Bronson Fire Department deputy chief still going strong at 80

Ken Stutzman of Bronson is a good guy. Anyone could tell that just by meeting him.

But in his roles as long-time emergency medical responder for the Bronson Fire Department, community members line up to tell how Stutzman is also very good at saving lives.

This year held two milestone for Stutzman. The Bronson deputy fire chief turned 80 and he has served on fire department for 55 years.

Better yet, he’s not done.

“I know I’ll have to give it up eventually,” Stutzman said.

But that day has not yet come.

Stutzman seems almost embarrassed by the many honors he’s received.

• "Ken's Story," a video on Bronson Fire Department's Facebook page.
• 2017, a community celebration to commemorate his 50-years of service as Bronson firefighter.
• 2015, inducted into the Bronson High School Hall of Fame.
• 2007, awarded a new  Ford Edge after being selected by Ford Motor Company and Extreme Home Makeover for his then-40 years of service, based on an essay written by his daughter-in-law Lori Stutzman.
• 2003, named the American Red Cross Everyday Hero awarded by a Battle Creek news station.
• 1992 EMT of the Year for the state of Michigan.
• 1992 Bronson Man of the Year.

The recognization is nice, Stutzman said, but that’s not why he responds to 95 percent of all Bronson emergencies.

It’s because he thrives on helping people. He is driven to save a life, if at all possible.

And when he does, Stutzman continues to offer support. Sometimes he rides along in the ambulance, holding the patient's hand.

Sometimes he introduces the EMTs who will be on the ride, assuring the patient that they are in good hands.

Sometimes, he loses a patient.

A plea Stutzman hears far too often is “Ken, don’t let him die” or “Ken, don’t let her die.”

That’s pressure. That’s rough.

“I’m not God,” Stutzman said. “I’m just Ken.” 

He grieves losses, but when it’s a needless death of a child or young person it’s hard. He's still a little angry about the death of one child who was unattended.

“I’ve see it all,” he said. “I’ve seen things nobody should see. But somebody's got to do it.”

Stutzman has learned to regroup and goes out with the next call. When an incident is especially horrendous the first responders get counseling. As a group they walk through the situation with professionals in the art of debriefing.

His biggest concern these days is recruiting young people to step into the calling of emergency training.

“It’s a young person’s game,” Stutzman said. “And it’s not for every one.”

But it is for some and he encourages them to give it a try. Then he offers the warning that it's very important to have a partner and family who are supportive.

Nancy, his wife of 59 years, always encourages and supports her husband. It's fair to say she is more proud of Ken’s accomplishments than he is.

“I couldn’t do this without her,” Stutzman said.

Without Stutzman, with 55 years as a firefighter and these 41 years as an EMT, Bronson would not be the community it is today. A baby boy whose life he saved wouldn't be a young man. A family wouldn't have their father to celebrate on Father's Day. 

Survivors don't forget. They thank him in the grocery store. They send thank-you cards in the mail, and some are recurring. They brag about him behind his back.

“I wouldn’t trade it,” Stutzman said. “I enjoy every minute of it. It’s very rewarding.”