We are pleased to share with you recent recognition given to the great guys and gals of the Pere Marquette Charter Township Fire Department.  In the spring of 2004, a major rainstorm washed out a portion of Chauvez Road in the southern part of the Township.  As the rushing water eroded the storm drain, the banks, and the roadway, the earth also fell away from the utility infrastructure that normally lay buried along the roadside.  Cables and wires -- as well as a DTE Energy natural gas line -- swung unsupported over a long expanse of space.

In addition to rescuing a driver whose vehicle went to the bottom of the washout, the PMFD also rescued the utility services, keeping the lines intact until crews could effect emergency repairs.  If the gas line had broken, there's no telling the extent of damage or loss that may have occurred.

Tom Wietecha presents a check to Chief Lyle Collins, Captain Ross Kissel, and Asst. Chief Larry Gaylord representing the Pere Marquette Fire Department, and Gene Jorissen, Pere Marquette Township Supervisor

Friday morning, December 3, a grateful DTE Energy sent Regional Manager Roger Royer and local manager Tom Wietecha to Pere Marquette Township with a DTE Energy Foundation donation of $2,000 for the Fire Department.  The money was given in appreciation for a job well done -- and under some very unusual circumstances.

Fire Department Chief Lyle Collins says the Department will use the money for purchasing additional radios and pagers.

Tom Wietecha shows the type of small hand-held radio the Pere Marquette Fire Department plans to buy, while Chief Collins shows the check that will allow them to make the purchase.