LANSING, Mich. (FOX 47) — Police believe the suspect hit the firefighter on purpose, the FOX affiliate in Lansing is reporting.
Dennis Rodeman, a firefighter in Lansing, died after being struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon.
According to FOX 47, it happened at the corner of Jolly Road and Cedar Street in Lansing. Rodeman was struck following a confrontation with a man as the 35-year-old firefighter was collecting money for the “Fill the Boot” campaign. The charitable event raises money for muscular dystrophy.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero released a statement following Rodeman’s death:
“On behalf of the Lansing Fire Department and the City of Lansing, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Fire Fighter Dennis Rodeman, a seven-year veteran of LFD, who was struck this afternoon by a hit-and-run driver in a senseless, unthinkable tragedy that has left all of us in a state of shock. We join the men and women of Lansing Fire and all citizens of Lansing in expressing our deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues for this heartbreaking loss.
“While his extraordinary life story will be told in the days ahead, we know that Fire Fighter Rodeman was also a veteran of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion of the 24th Marine Regiment, United States Marine Corps. He served his country with great pride, bravery and ability, having survived a tour of duty in Fallujah, Iraq, one of the most dangerous places in the world. It is beyond comprehension that this American hero lost his life on the streets of Lansing while collecting charitable contributions for children afflicted by muscular dystrophy.
“May the memory of Lansing Fire Fighter and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dennis Rodeman – a hero twice over – be forever etched in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him.”
A 32-year-old suspect was arrested and was being held on charges of leaving the scene and fleeing and eluding.
“He’s been arrested on probable cause, those charges on probable cause as his fate stands right now is open murder and felony, feeling allude,” Lansing Police Chief Michael Yankowski said during a Wednesday night press conference.
