PAW PAW, Mich. — A firefighter has died after an incident involving a downed power line Wednesday evening.
According to Michigan State Police, the firefighter worked for the Paw Paw Fire Department. The incident happened around 5:42 p.m. in the 42000 block of 30th Street in Almena Township.
He has since been identified as 28-year-old Paw Paw volunteer firefighter Ethan Quillen, who has been volunteering with the department since 2019.
"Great guy. Father. Husband. Volunteer. He gave his life for free," Paw Paw Fire Chief Jim DeGoff said.
The fire department created a GoFundMe account to help raise money for the wife and daughter he leaves behind.
"On February 22, 2023, a beloved husband, father, son, friend, marine, and dedicated firefighter lost his life in the line of duty. He lost his life serving those that he swore to protect and serve. Firefighter Ethan Quillen will always be remembered for his endless love for his wife and daughter. For his love for his country and his community. Ethan was selfless, kind, loving, hard-working, and so much more," the fundraiser page said.
"On behalf of the Paw Paw Fire Department, it is with a heavy heart that they lost one of their own tonight in a tragic incident," said Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott.
Josh Paciorek with Consumers Energy said in a statement that an investigation into the incident is underway.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of this firefighter's passing," he said. "Extreme weather events like this are difficult for numerous reasons, but few are more important than the risk many first responders and line workers take with their lives in service of their community. Our internal investigation process has begun, and we are continuing to prioritize the safety of our customers, our crews and local partners like police and fire units as we work to mitigate dangers and restore power. Our hearts go out to this person's family."
As the ongoing freezing rain, sleet and snow builds up across the state, officials are recommending extreme caution on the roads and around your home. People are urged to stay at least 25 feet away from downed power lines at all times.
As we move into late Wednesday and overnight Thursday, there is a chance for more widespread power outages across the southern end of the state.
Impacts on Thursday will mostly be felt north of I-96, with winter storm warnings remaining in effect for our northern counties until 1 p.m. on Thursday. All other alerts will expire at 4 a.m. on Thursday morning.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.