Station #1 Information:

Fire Station #1 was chartered May 14, 1951.  Both State and Federal laws mandate training requirements.  Today, Station #1 currently consists of 17 firefighters, 3 probationary firefighters.

Station #1 has four pieces of apparatus.  This includes a 1987 Pumper/Tanker (This is normally the 'First Response' apparatus for any type of fire call), a 1982 50' Tele-Squirt Aerial Ladder, a retired Medic 1 ambulance for our Rescue Truck.  Included in the rescue equipment is the 'Jaws of Life'.  The last vehicle is a 1997 F-350 that is equipped with a 200-gallon water tank and a portable 200 GPM pump.  This vehicle has proven to be invaluable in fighting grass and brush fires.

State and Federal laws today require that any volunteer firefighter complete a 220 hour Firefighter I & II course, and receive an 'Awareness' level hazardous materials; All of the active firefighters at Station #1 have completed this training.

Department training is conducted weekly, every Monday at Station #1 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.  In addition, special weekend training's are held periodically as needed.

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NEWS:

November 27, 2011 -- It is with great sadness that we report the sudden passing of Pam Peterson, beloved wife of Firefighter Dave Peterson. Dave... the department's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

September 9, 2011 -- Awesome tribute to 9/11 performed by local song writer and '89 Graduate of Lakeshore High School. Dan Baird works for Capt. Ryan Klaer at Lakeland HealthCare and we show our support to "The Eagle Still Flies"

August 18, 2010 - - St. Joseph Township Station 1 has announced the promotion of 3 firefighters. Congratulations to Jim Ashmead to rank of Lieutenant, Gerry Kabelman & Ryan Klaer to rank of Captain.

January 5, 2009 - - St. Joseph Township Station 1 has started the new year off with a weight lost compitetion amongst it's members. You can track their progress here.

December 31, 2008 - - St. Joseph Township Station 1 finshed out 2008 with a total of 77 calls. This matches the number of dispatches in 2007 and you can view the number of dispatches from recent years here.

August 13, 2008 - - Former Firefighter Harold Schewe Jr. has been promoted to Firefighter for Middletown Fire in Kentucky. Here is the link to Harold's new department. http://www.middletownfire.org/

July 5, 2008 -- Station #1 lost a very dedicated firefighter today, Harold Schewe Jr. has decided to move with his fiancée to Louisville. He hopes to follow his dream of being hired on as a full time firefighter. Schewe will be missed and we wish him luck on his new adventure.

June 17, 2008 -- St. Joe/Benton Harbor was the location for the WWII Reenactment Weekend. Assistant Chief Bruce Cole and Firefighter Jim Ashmead, both veterans & accompanied by their wives, enjoyed the reenactment.

August 27, 2007 -- Station #1 lost a very dedicated firefighter today, Robert Eberhardt has been hired by the Terre Haute Fire Department and today was his last day with Station #1. We are going to miss his dedication and wish him luck with his new department.

June 1, 2007 -- Berrien County implemented the "Clean Indoor Air Regulation". More information can be found by clicking here.

Station #1 names officers: Chief -- Gary Maynard, Assistant Chief -- Bruce Cole, Captain -- Scott Shiveley, Captain -- Brad Osburn, Lieutenant -- Gerry Kabelman, Lieutenant -- Jim Robinson, Lieutenant -- Ryan Klaer, Safety Officer -- Frank Nemethy

St. Joseph Charter Township is glad to announce the appointment of Bruce Cole to the position of Assistant Chief for Station #1. Bruce follows Gary Maynard who recently received his promotion to Chief. Congratulations to Bruce Cole on this deserving promotion.

Station 1 recently purchased a retired ambulance from MEDIC 1 to replace their currently outdated Rescue Truck. Station 1 has began the process of putting that truck into service you can watch their progress here.

St. Joseph Charter Township is glad to announce the appointment of Gary Maynard to the position of Chief for Station #1. Gary has been serving on Station #1 and serving St. Joseph Charter Township for over 31 years. During his tenure at Station #1, Gary has spent many years learning from his predecessors including the late Chief Fred Beckman. Chief Maynard's first task is to fill his most recently held position of Assistant Chief.

On November 29, 2005 Station #1 suffered a major loss when their Chief of over 34 years passed away. Chief Fred Beckman had been on the department for over 45 years and had been Chief for 34 years.  In 1988, the new Fire Station #1 was dedicated in his honor for the many contributions he has made to the department over the years. View his memorial here.

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