Ann Arbor and Manchester Township fire departments remember FF Schnearle-Pennywitt

Manchester Township Fire Department and Ann Arbor Fire Department held a ceremony on January 11, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery remembering firefighter Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt who passed away 20 years ago. Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

by Marsha Chartrand

On Sunday, January 11, the Manchester Township Fire Department and the Ann Arbor Fire Department gathered at the Oak Grove Cemetery to pay tribute to firefighter Amy Schnearle-Pennywitt of Manchester, who was fatally injured 20 years ago while performing a rescue operation on I-94.

Current Chief of the Manchester Fire Department Mike Kouba explained: “Amy was the first female firefighter of the Manchester Twp. FD. She was hired in 1996 with the department and shortly realized that a career in firefighting was her calling. She was hired by the Ann Arbor City Fire Department where her career was flourishing. On January 7, 2006, Amy and her crew were responding to a reported traffic accident on I-94. Amy exited her fire truck to render aid to victims involved. Due to very icy road conditions, an oncoming vehicle lost control and struck Amy. After six days in the U of M ICU, Amy succumbed to her injuries on January 13, 2006.”

More than 100 current and retired firefighters gathered for the memorial this month.

Kouba continued, “The Manchester Township Firefighters, along with the Firefighters of Ann Arbor, will always remember the dedication of Firefighter Schnearle-Pennywitt. Her legacy and memories will always be in our hearts.”

Mike Kennedy, Fire Chief, Ann Arbor Fire Department, commented on the weather; a stark contrast to the rainy, cold day of the original funeral. Instead, he said, “The weather was sunny and a reasonable temperature given mid-January to mark the 20th anniversary of that tragic event.”

Kennedy added, “We appreciate the support of the Manchester Twp. FD and the Bill Kerns family for their tremendous support.”

Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.