This page highlights in photos and stories the activities of South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) during 2014. When you click on a photo it will enlarge. Scroll to the bottom of this page for stories.

Two decades of service to the South Haven Area Emergency Services and 45 years as a firefighter were recognized during a retirement event honoring Don Quinn. Chief Ron Wise presented a plaque to Don in recognition of his service. He will answer his last alarm on Oct. 31. Don served 25 years with the Covert Township Fire Department and joined SHAES in 1994. He has been 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.

Thank you to the South Haven Pizza for their sponsorship of a fundraiser. Proceeds will support the purchase of a carbon monoxide detector.

Thank you to the South Haven Big Boy restaurant for their sponsorship of a pasta buffet fundraiser. Proceeds will support the purchase of a carbon monoxide detector.

See photos.

Members of the South Haven Area Emergency Services visited the community's elementary schools as part of Fire Prevention Week.See photos.

In honor of the fallen first responders on September 11, 2001.

Forever remembered

Thanks to their quick response, South Haven firefighters are being credited with rescuing seven puppies from a Casco Township house fire. Read about it in the Kalamazoo Gazette/Mlive.Com.

Read more in the South Haven Tribune.

Followup coverage WOOD-TV8.

Members of South Haven Area Emergency Services and the South Haven Police Department participated in the community's Salute to Veterans on Saturday, Aug. 16. Veterans were invited by the South Haven Steelheaders to a day of fishing on Lake Michigan. Upon their return, the veterans received a warm, patriotic welcome from a crowd that included many people waving flags.

Photo by Tom Renner

The Honor Guard of the South Haven Area Emergency Services led the parade celebrating the 51st annual National Blueberry Festival on Saturday, Aug. 9. Apparatus from SHAES was also placed in the parade witnessed by several thousand spectators.

Being located on the shore of Lake Michigan creates special challenges for members of the South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES).

The department's monthly drill consisted of learning and practicing water rescue techniques from the pier and conducting a group search of the Lake Michigan waters. The members also learned about the characteristics of rip currents.

Click here to learn more about rip currents

SHAES staff is responsible for maintaining the water safety information flags posted on all city beaches. Information provided by the National Weather Services determines the flag color that is flown.

South Haven Beach Safety article featuring SHAES on Mlive.Com.

South Haven Beach Safety article in the Herald Palladium.

For more than 100 years the South Haven Fire Department, now known as the South Haven Area Emergency Services, has been represented in the community's Fourth of July parade. The black and white photo shows the department's horse-drawn fire wagon in the 1910 parade. A long line of equipment used to service Casco Township, City of South Haven, Geneva Township and South Haven Township is pictured in this year's parade.

South Haven's horse-drawn fire wagon was decked out for the 1910 Fourth of July parade.

Equipment in the 2014 Fourth of July parade.

South Haven Rotary Club Tour

Members of the South Haven Rotary club on Tuesday, July 1, toured the recently renovated fire and police complex. Fire chief Ron Wise is pictured explaining upgrades to the equipment bays.

Members Recognized for Service and Contributions

Recognitions of members of the South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) staff were announced recently at the organization's annual banquet.

“Our dedicated staff has made a considerable difference in the lives of our residents, as well as guests to the South Haven area,” said fire chief Ron Wise. “Hard work and determination is what separates SHAES staff from many. The support given them by our great community is greatly appreciated.”

The South Haven Area Emergency Services is comprised of Casco, Geneva and South Haven townships and the city of South Haven.

Tom Leva - Leadership Award

The department's Leadership Award was presented to Thomas Leva, a member of the department since 1994. “This year's leadership award went to a member who demonstrates the qualities of a leader without holding any rank within the department,” noted Wise. “Tom has led by example.”

Recognized for years of service were David Henry (35 years), Stan Wakild (30 years), Paul Quinn (20 years), Brandon Hinz (15 years), Tim McGee (15 years), Kristina Henry (5 years), Brian Montgomery (5 years), and Patrick Quinn (5 years).

New members of the department who have completed Firefighter 1 and 2 certification included Steve Cavades, Ronald Washegesic, Alberto Juarez, Johanna Vandenberg and Willie Wright.

Members who have advanced in areas of expertise included Steve Cavales and Levi Warren, EMT-Basic; Johanna Vandenberg, EMT-Paramedic; Andrew Biederman (FF2 and Haz-Mat Operations); Matthew Russell (FF2 and Haz-Mat Operations)); David Stuart (FF2 and Haz-Mat Operations), Levi Warren (FF2 and Haz-Mat Operations); and Stan Wakild (Honor Guard).

Two members, James D. Quinn and Phillip Quinn, were recognized for their extraordinary on-scene work in delivering advanced life support to patients.

In addition, a record 16 members were presented “I Make CPR Count” awards for their contributions in support of life-saving responses during the past year – Charles Bridges, Dawn Hinz, Drexal Haner, Steve Jones, Thomas Leva, James Lindemulder, Anthony Marsala, Brian Montgomery, Donald Quinn, James A. Quinn, Patrick Quinn, Timothy Quinn, Ronald Ridley, Shawn Smith, Timothy VanHolt and Ronald Washegesic.