Family, friends and fellow firefighters gathered to remember Lansing firefighter Dennis Rodeman today in an emotional service.
Rodeman was killed last Wednesday when police say a man hit him deliberately while he was collecting money for charity.
The funeral started at 10 a.m. at the Breslin Center on Michigan State University's campus. Thousands were in attendance including a sea of uniformed firefighters. Rodeman's family was presented with an American flag and his firefighting helmet before bagpipers played Amazing Grace.
Thank you to all who are out to support our #LansingHero, Dennis Rodeman, as we wait for the procession. pic.twitter.com/mkykfRgnqE
— City of Lansing, MI (@lansingmichigan) September 16, 2015
Grant Taylor, 22, is charged with open murder, failing to stop at the scene of a personal injury accident causing death, and two counts of fleeing and eluding relating to Rodeman's death.
A GoFundMe has been set up for Rodeman's family. You can find more information at GoFundMe.com/LansingHero.
Lansing Mayor Virg Bernaro released the following statement about 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.
