KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Deputy Ryan J. Proxmire of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office died Sunday, hours after being shot during a pursuit.
The Sheriff's Office announced Deputy Proxmire's death on Aug. 15, just before 6 p.m.
Deputy Proxmire was part of a group of deputies who responded to the Shell Gas Station in Galesburg on Saturday night. The deputies were attempting to take a suspect, 35-year-old Kyle Goidosik of Vicksburg, into custody after an earlier pursuit by Portage police.
It's not clear what violation Portage police's traffic stop attempt was related to.
When the deputies approached, Goidosik pulled out a gun and pointed it at them, according to the sheriff's office.
Goidosik was able to drive off, leading them on a chase south.
Just a few minutes into the pursuit, the suspect opened fire at the deputies, shooting Deputy Proxmire near the intersection of MN Avenue and 38th Street in Climax Township. Deputy Proxmire's cruiser went off the road.
While the remaining deputies continued the chase, a Good Samaritan stopped and called 911. Deputy Proxmire was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. The Sheriff's Office reported his condition as "extremely critical" before he died.
Deputy Proxmire previously worked in the corrections department before his service in road patrol. He was a field training officer, Taser instructor, and subject control/defensive tactics instructor.
READ: Suspect killed after pursuit in Climax Township
"Deputy Proxmire’s death earlier today from wounds suffered in a shooting last night should remind us of the danger law enforcement officers face every single day on the job," said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel in a statement on Proxmire's passing. "Like his colleagues in uniform, Deputy Proxmire pledged to protect and serve his community. Today he paid that commitment with his life – the ultimate sacrifice. His family and friends must live with that sacrifice for the rest of their lives. Deputy Proxmire served his community with honor and dignity and will always be remembered for his courage."
"On behalf of the Portage City Council and City of Portage employees, I offer condolences and sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of slain Kalamazoo County Sheriff Deputy, Ryan J. Proxmire," said Adam D. Herringa, Portage's acting City Manager, in a statement released Monday afternoon. "We are all shocked and deeply saddened at the events that took the life of Deputy Proxmire in the line of duty. At this difficult time, we reflect on the sacrifices that law enforcement officers everywhere make every day as they put their lives on the line to protect our safety. Deputy Proxmire gave his life to serve and protect the people of Kalamazoo County and he will forever be remembered for this ultimate sacrifice.”
According to the state of Michigan, Deputy Proxmire is just the second Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Deputy to die in the line of duty.
MORE COVERAGE:
- Kalamazoo County deputy who died on-duty honored at vigil
- Gov. Whitmer releases statement on death of Kalamazoo County Deputy Ryan Proxmire
- LIVE at 1 p.m.: Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office holds news conference on Deputy Proxmire's death
- ‘Proxmire ran towards danger so others didn’t have to’: Fallen deputy remembered for his passion and service
- 'It Impacts All of Us': Fallen Deputy's story reaches across state lines
- A family kept a deputy's card because of how kind he was. The next day he was shot on-duty.
- 'Another senseless and terrible tragedy': Family of suspect in Deputy Proxmire's death releases statement
- Kalamazoo Co. Sheriff's Office raising funds to help family of Deputy Ryan Proxmire
- Memorial service for fallen deputy upcoming
- Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office releases details for Sgt. Proxmire's funeral procession, memorial
- Whitmer lowers flags to half-staff to honor Sgt. Proxmire
