In Memoriam: Ed Switalski

Fire Chief Edward Switalski

End of Watch: June 14, 2017
Last Alarm: 17-0722

Ed was sworn into office as Fire Chief on July 1, 2013. He came to Michigan after retiring as a Battalion Chief from the Pleasantview Fire Protection District, a suburb of Chicago, where he served for 34 years. He brought years of experience and passion for the fire service and community with him. As a Chief, he was very actively involved in furthering today’s fire service and a huge proponent of public outreach and community involvement. He stayed very active and was known and loved by many.

On the evening of Wednesday, June 14th, 2017, a 9-1-1 call was dispatched to Comstock Fire & Rescue on Interstate 94 for a possible accident. Like any other routine call, Chief Switalski “990” responded. Fortunately, there were no injuries, a mere slide off. Chief walked to the back of his vehicle and began to doff his turnout gear to head home, when a car traveling at speed on the interstate hit the median concrete wall and bounced across the highway, striking the Chief. Despite the immediate care he began to receive by his fellow firefighters, he ultimately succame to his injuries.

Chief Switalski became the first line of duty death for the Comstock Department of Fire & Rescue since its inception in 1924.

He will never be forgotten. Rest in Peace.