Comstock, MI, Deputy Fire Chief Axed after DUI Crash that Hurt Girl
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COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, MI — Comstock Township Supervisor Ben Martin recognized the deputy fire chief’s years of service before taking a roll call vote on his future. The decision was unanimous.
The Township Board fired Michael Dyer on Monday, Sept. 29.
Dyer is alleged to have run into a child while drunk driving on June 22, court records show.
“It gives me a little comfort ... but no, I’m not satisfied with it at all,” said Alma Harris, grandmother of the 11-year-old girl Dyer hit.
Dyer entered a plea of no contest to operating intoxicated causing serious injury, Kalamazoo Gazette reported previously.
By pleading no contest, Dyer does not admit guilt, but accepts the punishment associated with the charges. His sentencing is set for Monday, Nov. 10.
The sentence agreement indicates he will get probation with no “upfront” jail time and will pay restitution, documents state. Dyer could get jail time if he violates his probation, however.
“That ain’t enough,” Harris said.
Dyer, 63, was driving a 2020 Ford F-450 in the June 22 crash at 12:01 a.m. and struck a juvenile, causing a fractured bone that required surgery, a police report states.
Now, her granddaughter is unable to move and enjoy the same activities she did before her injuries, Harris said.
“I don’t think that nobody should ever have to go through what he did to her,” she said.
Dyer was booked at the Kalamazoo County Jail, where he blew a blood alcohol content of .158, and then .146 when tested again at 1:06 a.m.
The legal limit for driving in Michigan is a BAC of .08.
To serve as deputy chief, Dyer must have a valid drivers license, valid medical license and insurability, Fire Chief Matt Beauchamp said.
The “no contest” plea makes him uninsurable, Clerk Nicole Beauchamp said. If he can’t drive a township truck, he can’t do his job.
“We’ve waited long enough for him to come forward and resign,” said Treasurer Sandra Bloomfield. “It is time for us to move forward.”
Dyer was placed on paid leave immediately after the incident. He was moved to unpaid leave when arraigned in July, Superintendent Scott Hess said.
The board voted 4-3 on Aug. 18 to keep Dyer on unpaid leave, allowing the matter to move forward in court first.
Dyer was not present on Monday to request a closed-session meeting. He could not be immediately reached for comment.
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