During a ceremony held at the Paw Paw Fire Department, Redmond received tributes from the Paw Paw Fire Department, the Village of Paw Paw, Van Buren Emergency Medical Services, and a state Special Tribute.
Courier-Leader photos/Paul Garrod
By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
PAW PAW – Paw Paw Quick Response Leader John Redmond was honored Sunday, Nov. 23, during a retirement ceremony marking his 50 years of service through emergency medical care.
During a ceremony held at the Paw Paw Fire Department, Redmond received tributes from the Paw Paw Fire Department, the Village of Paw Paw, Van Buren Emergency Medical Services, and a state Special Tribute.
The state Special Tribute, signed by State Rep. Pauline Wendzel and Sen. Aric Nesbitt, read in part: “In 1987, John Redmond established the Paw Paw Quick Response Team to support community members in need through their fast and reliable medical-rescue service. For over 27 years, John has been faithfully leading this mission with unwavering dedication. Throughout his remarkable career, John has responded to thousands of emergency calls and has answered every one with determination and a willingness to help. Community members have been blessed by John’s caring spirit and steadfast commitment to service.”
It continued, “Beyond his leadership of the Quick Response Team, Mr. Redmond has also devoted 13 years of service to Thompson Ambulance, culminating in an incredible 50 years of service in emergency medical care. After five decades of tireless service, Mr. Redmond now embarks on a well-deserved retirement.”
It concluded, “We thank him for his service that has left a lasting mark on West Michigan.”
Paw Paw Fire Department Fire Chief Kyle Richardson, along with many other Paw Paw Fire Department members, presented Redmond with a plaque of appreciation for his many years of service to the Paw Paw community.
The plaque read: “For 50 years of dedicated service to the Paw Paw area. With appreciation from all of us at the Paw Paw Fire Department.”
The Village of Paw Paw was represented by Village President Roman Plaszczak, who presented Redmond with a plaque. It read it part: “The Village of Paw Paw presents you with this plaque in honor of your over 37 years of dedicated and selfless service to the citizens of Paw Paw and the surrounding community. The impact you have made to those around you and the community will live on for years to come.”
Van Buren Emergency Services, represented by Dennis Reynolds, presented Redmond with a plaque that read: “In recognition of your 50 years of outstanding service to the community. Thank you.”
The Paw Paw Quick Response Team has ended with Redmond’s retirement; however, talks are currently underway as Van Buren EMS works to develop a new one.
