A Michigan community is mourning the loss of its fire chief, mentor and friend.
Custer Fire Chief John Allison died Oct. 15 of an apparent cardiac related issue.
He was stricken Oct. 8 after responding to a trailer fire. He was treated for a few days, and returned home. However, he suffered another episode at his home.
He was rushed to Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids where he was pronounced dead.
The chief was remembered fondly by fellow chiefs who praised him for his knowledge and skills.
Scottville Chief Dale Larr said. “It’s quite a loss.”
He credited Allison’s quick thinking for preserving the structural parts of a trailer that was on fire, even though the interior couldn’t be saved.
Allison, well versed in many issues, was never about who was in charge, it was about how we could work together to get things done,“ Branch Fire Chief Steve McVicker said.
In addition to serving as Custer’s fire chief, Allison was also the assistant chief of the Mason County Rural Firefighters Chiefs Association.
