Tim Sanborn
A local section of US-127 will soon bear the name Tim Sanborn Memorial Highway, after legislation authored by state Rep. Tom Leonard cleared the state House and Senate.
Leonard introduced House Bill 4936 to honor the memory of local firefighter Tim Sanborn, who served with Clinton Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR) from 2002 to 2007. In 2007, Sanborn tragically died in the line of duty while fighting a house fire in Victor Township.
“There is no act large enough to acknowledge the great loss of Tim from this community, but at least by enacting this tribute in his name we can honor his family and those he served with. I hope that as we all drive this part of 127, seeing Tim’s name will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices our first responders make each and every day,” said Leonard, R-DeWitt Township.
The “Tim Sanborn Memorial Highway” will cover the portion of US-127 in Clinton County beginning at the intersection of Colony Road and extending north to M-57. Portions of state highways are only named after a native Michigander whose contributions were of significance to the state.
Tim’s firefighting career started in the early 1980s with the Birch Run Fire Department in Birch Run‚ Michigan. In 2002‚ he joined Clinton Area Fire and Rescue as a volunteer firefighter in St. John’s‚ Michigan. He was a third generation firefighter.
Tim was known for his sense of humor‚ hard work‚ and dedication to his department‚ job‚ and his family. He was the kind of person that you could never forget; always made you smile‚ and was never at a loss for words.
When he was going through his pre-certification classes‚ his firefighting brothers and sisters dubbed him Grandpa‚ because of his gray hair and being the oldest in the class. He took great pride in his new name.
Sadly‚ on June 22‚ 2007‚ while fighting a house fire‚ he suffered a massive heart attack. He passed away en route to the hospital at the age of 56. He left behind his wife of 31 years‚ Marie; and three daughters‚ Shannon (Tim) Freeland‚ Lisa (Derek) Smith‚ and Amy Sanborn.
After 34 years of service‚ he had retired from General Motors the previous year and was looking forward to living the retired life‚ playing lots of golf‚ hunting‚ traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula‚ and spending time with his wife‚ who had also just recently retired.
In July 2007 at the annual Clinton Area Fire and Rescue Steak Fry‚ Tim was named Firefighter of the Year for 2006-2007 by his fellow firefighters‚ for his outstanding courage‚ bravery‚ and dedication to serve and protect.
Tim was very proud to be a member of the Clinton Area Fire and Rescue and the service that he provided to his community.
The governor is expected to sign the bill into law later this month.