The South Haven Area Emergency Services enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2024. Executive Director Brandon Hinz tells us that they successfully expanded their team by hiring five new firefighter cadets, which allowed them to respond to calls more efficiently.

“Everybody on this department, they’re goal driven,” Hinz says. “Our goal is to provide the best EMS and fire service for this area. Everybody hits it hits it head on and does an excellent job doing that. I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with.”

In 2025, SHAES plans to update its department policies for the first time since its inception. Hinz also mentioned the intention to implement a strategic plan to enhance operations.

“As we’re transitioning from a small department to a mid-sized department, I feel it’s important,” Hinz says.  “With the assistance of Sgt. Carlotto from South Haven PD, we’ve developed a strategic plan that, it just, it lists our priorities, it lists our guidelines, why we do things, how we do things.”

In total, SHAES responded to 2,699 calls in 2024.