The service of a longtime employee of the South Haven police department and South Haven Area Emergency Services was recognized during the annual dinner of SHAE on Saturday, May 7. Vickii Nichols recently retired after serving 17 years as a clerk-typist and overnight shift office assistant for the two departments. She is pictured receiving a proclamation recognizing her service from Mayor Robert Burr.

Cesar Garcia, a paid-on-call firefighter for South Haven Area Emergency Services, was presented the department's 2015 Leadership Award. Garcia has been a member of the department for 10 years. “This year's leadership award goes to an individual who has demonstrated the qualities of a leader without holding any rank within the department,” noted Chief Ron Wise. “Cesar has led by example, he is always willing to participate, taking classes on his own time. He has shown everyone that training is important no matter how much time you have on the department.” Wise lauded Garcia's true passion to serve his community. “He is a very humble public servant who does not need validation to know that what he is doing is important.” Garcia is pictured with Chief Ron Wise (left) and Deputy Chief Tony Marsala.

The promotion of two members of SHAES, Tim Quinn (left) and Brian Horan (center), to paid-on-call Lieutenants was recognized during the department's annual banquet. They are pictured with Chief Ron Wise. Lt. Horan joined the department in 1980 while Quinn has been a member since 1994.

Four new paid-on-call fire fighters were recognized during the annual SHAES banquet. Pictured with Chief Ron Wise (left to right) are Evan Crisler, Cody Sedlak and Zachary Kenreich. Not pictured is Jonathan Vandenburg.

Life Saving Awards were presented to two members of South Haven Area Emergency Services, Paul Quinn and Dawn Hinz. They are pictured with Deputy Chief Tony Marsala (left) and Chief Ron Wise. The honorees each demonstrated above and beyond patient care skills during separate incidents.

In addition, the department presented “I Made CPR Count” pins to: Keith Bierhalter, Cesar Garcia, David Griessel, Brandon Hinz, Dawn Hinz, Brian Horan, Steve Jones, Zachary Kenreich, Thomas Leva, Anthony Marsala, Brian Montgomery, James D. Quinn, Johanna Quinn, Patrick Quinn, Paul Quinn, Phillip Quinn, Timothy Quinn, Owen Ridley, Shawn Smith and Ronald Washegesic.

“Through the effort of our 911 system, police department and SHAES staff we have made a difference in the lives of our residents as well as guests that have passed through the South Haven area.”

The SHAES Honor Guard was recognized for “bringing honor and professionalism to this department and community” during the August, 2015 memorial service in South Haven for U.S. Forest Service firefighter Richard Wheeler. The South Haven native was one of three Forest Service firefighters killed in a wildfire in the State of Washington. Presented Certificates of Appreciation were John Hodge, James Lindemulder, Tony Marsala, James A. Quinn, James D. Quinn and Stanley Wakild. Also recognized was Tom Renner who provided public relations and photo services.

• 30 Years– John Hodge, Gerald Sajewski, Allan Overhiser
• 25 Years – Tom Renner
• 20 Years – Brad Filbrandt, Ross Stein
• 15 Years – Mark Kaput
• 10 Years – Caesar Garcia
• 5 Years – David Griessel, Tim Vanholt

• EMT-Paramedic– Levi Warren, Zachary Kenreich, Andrew Biederman, Cody Sedlak
• Fire Inspector/Plan Examiner – Keith Bierhalter
• Firefighter 2 – Jonathan Vandenburg, Zachary Kenreich, Cody Sedlak, Evan Crisler
• Haz-Mat Operations – Jonathan Vandenburg, Zachary Kenreich, Cody Sedlak, Evan Crisler
• Honor Guard – Steve Cavadas
• Veteran – Evan Crisler
• Rescue Diver – Cesar Garcia, Steve Cavadas, Matt Russell
• Confined Space Rescue Steve Cavadas, David Griessel, Zachary Kenreich, Ronald Washegesic

• Firefighter 1 & 2– William Snider, Brian Horan, Jr., Roseanna Peterson
• EMT Basic Ronald Washegesic, Willie Wright