01-18-2018 Police and Fire

Police and Fire Reports

By Annette Christie

Coloma man in train accident

A Coloma man luckily escaped injury this past weekend when he failed to notice the crossing lights signaling an oncoming train. Jonathan Romero-Santana, 17, was southbound on N. West St. when after failing to see the lights; he entered the tracks in the pathway of the train. The train struck the rear passenger area on the vehicle causing it to spin out. His vehicle then struck a vehicle that was leaving a nearby parking lot that was driven by Rita Klann, 68, of Coloma. No injuries were reported.

Watervliet Township Activity

Berrien County Sheriff Deputy Guy Puffer provided the year-end figures for their police service to the Watervliet Charter Township and their surrounding neighbors. Between Puffer and Deputy Goff, there were 34 felony arrests and 181 misdemeanor arrests. The two made 603 traffic stops, which resulted in 364 traffic tickets. They assisted other agencies 159 times. Puffer and Goff responded to 446 original complaints and provided 88 follow-ups. Puffer told the Watervliet Charter Township Board that the number of arrests does not reflect the number of crimes being committed but rather are usually connected to a traffic stop where the subject is wanted. He did note that since the Berrien County Sheriff Department began regular policing in the Watervliet area, the crimes and arrests have gone down.

Watervliet Fire Department  Year End Figures Awards presented at banquet

On Saturday January 6, Watervliet Fire Department held their annual Awards Banquet at the Coloma F.O.P. The event was well attended by past and present firefighters, their families, and guests. Awards, serious as well as not so serious were presented along with year-end statistics: The department ended 2017 with 404 calls, their second all-time highest. Of the 404 total calls, 229 were medical calls and 175 were fire related calls. The 175 fire related calls placed with the department were on par with their three-year average. The total Calls in Watervliet City jumped to 125 from last year’s high of 108. The calls in Watervliet Township ended at 238, within two calls of last year’s total. Their mutual aid calls landed at 36 as opposed to 45 back in 2015. The department responded to requests for assistance from Bangor, Covert, Hartford, Sister Lakes, North Berrien Fire Rescue, Pride Care, Medic 1, the Berrien County Sheriff Department, and the Michigan State Police. The types of calls included 30 structure fires; eight vehicle fires; 10 grass fires; 30 extrications/accidents; 25 miscellaneous public service calls; and 39 alarms. The department had no reportable fire fighter injuries during 2017. The first award presented was the George Huscher, Most Improved Fire Fighter Award. This award is in memory of George Huscher who was a member of this department and lost his life in an automobile accident several years ago. George had been awarded the Most Improved Firefighter Award just prior to his death. Therefore, the department saw it fitting to name the Most Improved Fire Fighter Award in his name. This award is voted on by the fire departments officers for the member that has shown the greatest improvement throughout the year in all facets of the fire service. This year’s award went to 2nd Lt. Andrew Johnson. Lt. Johnson began his career with the Watervliet Fire Department as a cadet in September of 2006. Since that time, he has successfully completed Firefighter one and two, made it through his Cadet training, a probationary period, completed his officer pre-requisite training, obtained a EMT Paramedic certification and received his state license. Chief Jones said of Lt Johnson, “It’s obvious that Andrew is committed and continues to work diligently at expanding his fire service knowledge base. Andrew has become a true asset to this Department and our community and is well deserving of title of the Most Improved Fire Fighter for 2017.” The second award is The Fire Fighter of the Year Award; it is presented to the member that has shown great dedication throughout the year, not just in firefighting capacity, but also in all the other activities that the members participate in. The Entire Fire Department’s membership votes on Fire Fighter of the year. The Fire Fighter of the Year Award for 2017 marked a milestone for Watervliet Fire as for the first time in history, the membership chose the Chief, Dan Jones to be the recipient. This award, previously reserved for firefighters was kept secret from the Chief until the moment of presentation, when Lt Whitney presented the honor.

2017…Watervliet Fire Department Firefighter of the Year, Chief Dan Jones.

Chief Jones is a native of Watervliet, born in the old hospital on the hill above the paper mill. Life’s travels took him to other portions of the country and the state until about 25 years ago when he and his wife, Deb (Delaney) returned to Watervliet and bought a home. Chief Jones is a 40 plus year veteran of public service, beginning the fire service portion of his journey as a career fire fighter with the City of Benton Harbor. The Chief became involved with the Watervliet Fire Department in 2009 and has lead the Department since 2010. In closing, the Watervliet Fire Department stands proud and humble at the opportunity and responsibility of providing services to area residents. Regardless of the changes, whether it is equipment, techniques and training or personnel, members of the department focus on providing the highest level of professional life safety services to the community, their neighbors and to those as they pass their way.