KALAMAZOO, MI – Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Deputy Ryan J. Proxmire died earlier today after he was shot Saturday evening.
“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. 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.” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
On August 14th, 2021, Deputy Ryan J. Proxmire suffered a gunshot wound while he was actively pursuing a fleeing vehicle. Deputy Proxmire was rushed to the hospital for treatment where he remained in extremely critical condition until he died Sunday afternoon.
During the evening hours of Saturday, August 14th, Deputies from the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office made contacted with a suspect at the Shell gas station on 35th Street in Galesburg. The suspect had been involved in a pursuit early that evening with a neighboring agency.
Upon contact, the suspect produced a handgun and pointed it at the Deputies. The suspect then entered a vehicle and fled southbound toward MN Avenue. Kalamazoo County Deputies pursued the suspect vehicle in an attempt to bring the suspect into custody.
During the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple rounds from his vehicle at the pursuing deputies. Kalamazoo County Deputy Ryan J. Proxmire was struck by the gun fire, causing the patrol vehicle to go off the road. The remaining Sheriff’s Deputies continued the pursuit to the area of 44th Street near Q Avenue, where the suspect lost control of his vehicle and left the road, driving off into a field.
Once in the open field, the suspect vehicle became stuck and immobilized. The suspect exited the vehicle and again shot at Sheriff’s Deputies. The Deputies returned fire, and the suspect died at the scene.
A passing motorist located Deputy Proxmire, still in the patrol vehicle on the side of the road. The passing motorist called 911. Deputy Proxmire was transported to a local area hospital.
Deputy Proxmire proudly served the Kalamazoo community as a Deputy Sheriff for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office. He was assigned to the road patrol but has also served Kalamazoo County residents and the Sheriff’s Office with his work in the Jail Division, even filling in as a temporary Sergeant when needed.
As an experienced and professional officer, Deputy Proxmire shared his skills with other officers in his role as a field training officer, Taser instructor, and a subject control/defensive tactics instructor.
Deputy Proxmire, his family, and his brothers and sisters in law enforcement need your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this tragic situation.
Deputy Proxmire had served with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office for nine years. He is survived by his wife, four children, and his parents.
