Prev
Incident
Sergeant Ryan Proxmire succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained the previous night while involved in a vehicle pursuit.
A subject who had evaded officers in an earlier vehicle pursuit was spotted at a gas station on 35th Street near Galesburg. As deputies approached him, the man produced a gun and fled in his vehicle, prompting a second pursuit. During the second pursuit, the subject started shooting at the pursuing deputies. One of the rounds struck Sergeant Proxmire, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway near the intersection of MN Avenue and 38th Street in Charleston Township.
Unaware that Sergeant Proxmire had been wounded, the other deputies continued the pursuit for another 4-1/2 miles until the subject's vehicle became stuck in a field. The man exited his vehicle and shot at the deputies again, who returned fire and killed him.
A passing motorist encountered Sergeant Proxmire's vehicle and called 911. He was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wound the following day.
Sergeant Proxmire had served with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office for nine years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, four children, and parents.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtp3hz98dr1088x609aj0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Ryan. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Proxmire gave the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Kalamazoo community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Proxmire.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Ryan is one of 415 officers killed feloniously in MI, 59% of the 703 remembered there.
Ryan is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Ryan is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2021, 1 officer in MI was killed feloniously, the 81st heaviest of 124 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 14.
In 2021, 90 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 66th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 2021, 92 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Ryan was 40. Of the 400 killed feloniously in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 42; the middle age was 35. Ryan had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Ryan was 40. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Ryan had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Ryan was 40. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Ryan had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 9.2% of these deaths in MI; December holds the most, 12.3%. Sundays: 16.6%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 66.7% of all 3 deaths at Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 59% of all 703 deaths in MI, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.6% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Ryan among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
