Redford Township Firefighter Dies In Skiing Accident
REDFORD TWP. (WWJ) - A 32-year old Redford Township firefighter who helped save a woman's life last summer died Wednesday after a skiing accident in Colorado.
Authorities say Michael Bettley was skiing with family and friends at Arapahoe Basin when he apparently lost control while skiing at a high rate of speed and tumbled several times. Bettley died from blunt force trauma to his chest.
Bettley was a ten year veteran of the Redford Township Fire Department. Last summer he was among 11 firefighters who received an award for saving a woman whose house was on fire. The woman was not breathing and couldn't get out of the home. Bettley and other firefighters/medics from Station 1 rescued her.
"Mike was always one of the first members of this department to volunteer for special assignments," said Redford Fire Chief James Gomulka in a statement. "Through his efforts, he helped save this department countless thousands of dollars as he repaired the fire engines and other fire department vehicles."
Bettley also served as one of the Redford Township Fire Department representatives on the Western Wayne Fire Department Mutual Aid Association's HAZMAT Team.
Bettley's father, Ronald Bettley, is a retired Battalion Chief from the Dearborn Fire Department.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Memorial Fund donations can be sent to:
Michael Bettley Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 39242
Redford, MI 48239
