Lansing Firefighter Dies After Alleged Intentional Hit & Run At Charity Stop

UPDATE: Dennis Rodeman, 35, was married two months ago and expecting a baby, it was revealed in a Wednesday night press conference.  The suspect, a 22 year old male, will be charged with murder and fleeing/eluding on Thursday.  Flags will fly at half-staff on Thursday to honor Rodeman.

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UPDATE: Mayor Virg Bernero made the tragic announcement on Wednesday evening that Lansing Firefighter Dennis Rodeman, 35,  passed away from injuries he sustained after being intentionally struck by a 22 year old male with whom he had a confrontation minutes prior, WILX-TV reports.

The full text of his statement is below.  A press conference is expected at 8:30pm.

"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."

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Original Story
Muscular Dystrophy Association's "Fill the Boot" campaign is underway and firefighters have been out collecting money at area intersections.

At around 3:30pm, at the intersection of Jolly and Cedar, a driver reportedly struck a firefighter following some sort of altercation.  The driver then left the scene.

The firefighter's injuries are described as serious.  When authorities caught up to the suspect in a south Lansing neighborhood, he attempted to flee, according to WLNS-TV.  He was arrested shortly before 4pm.

A 5:30pm press conference is expected.  Story developing...

Sending thoughts and prayers to all area service personnel and their families.