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Saginaw Township Firefighter retires after nearly 31 years

Ken Kurecka joined the Saginaw Township fire department in 1979, and now, after nearly 31 years, made his farewells to his brothers at Station 1, 6171 Shattuck. Kurecka, 61, received a commemorative fire helmet, and a plaque in appreciation for his years of service and dedication to our community. The plaque was presented by Lieutenant Roger Klomp of the Saginaw Township Firefighters Association. Afterward, in the tradition of the fire department, Kurecka was given a ride home in their newest firetruck.

Kurecka received the Station Firefighter of the Year award in 1994, and served as the station's safety officer. It was his responsibility to perform safety inspections, check the gear to make sure it's clean, and to inspect the building and vehicles. He's a state-certified instructor, and served as the safety officer during the Township Fire Academy's practical skills training. He was also an assistant to the Fire Scene Incident Commander.

"Ken is a detail guy," said George Pike, Jr., Saginaw Township Assistant Fire Chief. "He thinks of things no one else thinks about. He served in a tremendous capacity, and our department is a better place because of his dedication."
Kurecka's wife, Janet, a retired U.S. Army Reserves Major, and daughter, Colleen, 16, were always active with the department.

Kurecka said he always wanted to be a firefighter, and after 20 years, he just kept going, thinking he'd just take it one year at a time. It went like that until he got to 30 years, and finally decided it was time to retire.

One of his most memorable events was the flood of 1986. He said it started on Wednesday, and continued until the following Monday. The department was out helping to evacuate people, checking on homes, shutting off power where needed, and checking hazardous conditions. He remembers the sewer plant losing power, and having to pump raw sewage into a field near Gratiot and Frost. They had to use the fire engine to siphon directly into the field.

Another event was a fire at the River Forest Condominium on W. Michigan back in the early 1980's.

"Firefighting is a very rewarding profession," said Kurecka. "You get a lot of satisfaction in helping people."

The Saginaw Township Fire Department is in its 51st year, continuing to serve 40,000 people in a residential/commercial community covering 29.4 square miles. The department provides fire suppression, extrication, hazardous materials response, ice and water rescue, and special rescue services (high angle, trench, and confined space) from three stations, utilizing 11 apparatus, to 800 calls annually.

Their mission statement reads: "The mission of the Saginaw Township Fire Department is to enhance the quality of living in our community by preventing or minimizing injury and loss of life or property resulting from fire or other emergencies, natural or man caused, that may occur within the jurisdictional boundaries of the township we serve."

For more information about the Saginaw Township Fire Department, or if you're interested in becoming a firefighter, visit their website at www.stfd.com.

Ken Kureckia Retires after 31 years
From left to right: George Pike, Jr., Saginaw Township Assistant Fire Chief, Lieutenant Roger Klomp, Saginaw Township Firefighters Association chairperson, Jim Berent, Ken Kurecka (shaking hands with Klomp), and Captain Dan Evans.

 

 

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