On September 6, 1868, the Village of Paw Paw Trustees drafted an ordinance to organize a fire company. A hand drawn fire engine and hose cart were approved for purchase. This came after many residential and commercial fires that occurred in Paw Paw. Some of the fires destroyed large portions of the downtown. One fire destroyed multiple buildings and blocks of the town and burned for two days. Today, the department remains one of only a few fire departments in the State of Michigan where the chiefs/firefighters receive no compensation for their services. With 40 active firefighters and numerous honorary firefighters the department protects the Village of Paw Paw, Paw Paw Township, and portions of Almena, Antwerp, and Waverly Townships. The department protects over 80 square miles and responded to 340 emergencies, including fires and extrication (Jaws of Life) alarms, in 2021. The department is very proud to say that they average between 20 - 30 firefighters responding to all structure fires. All firefighters with the Paw Paw Fire Department are state certified and are constantly training in fire suppression and rescue. Each year the firefighters train hundreds of students in the Paw Paw Schools in fire safety. The firefighters are committed to enhancing the safety and quality of life for those that they serve.
