On May 16, Johnstown Township Fire Department held a benefit spaghetti dinner for  recent JFD firefighter Dave Carney to help with his expenses during his fight against cancer.

Jack M. Baird II, Age 62, Of Battle Creek, Died Tuesday, October 14, 2014, at Bronson Battle Creek. Jack was born on April 12, 1952, in Battle Creek; the son of Jack M. and Margaret W. (Lugar) Baird, Sr. He had been a lifelong resident of the area graduating from Lakeview High School in 1970, then attended Kellogg Community College earning his Journeyman Card as a Millwright.  In 1976 he was united in marriage to the former Ruth Ann Jones who survives. He was employed at the Kellogg Company and retired after 39 years as a Millwright. He volunteered for the Bedford Rescue Squad for over 25 years, the Bedford Fire Department for several years and the Johnstown Township Fire Department for 33 years. He enjoyed hunting and was an avid deer hunter, fishing, sports and a handyman. He was someone you could call to ask for anything, electrical work, plumbing or anything that needed fixing. Per his words, he was Jack of all trades and master of none. He was always quick with a dirty joke, one of his dad’s little ditties or a very long story. He was known as the “Grill Master”. He loved cooking, smoking and grilling anything. Surviving are his children, Brian (Kelly) Baird, Shawn Dean and Jack M. (Jennifer) Baird III; granddaughters, Samantha, Ariana and Jane; sisters, Peggy (David) Mingus and Robin Arnold; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, John Arnold. Visitation will be held Friday from 6 to 8:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2014, at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Worden officiating. Interment will be at Banfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Johnstown Township Fire Department.

Fallen
Rest now my fallen brother
Lay soft your suffering back
Rest well and forever
Your memory shall not lack
Rest your tired hands
Wipe clean your weary brow
Rest with St. Florian
Your spirit now endowed
Rest here your breaking heart
We know you gave your all
Rest easy, you’ve done your part
You’ve answered your last call
Rest knowing that in god we sought
Oh lord, watch over another who just fell
Rest assured your troubled thought
As we ring the final bell.

Capt. Jack- You will be missed!

Johnstown Township Fire Department participates in the Kellogg Community College EMS students learning experience during extrication medical training.

Johnstown Township Fire Department participates each year with the Fine Lake Association to escort the 4th of July bicycle parade with the families of Fine Lake.

Johnstown Township’s new building open house took place on September 10, 2011. Lifecare and West Michigan AirCare made an appearance.  The firefighters put on an extrication demonstration.

Martin Fire and Rescue sponsored a firefighters 5k run on Saturday, August 13th.  Firefighters, families, and the community were invited to participate in the 5k run or walk.  Fire Departments from  Southwestern Michigan sent teams to run in the 5k.  Johnstown firefighters took 3rd place.  Congratulations!

Kelli Wawzysko, Daniel McLeod, Jennifer Hammond, Gerry Sams

West Michigan Air care joined Johnstown Township Fire Department on August 7, 2011 for landing zone training.

An abandoned barn and several outbuildings on South M-37 Highway were destroyed in an early evening fire on June 14 which is believed to have been started by an unattended trash fire.Because of the heat and smoke from the fire, the highway needed to be closed for about 45 minutes.

In August 2011, the Johnstown Township’s new building to house both the fire station and the Town Hall was completed.  The fire station has six bays which  allows all trucks and mobile equipment to be housed in the same building.  In addition, there is ample space for storage of  fire department equipment and supplies.  The fire station also includes  space for offices and a kitchen.