ALMENA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A Paw Paw volunteer firefighter who died after an incident with a downed power line caused by the ice storm has been identified.
Michigan State Police say it happened around 7 p.m. Wednesday north of Paw Paw in Almena Township.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration’s website, Lieutenant Ethan M. Quillen responded to a scene with trees on fire and wires down during Wednesday’s ice storm.
While at the scene, officials say a tree broke and caused a power line to collapse and hit Quillen.
State Police report that Quillen was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
After Quillen was pronounced dead, police and fire crews from the area gathered to escort his body from Bronson ER to WMED.
Quillen leaves behind a wife and young child.
Emergency crews responded to numerous calls as the area has been hit hard by the ice storm.
The Van Buren County Sheriff confirms the fallen power line was caused by the weather.
According to the Paw Paw Fire Department's website, all members of the department are volunteers. Paw Paw is one of the few departments in Michigan that is completely volunteer.
On Wednesday night, the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office released the following statement:
"On behalf of the Paw Paw Fire Department, it is with a heavy heart that they lost one of their own tonight on a tragic incident, no fault of the firefighter. The department is asking at this time that you give them time to deal with this tragedy, and at a later date and time more information will be available. They would also ask that you respect the family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this time while they are mourning the loss. Please keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers at this time. Thank you for respecting their wishes."
Additionally, Sen. Aric Nesbitt tweeted the following:
My heart and prayers are with the family of Lt. Ethan Quillen, as well as those that served with and knew him. Our communities are blessed by our brave first responders who put the needs of others before their own. May God be with his family during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/T55nFKkQHI
— Senator Aric Nesbitt (@SenAricNesbitt) February 23, 2023
A GoFundMe account has been set up by the Paw Paw Fire Department to help support Quillen’s wife and daughter.
