• A Paw Paw firefighter was killed in an accident, leaving behind his young daughter and wife.
  • The small town of Paw Paw in southwestern Michigan is in mourning after the tragic death of a volunteer firefighter. Lt. Ethan Quillen, 28, was killed Wednesday night while responding to a call about a tree branch on a power line in Almena Township.
  • An ice storm hit the area hard, with firefighters across the state dealing with similar calls caused by black ice.
  • Despite the efforts of multiple agencies on the scene to transfer him to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Quillen did not survive the accident and died in hospital.
  • Adams Funeral Home announced its obituary and funeral services. According to them, the funeral will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Paw Paw High School, 30609 Red Arrow Highway, Paw Paw, MI, 49079.

When word spread of a Paw Paw firefighter who had died in the line of duty, the community and fellow firefighters were shocked and saddened by the tragic loss.

The small town of Paw Paw in southwestern Michigan is in mourning after the tragic death of a volunteer firefighter. Lt. Ethan Quillen, 28, was killed Wednesday night while responding to a call about a tree branch on a power line in Almena Township.

An ice storm hit the area hard, with firefighters across the state dealing with similar calls caused by black ice.

According to a statement posted by the Paw Paw Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook, while firefighters were securing the scene, a tree branch fell, knocking down the power line and hitting Quillen.

Despite the efforts of multiple agencies on the scene to transfer him to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo, Quillen did not survive the accident and died in hospital. He is survived by his wife and their young daughter.

Quillen has been a volunteer firefighter with the Paw Paw Department since September 2019. He was described as a “selfless, kind, loving, hard-working” man who loved his country and community.

In a statement, the department asked for thoughts and prayers for Quillen’s family, friends, fellow firefighters, dispatchers and all other emergency responders affected by the tragic loss.

In response to the news, the department set up a GoFundMe account to help Quillen’s wife and daughter. The fundraiser quickly surpassed the $25,000 goal, with donations totaling more than $119,786 as of Monday morning.

Local businesses also rallied to support the family, with Sporty’s Pub & Veranda Grille setting up a tribute pot over the weekend, with 10% of sales going to charity.

In addition to being a dedicated firefighter, Quillen was also a Navy veteran and a Michigan Department of Transportation employee.

Paw Paw Fire Chief Jim DeGroff spoke highly of Quillen in an interview with FOX 17 West Michigan. Quillen recalled his promotion to lieutenant last September and his dedication to serving the community. Paw Paw Fire Chief also said that Quillen never let him down.

DeGroff said: “We don’t take anything for granted. Ethan wanted nothing last night when he was working on that scene. He literally gave his life. I just want Ethan and his family to know I won’t let them down.”

The tragic loss of Lieutenant Ethan Quillen has left Paw Paw and the wider firefighting community reeling. As they mourn his passing, his family, friends and colleagues are left behind to remember his selflessness, kindness and unwavering dedication to his community.
Adams Funeral Home announced his obituary and funeral services. According to them, the funeral will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Paw Paw High School, 30609 Red Arrow Highway, Paw Paw, MI, 49079.