CASNOVIA TOWNSHIP, MI — For 50 years, John Boehler has called the Casnovia Township Fire Department home.
When asked why he keeps coming back every day, Boehler said, “People need help.”
In January, Boehler was honored by the town for his decades of service.
A firefighter at heart, Boehler joined the company in 1974 and has worked for at least five fire chiefs. There's nothing he hasn't done.
“He can move any of our trucks or equipment,” the lieutenant said. George Rusko. “If we needed anything, he would do it for us.”
But things have slowed down in the last few years.
“I’m getting older now,” Boehler said. “I, like everyone else, have a hard time getting going sometimes. I say, if they need me, I'm going to be there anyway. I'm on my way. .”
“He accomplished so much,” Rusko added. “And whenever I need help with something, John is there to help.”
Boehler also volunteers to install smoke detectors in the community, and his work goes beyond the fire department. He volunteers to deliver food boxes from farms to homes.
Where has anyone found such a drive for such a long time?
“That's exactly how I was raised,” Boehler said.
In addition to being honored by the town, Boehler, who has made it his life's work to give back, was nominated for and selected for FOX 17's February Pay It Forward Spotlight Award.
“People appreciate what I've done over the years, and hopefully when I retire or something happens to me, someone else will take my place.” I hope they take over.”
This month, the spotlight is on first responders. FOX 17 will spotlight veterans in March.
Do you know who should be the next Pay It Forward Spotlight Award winner? Nominate them here.
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