By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Dowagiac Daily News
In 35 years Dowagiac firefighters have only had to leave their annual thank-you dinner once.
Thursday night they made it through Wolverine Mutual's Firefighter of the Year dinner without a hitch.
Ben Turner said he was "very surprised" to be the member chosen to receive a trophy and this honor.
An active member of the Dowagiac Fire Department since 2002, Turner was joined by his wife Nicole becoming a fellow firefighter in 2003.
The Turners have five children: Patrick, 12; Daniel, 9; Jacob, 7; Jamie, 5; and Mateja, 15 months.
In announcing the winner of this year's award, Wayne Comstock of Wolverine listed Turner's accomplishments including: state-certified Fire Fighter II, Hazardous Materials Responder Operations, Confined Space Rescue, Vehicle Rescue/Extrication and Ice/Cold Water Rescue.
He is also working on becoming a state-certified fire instructor.
Along with his normal duties, Turner is known for coming in on his own time to go through the truck and helping spearhead special projects, especially helping with those with educating children.
Turner is employed at McDonald's in Bridgman. In his little spare time he enjoys working on his house and golf.
Golf is also important to the guest speaker at the 35th dinner provided to the Dowagiac firefighters and EMTs.
Larry Crandall, Superintendent of Dowagiac Public Schools, thanked the men and women for keeping the school children safe.
Crandall also started his career in Dowagiac in the school system as a high school teacher of government and law 35 years ago - at the age of 21.
He described his day as an administrator, he become a superintendent six years ago, "a lot of my time is responding to emergencies - putting out fires."
Earlier in the day, Crandall had stopped when he saw a Dowagiac bus on the side of the road with its flashers on. Apparently the substitute driver had experienced mechanical problems after dropping off the students.
More comparisons between their occupations he mentioned were "preparation, education, experience and staying current with the laws." They all need "good old fashion common sense and trust in their teammates," he added.
To be successful, Crandall said you need a personal report card with three Cs and an F, "Courage, compassion, commitment, and faith.