Sergeant William Darnell

Sergeant Bill Darnell died as the result of complications after contracting COVID-19 while on duty.

In 2008 Sergeant Darnell was ambushed and shot point-blank in the face during a domestic disturbance call. Despite his wounds, Sergeant Darnell was able to fight back and killed his attacker. As a result of his courage, Sergeant Darnell was presented with one of the nation's Top Cop awards by President Barack Obama in 2009.

Sergeant Darnell had served with the DeWitt Township Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Age 52

• Tour 20 years
• Badge Not available

Dennis Rodeman

While participating in the annual “Fill the Boot” fundraising campaign, Firefighter Dennis Rodeman was struck by a pickup truck passing through the charity event. Rodeman was transported to Sparrow Hospital where he passed away from the injuries he sustained in the collision. A preliminary investigation of the incident indicates that the driver of the truck intentionally hit Rodeman who was wearing a reflective vest and other gear. The driver was apprehended by law enforcement.  

Dennis Eber Rodeman, 35, of Owosso, Michigan passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2015. He was born January 27, 1980 in Charlotte, Michigan to Max Dennis and Tonya Jean (Hester) Rodeman. Dennis was a distinguished Veteran, serving with the United States Marine Corps. He was a well-respected and dedicated Firefighter and EMT. He began his career as a volunteer Firefighter with the Vermontville Fire Department and for the last 7 years has dedicated his service to the City of Lansing Fire Department. Dennis had a passion for the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing or shooting his rifles. On Saturdays starting in late August he could be found sitting on the couch (or in a brown chair) watching his favorite college football team, the Michigan Wolverines. Dennis had a great sense of humor, often with a touch of sarcasm. He always knew how to make someone laugh and smile; he truly could light up a room. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, no matter what the situation. But above all, Dennis was a devoted and noble family man and friend, with a profound love for children. He was so excited and thrilled to become a new father. He cherished his family, especially his new wife Kate, and his many friends.

Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife Katherine (Demesa) Rodeman.

Paul Lawrence Cole

Age: 40 Tour: 19 years Cause: Automobile accident Incident Date: 10/6/1996

James M. Pelton

Chief Mason Fire Department Michigan Age: 58 Year of Death: 2001

Jim was born in Lansing‚ Michigan and lived in a rural surrounding area while growing up. After graduating from high school‚ he entered Barber College in Detroit. He passed his State Barber Licensing Boards‚ and began working at the Golden Shear in Mason‚ Michigan. He later purchased the barbershop and continued to work there until announcing his retirement the end of June 2001.

Jim was married to his high school sweetheart‚ Barb‚ in April of 1964. A month later he joined the City of Mason Volunteer Fire Department. He received his training for this new job the old fashioned way‚ on the job. Jim thoroughly enjoyed this new on call position and would respond any time the call went out. This often caused the customer sitting in his barber chair to have to reschedule an appointment or rely on another barber to finish a haircut. It also meant that many social and family events were often interrupted‚ but Jim was living his dream.

Jim worked his way from firefighter through the positions of First Lieutenant‚ Assistant Chief and then became the Mason Fire Chief. He was always looking for ways to educate the public on fire safety. He became a Certified Fire Inspector and would often be invited by local businesses to give suggestions on improving fire safety in their establishments. Safety for firefighters was another of the concerns most pressing on his mind and he worked hard to get proper training and equipment to support them. Jim was instrumental in implementing a variety of training programs‚ including ice rescue‚ hazardous materials handling and vehicle extrication training. Jim’s vision of ‘looking to the future’ was realized when as Chief‚ he oversaw the building of a new fire station in Mason. The purchase of the department’s first aerial platform truck soon followed. Jim dedicated many hours to both projects‚ assuring that the department would be ready to respond in any situation.

Although his time was always occupied‚ Jim enjoyed children and would often stop whatever he was working on to give tours of the fire station. He believed in early fire safety education and would also visit the local elementary schools‚ sometimes offering a ride on the department’s fire engine. He always welcomed local Cub Scout and Boy Scout groups in need of a fire safety lesson to accomplish a merit badge and often took the time to teach ‘the lesson himself. No matter what the question‚ it was never left unanswered.

Jim was a man of many talents. He loved to spend relaxation time in his home workshop doing woodcarvings. His doll cradles‚ children’s rocking chairs‚ and cedar chests have been enjoyed by the many family and friends who received them as gifts.

He was also an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved to bow hunt in the Fall and spend time fishing in the Spring and Summer. He would always work in a Fall hunting or Winter camping trip with his long time friend‚ Kit. They both enjoyed sharing this experience with their own sons from the time they were five years old.

Jim was a dedicated friend. He was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed help‚ no matter what the situation. He would volunteer to organize a work crew‚ order or pick up any materials and still be the first one there‚ hammer in hand‚ ready to begin the job. There are many people who have benefited from this talent and who will remember his kindness.

Jim was an involved community member. He was a life time member of the Mason Optimist Club; co-founder of the Mason Free-Style Wrestling Club; a member of the Michigan Fire Chiefs Association‚ the Alert Fire Association‚ the Tri-County Chiefs Association‚ the Ingham County Fire Chiefs Association‚ the 911 Board and for 37-1/2 years‚ a proud member of the Mason Fire Department.

Jim and his wife were also realizing another dream come true with the purchase of land near Houghton Lake in northern Michigan. Jim’s continued vision of ‘looking to the future’ included the building of a log cabin for his family. The property had many mature red pines‚ which were harvested and with the help of many family and friends were cut‚ peeled‚ shaped and stacked in preparation for construction. Jim was in his glory as he was able to see the main structure go up just prior to his untimely death.

Jim is survived by his wife of 37-1/2 years‚ Barb. They have two sons‚ James C. and fiancee‚ Rachael‚ David L. and wife Rose; two granddaughters‚ Caitlin and Ann; parents‚ Carl and Naomi; sister and brother in law‚ Kay and Bob Lerch; brother and sister in law‚ Gerry and Lyanne Pelton; along with many nieces‚ nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Gary Neil Priess

DeWitt Township Police Department, Michigan End of Watch: Tuesday, January 25, 2000 Age: 43 Tour: 18 years Badge # Not available Cause: Struck by vehicle Incident Date: 1/25/2000 Weapon: Automobile; Commercial Suspect: Guilty of negligent homicide

Officer Gary Priess was killed when he was struck by a tractor trailer while making a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 27 near the I-69 interchange.

Officer Priess was speaking with the driver of the vehicle he had stopped, when the tractor trailer struck his cruiser, and then him. The driver of the tractor trailer pled guilty to negligent homicide and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, 2 years probation, and 60 hours of community service.

Officer Priess is survived by his wife and two young children.

Michael G. Elliott

Firefighter Maple Rapids Fire Department Michigan Age: 46 Year of Death: 2001

Michael G. Elliott‚ 46‚ volunteer firefighter‚ Maple Rapids Fire Department‚ died October 24‚ 2001‚ when his vehicle was struck by a falling tree after he responded to a page during a tornado warning. He served with the department for 18 years. Elliott worked as a truck driver for a local steel company.

He never met a stranger. He was a nice guy to be around.

Rick L. Wilbur

Chief Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department Michigan Age: 56 Year of Death: 2004

Submitted by his wife

Rick Wilbur was the heart of his family‚ his friends‚ his community and his fire department. He will live on in our hearts and memories.

Rick died March 28th‚ 2004‚ while on a fire call. Rick was a founding member of the Eaton Rapids Township Fire Department starting January 1st‚ 1988. He served first as a Lieutenant‚ Deputy Chief‚ then becoming Chief on January 1st‚ 2000. Rick started his volunteer fire career with the Eaton Rapids City Fire Department before 1988. First joining the Eaton Rapids Area Ambulance Service as an Emergency Medical Technician. After a few years they asked him to become a fireman.

Rick was an instructor for the American Red Cross in CPR and First Aid. He never charged for teaching anyone. He felt if someone saved a life by his teaching that was payment enough. There was and still are lives being saved because of him. Rick was a State Certified FFI & II instructor for the state of Michigan.

Rick also was a photographer. He saw the beauty in everything and this showed in his pictures. Rick loved just to get away and go camping or just to get out and get back to the basics of the simple life.

Rick was a prankster and a joker. He always had a joke & a smile for everyone. There was always joking around about his Ford trucks. It was commonly known as his girlfriend because of all the time he spent with it.

Rick was a devoted family man himself. He was really just starting to enjoy being a grandpa. Rick was a very special caring friend to many.

Rick is survived by his wife Linda (of 21 years of marriage)‚ his three children: Thomas (Peggy)‚ Robert (Becky) and Saunci (Rodger) Steele and 10 grandchildren. He is also survived by his family and extended family‚ his dearest friends in the world Roger and Linda McNutt. He will be greatly missed by many in the fire service.