Ryan Joseph Proxmire, 39, was a nine-year deputy with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office who died of a gunshot wound received while on duty. The shooting occurred on August 14, 2021, during an incident that began when deputies confronted a man at a gas station in Galesburg believed to be linked to an earlier chase. The suspect fled, fired at pursuing officers during a high-speed pursuit, and one round struck Deputy Proxmire, causing his patrol car to leave the road near MN Avenue and 38th Street in Charleston Township.

The pursuit continued and ended about 4.5 miles later when the suspect’s vehicle became stuck in a field. The suspect exited and again fired on deputies, who returned fire and fatally wounded him at the scene. A passing motorist later found Deputy Proxmire in his disabled vehicle; he was taken to a local hospital in critical condition and died the next day. He was posthumously promoted to sergeant and is survived by his wife and four children.

If anyone has information about the events that night or knew Deputy Proxmire, please share what you can.