Wayne Mokma, right, greets people at a celebration on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Station, 4534 60th St., marking his retirement after 50 years of serving Laketown and Fillmore townships with the Graafschap Fire Department.
Friends, family and fellow firefighters celebrated Wayne Mokma’s 50 years of service to Fillmore and Laketown townships with the Graafschap Fire Department on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Station, 4534 60th St. Mokma retired from the department where he served as a firefighter and engineer.
The open house included a slide presentation of Mokma’s time with the department, a display of items including his helmet and wooden shoes from Tulip Time, and a presentation of awards from Chief Doug DenBleyker and State Rep. Rachelle Smit.
State Rep. Rachelle Smit, R-Martin, right, presents Wayne Mokma with a tribute to his 50 years of service to the residents of Laketown and Fillmore townships through the Graafschap Fire Department during a celebration Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Station, 4534 60th St. The special tribute was signed by Smit, State Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.
“Wayne has never shied away from lending a helping hand,” Smit read from the tribute. “Those who had the honor of working alongside Wayne saw this firsthand through the dedication he had for bettering his department, himself and most of all his community.” The proclamation was signed by Smit, R-Martin, State Sen. Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist.
Graafschap Fire Department serves Laketown Township and part of Fillmore Township.
The department is always seeking firefighters. If interested, call (616) 396-4060.
Graafschap Fire Department Chief Doug DenBleyker, right, honors retiring firefighter and engineer Wayne Mokma, left, with a plaque that reads, “Thank you for your 50 years of faithful and dedicated service to the residents of Fillmore and Laketown Townships as a Firefighter and Engineer. The department and community are better because of your tireless dedication.” The presentation was part of a celebration on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Station, 4534 60th St., marking Mokma’s retirement.Laketown Township Supervisor Linda Howell, left, congratulates Wayne Mokma at a celebration on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Station, 4534 60th St., marking his retirement after 50 years of serving Laketown and Fillmore townships with the Graafschap Fire Department.Wayne Mokma talks with family and friends at a celebration on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Station, 4534 60th St., marking his retirement after 50 years of serving Laketown and Fillmore townships with the Graafschap Fire Department. A slide presentation showed photos of Mokma over the years.A table displays memorabilia and awards for Wayne Mokma who is retiring from the Graafschap Fire Department after 50 years of service to Laketown and Fillmore townships. A celebration was held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Graafschap Fire Station, 4534 60th St.
