Atlas Twp.-Firefighter Gary Schafer recalls a scared cat hiding under the bed.
‘It was one of the first house fires I’d ever responded to,? said Schafer, who joined the Altas Township Fire Department in 2004. ‘The homeowners were out safe, but told us the family cat was still inside the house. So, we went back in the burning house and found the cat hiding under the bed. So, I grabbed the cat and it really attached itself to me with its claws. But we got the cat out safe once we detached it from me.?
Whether saving family pets or assisting with a community project, Schafer’s dedication to the safety and betterment of area residents for more than a decade has earned him Atlas Township Firefighter of the year.
‘It’s an honor,? said Schafer, 56. ‘However, for me and many other firefighters it’s not the money or fame rather we just want to help out where we can. You have to make a commitment to the job and be there when needed. We don’t just sit around the fire hall drinking coffee. We have training each month and have a great team that really works together in the township. Our officers are just outstanding, they really know their job.?
Schafer, a 1977 graduate of St. John’s High School, has been married to wife Susan for 20 years. They have four children and one grandchild.
‘My family has been so supportive of me,? he said. ‘I’ve toned out on a call during birthday parties or in the middle of a storm at night,? he said. ‘It just comes with the job. I often drive the fire truck to the accident or fire and even with the sirens screaming drivers don’t move out of the way. It’s frustrating sometimes. But there’s many rewards in the job, too. After a fire many times the homeowner is shaken, but still is very grateful that we saved their home or helped them in some way. They often hug us. I see victims at very vulnerable times.?
When not fighting fires or working his day job in water analysis, Schafer volunteers for the Atlas Township Haunted Fire Hall at Halloween for trick or treaters, Duck Races at Good Times in Goodrich and Fill the Boot fundraiser to collect money for the Eastern Michigan Food Bank.
‘Gary is always there when called,? said Fred Forys, township fire chief who selected Schafer for the honor. ‘For many years Gary has gone beyond his duties as a firefighter and supported the community. Thanks, Gary, for an outstanding job.?