Chief John E. Allison, of Custer, Michigan, responded to his last call on Monday, October 14, 2013. Born on June 3, 1962, to James E. and Joan Marie (Quick) Allison, he devoted his life to helping others and serving his community. John loved working on a farm, first alongside his father and brother raising a beef herd, then starting his own dairy farm. Between being a member of the fire department and the farming community, John was known and trusted throughout Mason County.

Remembered for his unwavering willingness to help someone in need, John was the first call for many in times of need. Always ready to respond, he took his role of fire chief very seriously, looking for ways to improve the fire department’s preparedness for whatever emergencies arose. In addition to his leadership as fire chief, he served as the assistant chief for the Mason County Rural Fire Authority, which placed in the county’s Emergency Operations Center during countywide disasters. His career was noted with many saves and honors, but as a quiet and humble man, he didn’t let that define him or become the focus of his service.

Even though John loved firefighting and farming, it couldn’t compare to how much he loved his family. In 2008, he married his love, Tammy (Abbott) Orcutt, and gladly took on the role of father figure to Chelsea and Bethany. Even though the farm and fire department consumed many hours of John’s day, his family time never suffered. Every spare minute of time was filled with family camping trips, kayaking local waterways, and even the occasional successful hunting trip. John’s steady and loving support of his family and friends was demonstrated through endless action. Whether attending school basketball games, helping organize fundraisers, serving on committees, or supporting other businesses, John was always a constant supporter and friend.

The years John spent demonstrating his love of community and service lives on in his daughters, who both joined the fire service alongside their dad. His gift of life, through blood donations and ultimately tissue and organ donations was the final capstone of his service to others. He will be fondly remembered as the calm and considerate friend, the steadfast supporter, and a dedicated dad, husband, and man. John would have loved knowing his life made such an impact on his community; he would have been even more ecstatic to be called “Papa John” by his five granddaughters that have come to know his legacy of love and service since his death.