Southfield Fire Chief missing after jumping into Lake St. Clair

Boat operator taken into custody; Search for chief resumes Sunday

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The search for Southfield Fire Chief Keith Rowley in Lake St. Clair is now a recovery effort, according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

The search has resumed Sunday morning. Authorities hope the waters will be calmer if people are in church during the morning.

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said dive teams had been looking for the 58-year-old since he jumped into the water Friday night to go after a hat. Police say the GPS on the boat was either broken or deactivated, so authorities don't have the exact location of where the chief fell in the water.

Saturday afternoon, Wickersham said the search was called off and dive teams were now looking for his body.

Wickersham said the 40-foot boat Rowley was on circled several times to try to get a life preserver to him, but choppy water appears to have made it difficult for him to tread water and he was seen going under.

A friend of the chief, who did not want to be identified, said he knows the driver of the boat -- a 55-year-old man from Troy. Two other women were also on the boat when the chief drowned.

The driver of the boat was taken into custody for being intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle. The friend Local 4 News spoke with said he has since been released.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rowley family at this very difficult time," commented Mayor Donald Fracassi. "Chief Rowley is one of Southfield's finest. He is known for his outstanding character and positive personality. He is an outstanding fire chief and is well liked and respected by the department and the community."

Rowley was with the Southfield Fire Department since 1979, serving as chief since 2012. He is a married father of two. All those involved in the recovery mission not only knew him, but looked up to him.

The marine unit and U.S. Coast Guard planned to continue searching for the chief until sundown.


About the Authors:

Priya joined WDIV-Local 4 in 2013 as a reporter and fill-in anchor. Education: B.A. in Communications/Post Grad in Advanced Journalism