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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In its own way Smitter Pest Control contributed to an important U.S. event earlier this month — the funeral ceremonies for President R. Gerald Ford in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Smitter Pest Control services Ford’s high school, and the former President’s church — Grace Episcopal Church — an account the company has serviced for more than 30 years.
John Smitter, the third-generation PCO of Smitter (based in Grand Rapids), told PCT it was impressive to see all of the preparations, including increased security measures, that were undertaken prior to and during the ceremonies. “We were told that should any (pest-related) emergency arise, a Secret Service agent would pick us up and accompany us (as we provided pest services),” Smitter recalled.
Secret Service agents periodically would visit the accounts to review security, Smitter said, but as the ex-President’s health deteriorated during the past few years, they began making multiple yearly visits, in preparation for funeral ceremonies.
Smitter said most of the pest services his company provides are preventive, including perimeter rodent baiting and spraying. At Grace Episcopal Church, where Ford’s hometown funeral took place, receives regular preventive services. Smitter added that spider management is important at the church because of its age and structural anomalies.
The city of Grand Rapids estimated that more than 60,000 people filed by the casket inside the Ford Presidential Museum, and 75,000 turned out to watch the final ceremonies, including the military flyover. Editor's note: PCT originally printed that Smitter serviced the Ford Presidential Library & Museum. Smitter does service several Ford-related accounts, but not the Presidential Library & Museum. PCT regrets this error.