GRFD honors Kevin “Milly” Milanowski as 2025 Firefighter of the Year

GRFD honors Kevin "Milly" Milanowski as 2025 Firefighter of the Year

Published on December 05, 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Grand Rapids Fire Department (GRFD) celebrated the achievements of its members last night during the Annual Awards and Promotional Ceremony and Firefighter of the Year Banquet, held at the High Five Banquet Center in downtown Grand Rapids. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Firefighter of the Year Award to Equipment Operator Kevin "Milly" Milanowski, for his leadership and innovation that transformed the department's fleet operations and culture.

The event, attended by GRFD personnel, city officials, community partners and family members, recognized outstanding service, promotions and acts of dedication across the department. Milanowski, a second-generation firefighter and GRFD member since 2018, received a standing ovation as he accepted the department's highest individual honor.

"Kevin Milanowski exemplifies what it means to be a modern firefighter - technically skilled, relentlessly dedicated and deeply committed to service," said Fire Chief Brad Brown. "His leadership in transforming our fleet operations has not only saved the department time and resources but has also elevated the safety and readiness of our entire team. Kevin's work ethic, innovation and humility make him a role model within the Grand Rapids Fire Department and a true asset to our community."

In receiving his award, Milanowski simply said, "I'm grateful to be recognized but, really I'm just a guy who went to work doing what he loves."

Milanowski's impact on GRFD has been far-reaching. After joining the department with over a decade of experience in fire apparatus service and fabrication, he quickly became the department's subject matter expert on apparatus. He led the revitalization of the GRFD Fleet Services Division, eliminating maintenance backlogs, upfitting 17 trucks in two years and building or rebuilding numerous emergency vehicles from the ground up.

His contributions include:

• Constructing Squad 42, a dedicated fleet services vehicle
• Reconfiguring multiple engines and platforms for enhanced rescue capabilities
• Building two brush trucks and a Utility 2 Blocker Truck from the frame up
• Rebuilding Engine 4 and Truck 5 after major damage, returning them to service efficiently and cost-effectively
• Designing and fabricating custom solutions that have improved the reliability and sustainability of the GRFD fleet

In September, Milanowski was also recognized with the HME Ahrens-Fox Local Hero Spotlight Award during the 2025 Grand Rapids 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, further underscoring his regional impact and leadership in emergency vehicle innovation.

The Grand Rapids Fire Department congratulates all award recipients and extends its deepest appreciation to the community for its continued support.

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