Excerpts from woodtv.com:
Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski was tragically 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. after heavy rains, when the Comstock Township Department of Fire & Rescue arrived at mile marker 81 on I-94 to check for two reported crashes. Upon arrival, they found an empty vehicle with no injuries reported.
As crews were preparing to leave the scene, a vehicle lost control and struck Chief Switalski, who was standing near the rear of his rescue unit. Despite efforts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the at-fault vehicle was taken to Borgess Methodist Hospital with injuries from the crash. Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
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 Comstock Township’s fire chief on July 1, 2013, following the retirement of a long-serving chief who had led the department for over 40 years.
Messages of grief and support poured in quickly on Thursday morning, as the fire service community mourned the loss of a respected leader and firefighter.
Thanks, Keith
Chief Ed Switalski retired after 34 years with the Pleasantview Fire District in 2013 and was 55 years old at the time of his death.
From Art Zern:
Ed was an incredible guy—kind, dedicated, and always ready to help. He served as a Battalion Chief for 24 years with the Pleasantview Fire District before retiring and taking on the role of Fire Chief in Comstock Township, Michigan. Many of your readers may have known Ed or even taken 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. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Art Zern
Excerpts from firefightersclosecalls.com:
We are heartbroken to announce that the fire service has lost a true hero and friend in the Line of Duty. At approximately 10:30 p.m. last night, Comstock Township Fire Chief Edward Switalski was struck and killed while working at a crash scene on I-94.
Chief Switalski was returning equipment to service when another vehicle entered the scene and struck him and the rear of his command vehicle. Despite the best efforts of the Comstock firefighters and EMS team, his injuries were too severe, and he passed away at the scene.
Although the department followed all standard safety protocols, the driver managed to bypass the blocking unit. This section of I-94 has a troubling history of similar incidents.
Among his many accomplishments, Chief Switalski was awarded the Medal of Valor in 1989 for his actions during the Line of Duty death of a firefighter while serving with the Pleasantview Fire District in Illinois.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to his wife Holly, his daughters Emily and Allison, and the entire Comstock Township fire family. Ed will be remembered as a hero, a mentor, and a true friend to the fire service across Illinois, Michigan, and the United States.
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