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Dive teams search for Southfield fire chief

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, Michigan – The 58-year-old Southfield Fire Chief went overboard during a boating trip on Lake St. Clair Friday night, leading Macomb County Sheriff’s deputies to launch an investigation into the possible drowning. According to media reports, Rowley went in the water to retrieve his hat but he did not surface.

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Macomb County Sheriff’s Marine Division and U.S. Coast Guard dive teams have been looking for the chief all night and will continue their search Saturday morning. They also interviewed Rowley’s friends, a 55-year-old Rochester Hills woman, a 38-year-old Bloomfield Township woman and a 55-year-old Troy man.

Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said that Keith Rowley, 58, of Milford, was on a 40-foot boat with friends about 2 ½ miles out from the marina when he jumped in the water at approximately 7:12 p.m. July 31.

Three other people were aboard the boat including one Troy man who was handcuffed and arrested on an Operating a Watercraft While Intoxicated charge. Wickersham said the search has now turned into a recovery mission.

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