KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — Southwest Michigan said goodbye to Comstock Township Fire Chief Ed Switalski at a funeral service attended by hundreds at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo on Wednesday.
He was remembered as a man who loved the Cubs, the Western Michigan Broncos, his faith and his family.
Emily Switalski is one of his daughters.
“Before he went on every call, my mom, my sister and I would always say, ‘I love you, be safe,’” Switalski said. “Those words were the last words I was ever able to say to him.”
Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer described Switalski as a friend.
“Your legacy of strong character and the highest of integrity will live on in our hearts forever,” Sehlmeyer said.
The body of the Illinois native was delivered to the arena in a 1930s-era Detroit fire truck. It was one of several dozen emergency vehicles to take part in the procession before the funeral.
Switalski was hit by a vehicle at the scene of an emergency last week on Interstate 94. He was 55.
Interment will take place at a private ceremony.
