By: Gena Johnson | Warren Weekly | Published March 21, 2023
WARREN — “You are the real heroes, and you save lives every day,” said Warren Mayor James Fouts.
This is just one of the many compliments the mayor had for the Warren Fire Department and Commissioner Wilburt “Skip” McAdams at the Warren Fire Department’s Annual Award Ceremony on March 8.
Firefighters gathered with their family, friends, and members of the community and celebrated. Retired Warren firefighters pinned medals on their sons who were continuing the family tradition of protecting and serving the Warren community.
This was an event that celebrated the accomplishments of newly graduated firefighters from the academy as well as veterans advancing in the ranks of command. Civilians were also recognized for their contributions.
Fran Zick, a Meijer cashier, received the Community Service Award. This was awarded to her for her work with the Warren Fire Department coordinating the annual “Shop With a Firefighter” holiday outreach at her local Meijer store. It is an event where kids who may not have anything for Christmas are given a $100 gift card and shop with a firefighter.
Asked about her role at the Shop With a Firefighter events, her coworkers said in unison, “Fran coordinates everything.”
“We have the best Fire Department and fire commissioner in the state,” Fouts said. “People are always calling me or when they see me, tell me that the Warren Fire Department showed so much care and empathy for our family and our loved one who passed away.”
Warren Fire Commissioner Wilburt “Skip” McAdams acknowledged the firefighters and their families.
“I know you are not used to being seen. You are in the background,” he said to the family members. “They don’t do it for recognition or money. They do it to protect and serve.
“The city of Warren couldn’t do it without the support of their loved ones. Thank you for allowing them to be shared with the city of Warren,” McAdams said.