Deceased fire chief honored during capitol 9/11 service.

Chief Allison

LANSING — State Rep. Ray Franz read the final roll call for Custer Fire Chief John Allison during a special Sept. 11 Memorial Service in the Michigan House of Representatives on Thursday as part of a ceremony that also honors first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty in Michigan the past year.

Allison died Oct. 8, 2013, from a cardiac event following a personal injury auto accident mutual aid response in Mason County the previous day.

“I spent 30 years as a medical first responder, so I’m familiar with seeing people who realize that help is there, and the calming, soothing effect that it has on helping people get through their crisis,” said Franz, R-Onekama. “During his many years of service, I am certain Chief Allison provided that comfort to countless people in emergency situations. Chief Allison’s legacy is a model for all to follow, and we can’t thank these local heroes enough.”

The ceremony included the ringing of a fire bell for Chief Allison and three additional Michigan first responders who died in the line of duty since Sept. 11, 2013, special music by a fire department bagpiper and “Taps” played by two members of the Grand Ledge High School Marching Band.