Veteran Bertrand Township firefighter dies

BERTRAND TWP., Mich. -- Firefighters in Bertrand Township are mourning the loss of one of their own.

Jim Pugh, 72, a 25-year veteran of the Bertrand Township fire department died Monday. He was well-known in the community.

His death was announced on police and fire scanners all across Berrien County.

He died from lung cancer.

Friends of Pugh say he will always be remembered for his love of coffee, Notre Dame football and his family - full of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Even though Pugh had retired from the fire department in 2009, he was always on the scene to comfort other firefighters.

A celebration ceremony  will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Swem Chapel in Buchanan.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice at Home in St. Joseph Michigan.