Political Quotes

“today, I wish to honor the 38-year public service career of Comstock, MI, fire chief Edward Switalski. Known for his bravery and devotion to his family and community, Chief Switalski was killed in the line of duty on June 14, 2017, having been struck and killed by a motorist on Interstate 94 in Kalamazoo County, as he was responding to a previous car crash at that site. He is survived by his wife, Holly, and two daughters, Alison and Emily. Chief Switalski's dream of becoming a firefighter arrived early. As a child, he volunteered to clean equipment and perform other tasks for his local fire department. His career began as a part-time paramedic at Pleasantview Fire District in Illinois in 1982; while there, he rose to become battalion chief before retiring after 32 years of service and moving to Michigan to be closer to his daughters. While in Illinois, Chief Switalski won numerous awards and citations, including one for running into the basement of a burning building in an attempt to rescue one of his colleagues. The chief was also a compassionate volunteer who traveled to New Orleans to help rebuild the community in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Katrina. After his relocation to Michigan, Switalski became the chief of the Comstock, MI, fire department in 2013. Chief Switalski quickly became known as a visionary leader who would often pick up open firefighting shifts in his small department.…”