HOLLAND TWP. (WHTC) — Jim DeGraaf officially switched from Holland Township firefighter to department quartermaster on Monday, capping a 45-year career. his last day as a firefighter was Feb. 29. On Monday, the department honored his service with an evening reception at Firehouse No. 1. Many in the crowd hugged him.
DeGraaf rose the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant to captain, returning to firefighter status in recent years. That wasn’t even his day job. Everything he’s done has a marathon-like quality to it.
For 40 years, Jim DeGraaf’s worked at Elhart GMC Hyundai, where he’s currently the new-car manager.
At 12, he started a 42-year stint as Tulip Time volunteer, working alongside his dad.
As a teen, he worked at Holland’s bowling alley — and continues his bowling passion as WHTC’s mens’ bowling reporter — but at 17, he joined Holland Charter Township’s fire department.
Chief Jim Koshel said seeing DeGraaf manning the pumper always inspired confidence, “because you know there won’t be any problems. That’s his attention to detail.”
Capt. Mike Koetje, who’s worked with DeGraaf for 16 years at Fire Station No. 3, said his dedication, friendliness and leadership add up to one sterling quality.
“Jim is a fireman’s fireman,” Koetje said. “He not only is a friend, a great mentor, he always has time to stop and talk, help you out with anything you need. He always has a smile on his face.”
DeGraaf says the highlight of his career is a late-1970s housefire that trapped disabled older woman.
“Myself and two other firefighters got the lady out,” he recalled. “We actually saved her life. I remember being recognized by Holland Township board for that. That’s something very special.”
Koetje said he’s glad DeGraaf is sticking around as quartermaster — in charge of ordering supplies — and will continue to help out with fire safety education.
“If I could clone him, I’d do it 100 times. He’s just a great person,” Koetje said. “Always there to help.”
