Excerpts from woodtv.com:
Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski was fatally struck and killed by a passing vehicle while responding to an unknown accident on eastbound I-94, according to Kalamazoo County authorities.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. when the Comstock Township Fire Department was called to check out two reported crashes near mile marker 81 on I-94 following heavy rain. Upon arrival, they found an empty vehicle with no injuries reported.
As crews were preparing to leave the scene, a vehicle lost control and collided with Chief Switalski, who was standing near the rear of his rescue truck. Despite immediate efforts by emergency responders to revive him, he died at the scene.
The driver of the at-fault vehicle was taken to Borgess Methodist Hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.
Chief Switalski had served more than 30 years with the Pleasantview Fire District in Illinois before moving to West Michigan in 2013 to be closer to his daughters, who were attending Western Michigan University. He was sworn in as Fire Chief of Comstock Township on July 1, 2013, replacing a chief who had led the department for over four decades.
Messages of grief and support poured in quickly after the news broke on Thursday morning.
Thanks Keith
Chief Ed Switalski retired after 34 years with the Pleasantview Fire District in 2013 and was 55 years old.
From Art Zern:
Ed was a great guy — a firefighter, instructor, and a real character. He retired as a Battalion Chief from the Pleasantview Fire District (after 24 years) about four years ago, then took on the role of Fire Chief in Comstock Township, Michigan. I’m sure many of your readers knew Ed or had the chance to take a class he taught through SUFD, NIPSTA, or the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Holly and his daughters Emily and Allison.
Art Zern
Excerpts from firefightersclosecalls.com:
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the loss of a valued friend and dedicated member of the fire service — Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski. He was struck and killed in the line of duty last night while working at a crash scene on I-94.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., Chief Switalski was returning equipment to his command vehicle when another vehicle entered the scene and struck him and the rear of his truck. Despite the best efforts of the Comstock firefighters and EMS personnel, he did not survive the injuries sustained.
Although the department followed all safety protocols, the at-fault driver managed to bypass a blocking engine, leading to this tragic outcome. This particular stretch of I-94 has a history of serious incidents.
Among his many achievements, Chief Switalski was awarded the Medal of Valor in 1989 for his actions during the line-of-duty death of a firefighter with the Pleasantview Fire District in Illinois.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Chief Switalski’s wife, Holly, his daughters Emily and Allison, and the entire Comstock Township fire department.
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