KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM) — Plumbers and pipefitters are pooling their resources to help the family of a Mattawan man shot and killed with his son outside the Seelye Kia car dealership on Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo.
Mike Corliss with UA Local 357 said they’re doing what they can to help the family of a 27-year member of the union, 53-year-old Richard Smith.
“There are several cards circulating on several job sites throughout the southwest Michighan area,” Smith said.
He also said the response to the drive so far has been significant.
“I just got a check from our international for $10,000, and the business manager for the Detroit Pipefitters called and said they did a hat-passing at their meeting the other night for $800,” Corliss said.
Smith and his son, 17-year-old Tyler Smith, were among six killed during the Feb. 20 shooting rampage in Kalamazoo.
Those outside the union looking to donate to the fund are urged to mail a check to the agency’s address on Shaver Road in Schoolcraft.
Make the check out to: Plumber and Fitters Local 357 Community Service Trust Fund
The address: 11847 Shaver Road; Schoolcraft, MI 49087
– Anthony Pollreisz
