COLDWATER, MI. — The community was in shock with sadness on Tuesday after the unexpected passing of Director of Public Safety Joseph Scheid on Monday evening, Aug. 3.
In a release on Tuesday afternoon, city officials said, “The Coldwater community lost a dedicated leader and public servant. His loss has left a profound impact on the City of Coldwater, the Department of Public Safety, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his career.”
The cause of the death of the 54-year-old director is not known.
City Manager Keith Baker said Michigan State Police are conducting a death investigation and an autopsy will be performed.
The 911 logs show a medical call to the Public Safety building at 57 Division St. at 6:30 p.m.
Baker said LifeCare and Coldwater Fire Department performed CPR and attempted life-saving measures.
The city said details about memorial services honoring Scheid will be shared as arrangements are finalized.
The release expressed gratitude to the Police Department and Fire Department, LifeCare, the Branch County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Branch County Central Dispatch, city leadership, and “The many community members who have offered their support and compassion during this difficult time.”
Many were like Sheriff Fred Blankenship, who joined the sheriff’s department a year before Scheid joined Coldwater Police in December 1996. “We’re just really shocked. I can’t really talk about it right now,” he said.
Scheid advanced through the ranks, becoming the Director of Public Safety in September 2019.
Mayor Tom Kramer on Monday night called Scheid a “Compassionate person who was concerned about enforcing the law but cared for his officers and firefighters as well as the community as a whole.”
Scheid dealt with people experiencing homelessness to see that those who wanted help received it, but also that they were treated fairly and obeyed the law.
Stephanie Burdick worked with Scheid for two years as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the City of Coldwater.
Burdick shared her thoughts, “Sometimes you wonder if you make a difference in the world. If what you do matters. Suppose people will miss you when you’re gone? Joe, I hope there was a never a doubt in your mind. You meant and did so much to so many. Rest in peace, my friend.”
The city pointed out, “Beyond the badge, Joe believed that investing in the next generation was one of the greatest responsibilities of public service,” through his involvement in youth sports, handwritten congratulatory cards to Coldwater High School graduates, and the creation of the Coldwater Police and Fire Scholarship Fund.
CHS graduate Nooh Aljabaly saw him as a father and the reason he became a police officer. “I’ll always be grateful for the impact he’s had on my life. Thank you for everything you taught me and for always believing in me. Your legacy will live on through everyone whose life you’ve touched. You’ll never be forgotten,” he shared.
Scheid reached out to every member of the community.
Businessman Vlad Jeudi, while serving in the Army Reserve, sent a message that Scheid was more than the police chief. “He was a friend, a protector, a respected member of our community, and a true hero. His dedication to keeping the people of Coldwater safe touched many lives, including members of the Haitian community,” Jeudi said.
District Judge Brent Weigle said, “He loved our city, did the best that he could, and worked hard long hours. I pray for him and for his wife and his two daughters.”
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater mourns loss of public safety director
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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By Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter | USA TODAY Network
