The Canton Fire Department has promoted two firefighters this month, one to the rank of captain and one to the rank of lieutenant.

Captain Melvin (Rick) Paulun, age 49, is a 30-year veteran of the department. Paulun started as a cadet working his way up to firefighter/EMT the following year. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1997. Paulun has earned several licenses throughout his career including Fire Officer I, II & III, Fire Staff & Command, and EMT. He has also received many certificates of leadership & supervision during his time in Canton, and has received extensive training in a variety of fire-related programs. Captain Paulun and his wife Dorothy live in Dexter with their three children, Andy, 19, Branden, 17, and Kevin 13.

Lt. Timothy Dunn, age 42, is a 20-year veteran of the department. Dunn started as a cadet with the department in 1985 and became a firefighter/EMT two years later. Dunn has earned two Associate Degrees and a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Madonna University. During his career, Dunn has earned many licenses including Firefighter I & II, Fire Officer I, II & III, and his paramedic license through the state of Michigan. Dunn has attended numerous training courses and was named Firefighter of the Year in 1994. Lt. Dunn and his wife Mary live in Canton with their two young children, Abigail, 3, and Katelyn, 19 months.

These promotions were made to fill a vacancy created by retirement. Canton is expecting to see more retirements within the next few years. Additional firefighters will be hired as needed to keep the department fully staffed.

MEDIA CONTACT: Fire Chief Michael Rorabacher, 734/394-5455