The Detroit News
(TNS)
The Detroit Fire Department marked a milestone for one of its own with a surprise celebration on Wednesday.
George Aren has served the department in various capacities since 1987 and has been the fire department's chief chaplain for 22 years. But on Wednesday, family and colleagues gathered for a personal milestone: his 90th birthday.
In all his time with the city, Aren said no city has a generous spirit like Detroit. No city gives "like Detroit," he said. "It's a great place to live."
He said given with all the tragedies he's seen, people need to remember that those committing crimes represent a very small percentage of the population.
"Let's forget those people and remember the good people out there," he said.
Several dozen people attended the celebration for Aren, including family and other chaplains and some members of the fire department. His son, Major John Aren, conducted the Salvation Army band for some songs during the ceremony. In the band were other members of his family, including a granddaughter.
And even at 90, Aren is still "very much still on the job," officials said. He has no plans of retiring.
The key to his longevity is people, he said.
"Meeting people. There's nothing like it. There's nothing like meeting people and helping them in time of need," he said. "...It's ministry of presence. If you lose half your family, there are no words you can say. It's ministry of presence."
He said his wife's "Honey Do" list also keeps him young.
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