Firefighter Dennis Rodeman's son Blake never met his father, but he's sure to know the legacy his dad has left behind.
"If he's up on Grand River, and he sees those signs with his father's name on it, I hope it brings a smile to his face and probably a tear to his eye," State Representative Tom Cochran (D-Mason) said. "Remembering his dad and knowing his dad served our country and our community."
N. Grand River Avenue between Waverly and Cedar in Lansing has been renamed Lansing Firefighter Dennis E. Rodeman Memorial Highway.
"This stretch of road, I personally drive every day to get into the city, so I kind of get a little bit of selfishness out of this," Lansing Fire Captain Eric Weber said. "I'll be glad to pass that sign every day, every time I come into the city, and know that Dennis is being remembered."
Kate Rodeman, Dennis' wife, released a statement saying the ceremony and the renaming of the road brought her pride and joy. "The citizens of Lansing and its visitors will see Dennis' name and perhaps spur them to ask or look up 'Who was Dennis Rodeman?' and they will realize the great man he was, and that his service will never be forgotten," Rodeman wrote.
"It's just one way his name will be out there, and I hope the citizens of Lansing will remember his name, and this is one way that we can keep that memory alive," Cochran said.
Cochran, with the help and inspiration of Lansing firefighter Jason Stevens, helped make it happen. Cochran used to be the Lansing fire chief, and actually hired Rodeman. "Dennis was one that, as soon as I met Dennis, I knew that I wanted him to work for the fire department," Cochran said.
Rodeman was the kind of guy you knew would always have your back, and you would be happy to have his, Cochran said. "You can't ever replace the individual, certainly not, but this is a way to honor his memory and the service that he gave to us all," he said.
