See photos – https://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:2025_annual_banquet

As we close out 2025, it’s hard to know where to start, so I’ll begin at the top. So far this year, SHAES has responded to 2,913 calls for service, 214 more than 2024, continuing an average annual increase of about 5% since our inception in 1996. We saw strong Paid-On-Call recruitment, added Career positions, welcomed new hires, grew our Cadet program and honored the retirements, resignations and transitions of valued members who helped shape our organization.

We strengthened community relationships, continued fire prevention in schools and among our elderly residents, furthered our robust area wide fire inspections, completed extensive training, and made key capital purchases, including grass trucks and a fireboat. Thanks to generous donations and grants, we placed new safety equipment and power tools into service and enhanced our mental wellness program.

We also celebrated promotions, with more on the way, and held several successful fundraisers. 2025 also brought moments of loss. We remember and honor SHAES members, respected public safety leaders from neighboring departments, and friends of our organization whose impact will always be remembered. Every achievement this year was made possible by the support of our Authority Board, the trust of our community, and the dedication of SHAES members who serve 24/7/365.

Emergencies don’t take days off, and neither does our commitment to each other and to those we serve. Looking ahead to 2026, we have much to be proud of and even more to look forward to. Next year marks 30 years of SHAES, carrying forward a tradition of service that began as SHFD in 1888.

We are truly grateful for the continued trust you place in us to protect your families, your property, and your community.

As I write this rundown, our call-for-service total continues to climb as crews are dispatched multiple times, back-to-back, on New Year’s Eve. I’m extremely proud to say that every one of those calls was covered. This is exactly what we’ve been working toward, and it reflects the progress we’ve made.

Happy New Year. I look forward to sharing more regular updates in 2026.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) will be bolstering its water rescue capabilities.

The SHAES Authority Board recently approved the $400,000 purchase of a new fire boat to enhance water-based fire suppression, rescue, and dive response capabilities. When it is put into service in 2027 it will replace a 27-year-old Zodiac vessel (pictured left), according to Chief Brandon Hinz.

The area served by SHAES includes 10 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline (Van Buren State Park north to Casco Township). In addition, there are approximately 1,000 boats in the harbor and along the Black River.

The new vessel is a 28-foot Sounder manufactured by North River Boats of Roseburg, Oregon, and will be specially equipped to serve the SHAES Dive Team and have a 500-GPM pump to support marine and shoreline fire suppression.

Through a favorable manufacturer discount from North River, SHAES was able to bring the cost of the new boat within the Authority’s Capital Replacement budget, Hinz said.

To support rapid deployment and response times, the City of South Haven has generously offered dock space near the City North Marina, an optimal location for emergency operations on Lake Michigan. The current boat is trailered and needs to be launched before responding to emergencies.

Due to the dock’s exposure to channel swell and surge, a boat lift will be required to protect the vessel, extend its service life, and ensure long-term reliability. While the fireboat was budgeted, the lift itself was not included in the capital plan.

The American Legion Post 49 Auxiliary recently contributed $2,000 toward the $30,000 boat lift. Fundraising efforts are continuing toward the lift, according to Hinz.

Presenting $2,000 grant, left to right: Linda Teeter, Chief Brandon Hinz, Mary Fitzgerald, Shelley Ammerman, Patti Sheey, Vicki Reid Olson.

“We are pleased to honor the service SHAES provides our community each and every day,” said Mary Fitzgerald, Auxiliary President. “SHAES provides vital services to our communities every day, most often assisting veterans and their families in time of need.”

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) has put into service new electric-powered extrication tools purchased from donations to the department. The new Jaws of Life equipment replaces 27-year-old hydraulic tools. Lead donors toward the $30,000 project included the Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation, the WR Grace Foundation. the Rotary Club of South Haven, Gridlife and Tris 4 Health for their donation after the recent triathlon . Pictured are SHAES responders during a training session utilizing the tools. The tools are used primarily at vehicle accidents when occupants are trapped inside.

“This investment is enhancing our operational capabilities, ensuring that our personnel have dependable, modern equipment during critical rescue operations,” said SHAES Executive Director Brandon Hinz.

Fundraising efforts are currently underway to secure an additional set of tools so that each of the three SHAES stations is equipped with the tools, according to Firefighter/Paramedic Paul Pant who is heading the initiative.

Thank you Lt. Mark Kaput for your quarter-of-a-century of service to community. Mark Kaput has retired after serving SHAES for 25 years – the first 12 as a Paid-on-Call FF/EMR, the latter 13 as a POC Lieutenant/EMR. Mark will remain a member in a Life Member capacity.

Join us in congratulating Brian Montgomery on his promotion to Captain/Paramedic. Brian has been a dedicated member of SHAES for 17 years, three as a Paid On Call member and fourteen as a Career member.

It’s been a busy and rewarding year at SHAES. To date, we’ve responded to 2,383 emergencies — about 200 more than 2024, and double what we handled back in 2000!

As I reflect not only on this year but also on my 28 years with SHAES, I’m amazed at how much has changed in what feels like such a short time… (short because I refuse to believe I’m becoming one of the “old-timers.”)

A quick look back at who we are and how we got here:

SHAES was formed in 1996, when Casco Township, Geneva Township, South Haven Township, and the City of South Haven agreed our communities would be best served to create one consolidated organization to provide both fire protection and EMS transport.

By the early 2000s, we became an Advanced Life Support (ALS) EMS provider — able to bring the hospital to the patient through cardiac monitoring, advanced airways, and life-saving medications. Until 2015, nearly all of our patients went to South Haven Community Hospital. But as local healthcare services have evolved, about 30% of our EMS transports now go to larger regional hospitals — meaning longer transport times and a growing need for more staffing.

Since 1888, the departments that ultimately became SHAES have proudly served this community. Over time, we’ve evolved from all-volunteer to a combination department made up of both full-time and Paid On Call (POC) members. Every SHAES member, at a minimum, is a certified firefighter in the State of Michigan. We pride ourselves on aggressive fire suppression, property preservation, and unwavering fire prevention.

● POC members: respond from home, work, or wherever they are when the call comes

● Full-time members: work 2,808 hours annually

We’re always recruiting new Paid On Call members, and we’re thrilled our Authority Board recently approved adding four new career firefighter/paramedic positions to help meet our growing call volume.

SHAES covers 97 square miles, with an average response time of 5 minutes, 45 seconds — an excellent rate by national standards. On average, our crews handle 8 incidents per day, often overlapping, relying on teamwork between full-time and POC members.

We currently have 16 operational Firefighter/Paramedics and 30 Paid On Call members. Training never stops, from firefighting and officer development to inspection, instruction, and ongoing medical education.

These are just a few highlights of how we serve you every day. If you see our trucks or ambulances around town, know that your neighbors are working hard to keep you safe.

And if you’ve ever thought about joining us — stop by any of our three stations! (But fair warning: I’ll probably try to recruit you.)

Brandon Hinz, Executive Director – bhinz@shaes.org

October is Fire Prevention Month. SHAES has been busy delivering the fire prevention message thru our annual Fire Safety Fun Night and numerous school visits.

Visit our Fire Prevention Month webpage – http://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:oct_2025

Did you know that you can obtain smoke detectors for your home for free? Call 269-637-5151 to arrange an installation visit.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) has been awarded a $2,000 grant from Michigan Gas Utilities (MGU) through its Rewarding Responders Grant program.

The grant is being used by SHAES to purchase eight small carbon monoxide detectors that attach to EMS response bags to alert paramedics to the presence of hazardous gases. MGU offers its Rewarding Responders Grant each year to emergency response agencies that operate in the company's service area.

“We are honored to continue our support of public safety agencies and the invaluable impact they make in our communities every day,” Nick Krzeminski, vice president of MGU, said in the announcement. “The important tools we help provide our first responders — from heavy-duty protective clothing to hazardous gas detectors — can be critical in keeping people and our communities safe.”

“We are grateful to Michigan Gas Utilities for partnering with us in making our community a safer place,” said Brandon Hinz, executive director of SHAES. “These new detectors will alert our responders to the presence of gases when they arrive on-scene, allowing them to quickly remove people and themselves from the hazardous area.”

To commemorate Patriot Day and in honor of the 343 members of FDNY who perished on September 11, 2001, the South Haven Area Emergency Services Honor Guard stood guard at the downtown South Haven Firefighters Memorial on the 24th anniversary of the tragedy. The vigil ran from 8:46 a.m. when the first plane hit the north tower to 10:28 a.m. when the tower collapsed. Simultaneously, at the department’s training building, other SHAES members climbed 2071 stairs emblematic of the 110 stories of the north tower ) in memory of the fallen firefighters. See more photos – https://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:responses

SHAES has put into service three new versatile vehicles to serve the community. Best known as “grass rigs”, they are front-line vehicles used for attacking field fires, extinguishing illegal burns and answering non-fire emergencies such as downed power lines. In the winter months, with plow attached, they provide escorts to our ambulances. The narrow fire lane roads along the lakefront are more easily accessed by these vehicles than with our larger trucks. Huge credit goes to SHAES members Cody Sedlak and Paul Pant who designed the skid which is loaded with the water tank (150 gallons), pump and hoses, coordinated construction and assembled many of the parts. A significant cost-savings for our taxpayers. Each of our stations will now have their own “grass rig”.

A long standing tradition of the Bobby Walker Basketball Tournament in South Haven is to begin the summer weekend event with the presentation of Leadership Awards to civic leaders, organizations and sponsors.

This year the ceremony had a twist with a surprise recognition of tournament founder Bobby Walker by the South Haven first responders in fire, EMS and law enforcement.

“Your unwavering support of public safety, commitment to community outreach, and exemplary leadership have strenghthened the bonds between citizens and first responders,” a proclamation read. “Though your efforts, you have inspired trust, fostered cooperation, and made South Haven a safer, stronger and more united place to live. We honor your generosity of time, talent, and spirit, and we thank you for the positive and lasting impact you have made in the lives of those we serve.”

The recognition citation was presented to Walker by Brandon Hinz, executive director of South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) and Adam DeBoer, interim chief of the South Haven Police Department.

The Bobby Walker Basketball Tournament, held the weekend of the National Blueberry Festival, was played at Elkenburg Park for the 49th year.

Thank you Rotary Club of South Haven for your generous donation of $5,000 toward our initiative to purchase new rescue tools. The new electric-powered tools will replace equipment that is nearly 30 years old. We are halfway toward our $60,000 fund raising goal. Firefighter/paramedic Paul Pant is pictured receiving the donation from Rotary President Amy Nichols.

SHAES welcomes Firefighter/Paramedic Jacob (Jake) Mulder to its career ranks. Jake comes from the Holland area where he has served as a paid-on-call member with the Park Township Fire Department for six years and with medical service organizations in Ottawa County.

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, 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.

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 Gant 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.

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.”

SHAES is pleased to welcome firefighter/EMT Duke Packer to the career ranks. Duke comes to SHAES from the Lawton Fire Department where he has served as a member for nine years. He previously was a member of the Covert Township FD. He is currently completing the paramedic certification.

We thank SHAES Firefighter/Paramedic David Griessel who is retiring after more than a decade of service to the South Haven community.

“Dave's extensive knowledge of electric service, strong work ethic and 25-year background in fire and EMS has proven invaluable to our organization,” said Chief Brandon Hinz. “He will be missed as a member of SHAES but we will always be grateful for the lifelong friendships we will continue to cherish.”

Dave has been a member of SHAES since 2011, first as a paid-on-call firefighter and since 2015 a fulltime firefighter/paramedic. A second generation firefighter, he served on the Tuscarora, Mich. volunteer FD from 1999-2008. His grandfather served on the Newark, N.J. FD. He was honored as the SHAES Firefighter of the Year in 2016.

2024 in Photos – http://www.shaes.org/dokuwiki/doku.php?id=public:2024_review

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) responded to a record number of calls during 2024, according to the department’s Annual Report.

Marking its 28th year, the SHAES Authority serves the city of South Haven and the townships of Casco, Geneva and South Haven. The department is comprised of 19 fulltime staff and 32 paid-on-call firefighters protecting 97 square miles of land and several miles of Lake Michigan shoreline from three stations. The department has 21 members who are licensed EMT-Paramedics, 1 EMT-Advanced, 7 EMT-Basics, 2 Emergency Medical Responders, and 18 who are certified firefighter instructors.

For the eleventh consecutive year, the number of calls has increased from the previous year to a record 2,699. The previous record, set in 2023, was 2,679.

“Our extremely dedicated staff continued to strive to keep South Haven safe,” said executive director Brandon Hinz. “The service SHAES provides is unique for a community our size.”

In 2024 there were 1,851calls on the medical side compared to 1,951 in 2023. Fire alarms increased from 727 to 848. SHAES has responded to more than 2,000 calls in each of the past twelve years.

There were 1,164 calls in the city of South Haven followed by South Haven township 648, Casco township 428 and Geneva township 416. SHAES provided mutual aid to other fire departments and EMS agencies on 43 occasions.

Property losses from fire in 2024 dropped to $812,050 compared to $1,583,650 the year before. Losses by governmental unit were Casco township, $83,350; Geneva township, $243,500; city of South Haven, $352,000; and South Haven township, $133,200. By comparison, the property saved from fire loss during responses totaled $4,012,816.

“Training in the fire service and EMS is the key in providing the best level of care for our communities,” said Hinz. “In 2024 our training under the leadership of training officer Shawn Smith continued to emphasize the importance of keeping our skills current and refined.”

SHAES continued a robust inspection program which made 2,214 contacts, including 813 short-term rental and 95 food vendor fire safety inspections during the year. In partnership with the American Red Cross and state-sponsored MI Prevention program, SHAES staff distributed and installed 336 smoke/carbon monoxide alarms in homes in the community free of charge.

“This is an on-going service provided to our community,” said Hinz. “A simple phone call to 269-639-1496 will result in the service being provided.” Free smoke alarm sign-ups have also been posted at area schools and VB Senior Services.

There were no civilian fire-related deaths in 2024. There were four emergency incidents in which responders were injured requiring medical treatment.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets a benchmark goal of 9 minutes, 20 seconds for departments to respond to an incident. This is from the time of dispatch to the arrival on the scene of the incident by the first unit. SHAES during 2024 had an average response time of 5 minutes, 53 seconds. The average SHAES response time by unit of government: city of South Haven, 3:55; South Haven township, 5:16; Casco township, 7:15; Geneva township, 7:07.

With the addition of career staff, the department continues to strive to improve its response times in Geneva and Casco townships.

James D. Quinn, who was promoted to the rank of Captain, was honored as Firefighter of the Year. The department's Leadership Award was presented to Ron Ridley who during the year retired from the career ranks after 28 years of service. He continues as a paid-on-call member. The department added four career members, one paid-on-call member and six cadets to the ranks.

Department members presented the fire safety message to more than 1,100 kids at local schools and sponsored a successful public Fire Safety Fun Fair event. The department also participated in the city-sponsored Touch-a-Truck event. The SHAES Honor Guard participated in several community events, including the annual Salute to Veterans. The names of two deceased SHAES members, Stan Wakild and Emil Wessling, were added to the Michigan Firefighter Memorial.

The new tanker was put into service, replacing a 26-year-old tanker. It was built by South Haven-based Spencer Manufacturing. The single-axle truck can access areas that the department’s larger tandem-axle tankers may not. It has a 2,000-gallon tank and 1,500 GPM pump. The department also replaced two vehicles for the command staff.