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Francis "Frank" Dombrowski
A veteran Detroit firefighter was shot and killed Monday night in Troy in what police say is a suspected road rage incident. A suspect is in custody.
Senior Lt. Fancis "Frank" Dombrowski, 55, who had been with the department for 29 years, was driving south on Rochester Road in a Crown Victoria Ford shortly after 9:30 p.m. Monday, and apparently got into a dispute with another driver, Sgt. Jason Clark of Troy Police tells Deadline Detroit. The two cars ended up in a Shell gas sation lot at Rochester Road and East Wattles.
Each driver left his car and argued. The passenger in the other car, a White Jeep Cherokee, allegedly shot and killed the firefighter, police said.
The Jeep driver and passenger came to the Troy Police Department in the early morning hours Tuesday, and the suspected shooter was taken into custody, said Sgt. Clark. No charges had been filed as of early Tuesday afternoon.
The gas station where the lieutenant was shot.
Police did not initially identify the victim, but sources familiar with the incident disclosed him name to Deadline Detroit. Subsequently, city officials revealed his name.
"He was one of the hardest-working, driven, dedicated firefighters," said a fellow lieutenant, who spoke on the condition on anonymity because he's not authorized to talk to the media about the incident. "He was fearless. "
I stand with the entire Detroit Fire Department and our city in the tragic loss of Senior Lieutenant Francis Dombrowski who died on Monday evening, July 5 in Troy. He will be missed terribly. pic.twitter.com/um4CoSDVZn
— Mayor Mike Duggan (@MayorMikeDuggan) July 6, 2021
Detroit Fire Commissioner Eric Jones issued a statement:
"Senior Lieutenant Francis Dombrowski served the citizens of Detroit and the Detroit Fire Department with honor and distinction for 29 years. We are deeply saddened to hear about his tragic loss. He will be missed by his family, friends and his family here at the Detroit Fire Department."
