See 2020 Annual Report — 2020 Annual Report

“Our call volume showed a significant increase in medical-related responses,” said executive director Brandon Hinz. “Even with the restrictions and hurdles that had to be endured due to the COVID pandemic, our staff remained committed to providing quality service to our residents and visitors.”

There were 1,730 calls on the medical side compared to 1,470 in 2019. Fire alarms were down from 701 to 628. SHAES has responded to more than 2,000 calls in each of the past eight years.

There were 995 calls in the city of South Haven followed by South Haven township 535, Geneva township 398 and Casco township 337. SHAES provided mutual aid to other fire departments on 93 occasions and received assistance 30 times.

Property losses from fire totaled $422,600, a significant decline from the $1,872,463 reported in 2019. The largest property loss occurred in Geneva township ($251,100) followed by Casco township ($95,000), city of South Haven ($55,700) and South Haven township ($20,800).

Hinz credited the property loss reduction to an active inspection program which made nearly 560 contacts, including 398 short-term rental contacts during the year.

The department was again busy in the area of water-related incidents on Lake Michigan and in the Black River. There were three drownings and 10 water related rescues.

There were no civilian fire-related injuries or deaths in 2020. There were six incidents in which a responder was injured either at an emergency scene or other work-related occurence.

Hinz became executive director (chief) in July upon the retirement of Ron Wise who served the department for 31 years. Keith Bierhalter was promoted to deputy chief and Paul Quinn to captain. Ron Ridley was honored as Firefighter of the Year. The department added eight paid-on-call firefighters.

Limitations caused by COVID didn’t hinder SHAES from sponsoring its annual Fire Safety Week albeit virtually and through drive-bys at local schools and senior care facilities. The department participated in a water safety awareness initiative by printing more than 10,000 placemats for restaurants in cooperation with the Bronson Safe Kids Coalition.

Grants from community organizations and businesses made it possible for the department to acquire water rescue kits for the paid-on-call staff and purchase two EMS bikes to be used at local events and in congested areas. Firefighter gear washers and dryers were installed at each SHAES station.