Summary: A Lansing firefighter was intentionally struck and killed by a pickup truck while collecting money alongside the road for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Lansing, Michigan is mourning the tragic loss of one of their firefighters yesterday. Seven-year veteran of the Lansing Fire Department and Iraq War veteran Dennis Rodeman was participating in an annual fundraiser when he was struck by a truck that swerved to hit him.
Rodeman was wearing a reflective vest and other gear as he stood in the road next to a turning lane. The roadside fundraiser collects money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the International Association of Fire Fighters.
The 22-year-old driver of the truck was upset for some reason with Rodeman and circled back around to strike him. A witness said she saw the truck swerve from one lane to the other to strike Rodeman. The driver then fled in his truck before stopping the car and running on foot before being caught by police. Charges have not been filed but he is being held on suspicion of murder and felony fleeing and eluding.
Thirty-five-year-old Rodeman was married just two months ago and was expecting his first child. The community is shocked that someone would target someone described by fellow fire fighters as a joy to work around and with an “unblemished” work record.
Photo: newsunited.com