Kentwood firefighters and staff are our heroes.

On Thursday, August 15, a fire broke out in the attic of a memory care building at American House Kentwood while a third-party HVAC company was conducting maintenance work.

Megan Burch, the community executive director was in her office when the fire alarm went off. “I immediately ran into the building and yelled this is not a drill. There was an activity going on, so we had a lot of residents gathered.” All the residents in the building were quickly and efficiently evacuated thanks to the swift actions of the team.

Simply put, Megan’s main concern, “Getting everyone out of the building. I did not care about anything else but saving the residents.”

All three Kentwood fire stations were involved with the fire, and nearby cities of Dutton, Cutlerville, Byron Township and Grand Rapids contributed resources to the scene. In total over 50 firefighters fought for six hours.

“Number one is making sure everyone is out of the building,” said Kentwood Fire Chief Brent Looman. “The staff did an excellent job, the fire alarms activated very quickly. We arrived in four minutes and the teams were bringing the last of the residents out when we got there.”

Ultimately the building was a loss, and a small team of firefighters remained onsite to secure the area and ensure everyone’s safety.

The kindness, care and professionalism of the firefighters left a lasting impression on everyone. So much so, the American House residents and team organized a trip to thank them personally. On Friday, September 13, a busload of residents and family members traveled to Kentwood Firehouse #3, a location that had aided the community in the past.

The fire chief and many of the 17 firefighters were on hand to receive thank you gifts, feel the overwhelming gratitude and read the touching sentiments on handmade cards and posters. A tour of the firehouse was enjoyed by the grateful attendees while news teams from both WOOD TV and WZZM Ch. 13 On Your Side reported on the event.

Listen to the news stories from WZZM-TV and WOOD-TV here!

During a lengthy interview with WZZM’s Riley Mack, American House Kentwood Executive Director Megan Burch spoke about the trip to the firehouse, “The residents were very excited, helping decorate the bus and make cards and posters. As an Executive Director, you hope this never happens, but being able to say thank you to the team, you couldn’t ask for anything better. It was one of the best moments of my life.”

When talking about the fire, she credits her team and the entire community, “Our residents were troopers, they were just glad everyone made it out and all bonded over that. Everyone gathered in the dining room of another building, and our team organized games and served pizza,” she said.

Within days, residents were relocated, most to American House Jenison. “Our residents are adjusting very well, and I’m happy there were no negative outcomes,” said Megan.

Her takeaway was heartfelt, “In times of trauma and tragedy, residents, staff, families and American House sister communities will come together and help support each other. I couldn’t ask for a better company to work for. That day, American House Holland and American House Jenison reached out and took in some of our residents without even hesitating. It helped our residents feel better and control the trauma they were facing.”

At Firehouse #3, kind words were shared and enthusiastic cheers for the American House team and the firefighters erupted. With the tour over and reporters gone, the satisfied residents and friends boarded the bus and set off for American House Jenison.

We all have a story. A story that taught us something, changed us and helped define who we are. At American House, your next chapter is waiting to be written. We’re here to help you write it. Your way.