Ethan Quillen

Paw Paw Fire Department Lieutenant and former United States Marine Corps Corporal Ethan M. Quillen passed away on February 22, 2023 after being struck by a power line while responding to a report of a tree that fell onto a power line during an ice storm.

Quillen was born in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia and lived there until the age of six, when his family relocated to the United States. Quillen grew up alongside his sister, Bridgett and was raised by his parents, Dean and Sharla. As a child Quillen was very curious and adventurous; he enjoyed trains, trucks and tractors, a passion which he shared with his grandfather.

Quillen began his career of service with the United States Marine Corps in 2013. He served as a Corporal in the USMC for four years before deciding to switch his career path to another form of service. On September 19, 2019, Quillen joined the Village of Paw Paw Fire Department. It took Quillen 13 months of hard work and dedication to earn his first promotion to Lieutenant of Grass Rig 1207. Two years later, in October of 2022 Quillen was promoted once again to Lieutenant of Engine 1201, Paw Paw’s main engine. Quillen loved being able to serve his community and help others at any chance he could.

Currently, Quillen’s wife, Kaitlyn, loves to exercise, read, spend time with friends and family, and especially with her daughter, Loghenn. In the future, Kaitlyn is most excited to watch Loghenn grow up; she mirrors many of Quillen’s traits. Kaitlyn is eternally grateful to Tunnel to Towers for making it possible for her and her daughter to remain in the home that she and her husband chose together. She would like others to know that Quillen had a big heart and was always willing to help others. 

Paw Paw Fire Department Lieutenant Ethan M. Quillen is survived by his loving wife, Kaitlyn, and their daughter, Loghenn, who was only 2 and a half years old at the time of her father’s passing.