An emotional Paw Paw Fire Chief Jim DeGroff IV spoke fondly of his lieutenant who was killed Wednesday night when he came into contact with a downed line.
Lt. Ethan Quillen's gear was on display as the chief and Michigan State Police Special Lt. DuWayne Robinson spoke to the media outside the firehouse.
Robinson said the state police are investigating the accidental death at the request of the fire department, according to MLive.Through tears, DeGroff described his friend: "A great guy, father, husband, volunteered his time here for free, gave his life for free..."
The chief continued: “The men and women that serve in this fire department, they love their community. We’re so fortunate to have the people we have. They don’t want anything in return. Their satisfaction is helping another family and helping anywhere we can. We don’t want pay. We don’t want press. We don’t look for that."
He explained that the original downed power line was being handled when a tree broke and took down a live line. "The line snaked and there was no way to get away from it... Nothing that any human did or (Quillen) did was wrong."
"Ethan was the example of the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department. He earned his rank as a lieutenant and this scar is not going to ever go away."
Volunteers are still handling calls, and neighboring departments also are lending a hand.
“The citizens of Paw Paw and the townships we serve are still protected, just with a heavy heart."
