The Grand Rapids Fire Department has named Joe Dubay, of Cedar Springs, 2010 Firefighter of the year. The selection was made by American Legion Furniture City Post #258.

Joe Dubay, of Cedar Springs, was named 2010 Firefighter of the year by the Grand Rapids Fire Department. Courtesy photo

Dubay, of Platform Truck Company No. 2, was selected as Firefighter of the Year for his tireless work as president of the Grand Rapids Firefighters Union during a time of great transition and fiscal uncertainty. “His devotion to his 23 brothers and sisters facing the loss of their jobs was unwavering and he still clings tightly to the last five of the 23 displaced firefighters who have yet to be recalled,” said Lt. Dan VanderHyde.

Dubay grew up in Grand Rapids and is a graduate of Catholic Central High School. At age 7, it was his grandfather, a Traverse City State Hospital Firefighter, that ignited Dubay’s dream to join the fire service. He realized that dream in October 1991 when he was appointed to the GR Fire Department.

He currently works at the Franklin Street Fire Station, and his company protects the same neighborhood  he grew up in, and where his father, Howard Dubay, still lives.

Dubay and his wife, Amanda, live in Cedar Springs, with their four children.
Firefighter Dubay was recognized at the annual Firefighter of the year banquet in Grand Rapids last weekend.