The Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department held an open house, Saturday, May 20, to showcase the department’s new fire station at 832 S. Gremps St. As several hundred people turned out for the event, State Representative Pauline Wendzel presented Paw Paw Fire Chief Jim DeGroff, IV, with a state Special Tribute, which read in part, “Twelve years ago, as the department’s needs and capabilities grew, new fire trucks were no longer able to fit into the historic fire station, and this building project began. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Franks family, and the many hands that helped to build it. At this celebration for the new fire station, we commend the volunteer firefighters and community leaders who are bravely serving today. These citizens embody the greatest qualities of those who serve our communities, and we are grateful to join them in celebrating this major step for the Paw Paw Fire Department.” Taking part in the ribbon cutting were, from left, Dean Quillen and his wife, Char Quillen, parents of fallen Paw Paw Firefighter Ethan Quillen, Kathy Johnson and her granddaughter, Taylor Seals, wife and granddaughter of the late Bud Johnson, a past fire chief and firefighter, and Paw Paw Fire Department Second Assistant Chief, Nate Jackson. The Paw Paw Fire Department Honor Guard opened the ceremony. DeGroff is shown at podium with at left, Kyle Richardson, First Asssitant Chief, and at far right, Second Assistant Chief, Nate Jackson.
Courier-Leader photos/ Paul Garrod