Blue Star Highway. This will be a great learning experience for both kids and adults. Hands-on learning and live demonstrations by SHAES firefighters. Free food and prizes for the kids. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please park at the Moose Lodge across from the fire station on Wells Street. See photos from 2014 Fire Prevention Week activities / National Fire Prevention Week is Oct. 4-10 -- Learn More

Our message of fire safety is underway. South Haven sixth graders who are attending a camp experience this week are being given a hands-on lesson from SHAES firefighters. Pictured are firefighters Paul and Johanna Quinn. The program will be brought into several South Haven schools in the coming days in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week. It will be highlighted by the annual Family Fire Safety Night on Thursday, Oct. 8 at the Blue Star Highway station. See Photos

Firefighters from several Van Buren and Allegan county departments participated in a drill on the proper techniques for extinguishing propane gas fires on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The drill was conducted by representatives from the Lansing-based Michigan Propane Gas Association and hosted by South Haven Area Emergency Services at its training site. See video of training exercise courtesy Chief Matt Quinn, Keeler Fire Department

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Richard Wheeler who died in the line of duty as a U.S. Forest Service firefighter in Twisp, Wash. on August 19. Richard was a fourth generation firefighter. His great grandfather Joe was the longest serving member in the history of our department (1926-77). His grandfather Evert served from 1955-77 and his father Tim from 1979-87. Our records have other members of the Wheeler family serving on the department as long ago as 1893. A memorial service was held in South Haven on September 5.. Death Notice / Read story from WOOD-TV8 / See coverage from FOX-17 / See coverage from WZZM-13 / See coverage from WWMT-TV3

South Haven Area Emergency Services personnel participated in the 4th Annual Salute To Veterans and Saturday, Aug. 22. After a morning of fishing out on Lake Michigan with the South Haven Steelheaders, the boats gathered at the Pier Heads for a parade into port. SHAES honored the veterans with a posting of the colors over the channel from its Tower truck and the department's boat did a water salute. See More Photos

Members of South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) participated in an “Immediate Deployment/Rapid Intervention” field training exercise at Lincoln Elementary School on Thursday, August 20. The training was conducted to expose schools, hospital, fire/rescue, and police to rapid intervention tactics used in response to a potential critical incident which could occur at schools or other public environments. See Photos

Members of South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) honored the memory of retired firefighter Richard Burlingham, Sr. on June 25. Mr. Burlingham died on June 20 at the age of 82. He was a member of the Casco Fire Department and later SHAES from 1983-96. Obituary

Two longtime members of the South Haven Area Emergency Services paid on-call staff have been promoted to Lieutenant. Pictured with Chief Ron Wise are Tim Quinn and Brian Horan. Lt. Horan joined the department in 1980 while Lt. Quinn became a member in 1994. They were chosen following an examination and interview process. The lieutenants are responsible for fire-ground supervision of paid on-call staff.

The support of SHAES by local businesses allows the department to acquire equipment to better serve the community. Chief Ron Wise is pictured presenting a plaque of appreciation to Brian Smith, owner of the Big Boy restaurant in South Haven. A department fund raiser at the restaurant in recent months supported the purchase of state-of-the-art gas detection equipment.

The Honor Guard of South Haven Area Emergency Services participated in the community's Memorial Day commemoration on Monday, May 25. The Honor Guard led the march through the central business district to the Lakeview Cemetery.

The Historical Association of South Haven is featuring a new exhibit about the history of fighting fires in South Haven. The exhibit, “When I'm Called to Duty…,” opened Saturday, May 23, at the Historical Association, 355 Hubbard Street (former Hartman School). The opening included the display of vintage and modern fire trucks and activities for children and adults led by SHAES members. The exhibit will continue through the summer months. The Historical Association is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m.. Read history of SHAES / See Historical Photos

The first Citizen Fire Academy has concluded. During the ten-week program members of SHAES provided information for improving safety in participant's homes, the work place, and homes of families around them. Attendees also gained a fundamental understanding of how SHAES functions.

Pictured left to right, seated: Gabe Miller, Renee Heinichen, Teresa Horan, Steve Wall; standing: deputy chief Tony Marsala, Randy Timmer, Phillip Kenreich, Alan Gossman, Douglas Wondergem, instructor Owen Ridley.

The annual banquet of South Haven Area Emergency Services was held on Saturday, May 2. Several awards were presented during the event attended by members, department retirees and friends. Fire Chief Ron Wise (right) is pictured presenting three of the awards – Brian Montgomery, Leadership Award; Tim Quinn, Firefighter of the Year; and Sean Smith, Life Saving Award. See Photos and List of Honorees.

Longtime SHAES firefighter David Henry, who retired after five decades of service earlier this month, was honored by colleagues, family and friends on Tuesday, March 17. David 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. David was recognized as the department's Firefighter of the Year in 1998. His father had received the honor in 1990. David is pictured with SHAES Executive Director Ron Rise and SHAES Board members Ross Stein and Nancy Whaley.