September 9, 2015

Background:

On the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 9, a hit-and-run driver tragically struck Lansing, Mich. Local 421 fire fighter Dennis Rodeman during an MDA Fill the Boot drive. He later died at a local hospital as a result of the injuries he suffered. Police have apprehended the man driving the vehicle and are investigating this incident. Witnesses on the scene report that the driver intentionally hit fire fighter Rodeman.

The boot drive was part of a Lansing-wide Fill the Boot blitz. There were numerous fire fighters and MDA staff on site who witnessed the incident. Safety protocols were in place and fire fighters participating in the boot drive were wearing helmets and reflective safety vests. Safety cones and Fill the Boot signage were also in place.

For 61 years the International Association of Fire Fighters has supported MDA with fire fighters across America fundraising to support its mission. The IAFF is MDA’s largest national sponsor having raised nearly $558 million since 1954. Funds raised through Fill the Boot help support worldwide research, specialized health care services and support for kids and adults fighting muscular dystrophy, ALS and other muscle-debilitating diseases. The Lansing Fire Department has been participating in Fill the Boot drives since the 1970s and has raised millions locally for MDA. This is the only fatality in the history of the 61-year IAFF program.

The following is a statement attributed to MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks:

“The extended MDA family is in a state of shock and mourning, devastated by the passing of Lansing fire fighter Dennis Rodeman, a proud International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) member and MDA volunteer.  We are in close communications with the Lansing Fire Department, our IAFF national partners and local law enforcement officials who have the hit-and-run suspect in custody and are investigating this unspeakable act.  On behalf of all the MDA families supported and cared for by our fire fighter partners and heroes, we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kate, his family and friends, and his IAFF brothers and sisters.”