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This Milford Fire Department photo from Saturday morning's drill is among the last taken of Ron Savage, center.
(Facebook photo via Huel Perkins)
Social media tributes to Ron Savage come from media colleagues, firefighting comrades and admirers of his broadcast journalism and community service.
"He will be missed by many," posts Sheriff Mike Bouchard of Oakland County. "Kind, dedicated and caring. We lost one of the good guys."
In a phone interview with Fox 2, the sheriff -- who became a friend of Savage's -- says:
"He was completely passionate about giving back to the community. He was our MC at different award days and fallen hero stuff.'
The Fox 2 Detroit anchor and investigative reporter died of an apparent heart attack Saturday morning while training with fellow fire department volunteers in Milford, where the 63-year-old newsman lived with his wife, Mitzi, and high school-age son, Ronald Jr.
"Ron's generosity and his dedication to many community causes touched many," says Fire Chief Thomas M. Moore.
From Macomb, County Executive Mark Hackl tells Fox 2:
Macomb County Exec Hackel: Ron Savage's death a 'huge loss'
"You ask him something and he would be there. He always came with a smile, warmth and a civility that seems to be, at times, too lacking in today's world. . . .
"Not only was he a good reporter, he was a great public safety supporter. And I know that firsthand from being in law enforcement all these years and watching him cover some of the stories that he had. . . . Not only was he big in stature, but big in personality.
"Let's just face it, this is going to be a huge loss for many of us."
A particularly poignant salute comes from friend and colleague Huel Perkins, who sat Saturday night in the co-anchor chair Savage was scheduled to occupy alongside Amy Lange. Shortly before air time, Perkins posted on Facbeook:
Superman is gone! This morning, the Fox-2 family lost its biggest hero.
Ron Savage was not only a great anchor and reporter, he was a real-life hero. For years, Ron would take off his suit and tie and put on the helmet and coat he used to fight fires and save lives. We thought he was indestructible.
He lives on in the hearts and minds of everyone who knew him.
We're sending our love and sympathy to his wife and son. And we pray that we can follow his example of courage, kindness, integrity and strength.
Ron Savage is described by Fox 2 colleague Charlie Langton as "such a great person -- always friendly, so down-to-earth and so willing to help others."
Others who worked with Savage or knew him share these reflections:
- Devin Scillian, WDIV anchor: "Stunned and saddened to hear the Detroit news family has lost Ron Savage."
- George Hunter, Detroit News: "Ron was such a nice guy. Always helpful to other reporters and always jovial."
- Charlie Langton, Fox 2 reporter: "I am devastated by this news. Ron was such a great person -- always friendly, so down-to-earth and so willing to help others."
- Jessica Starr, Fox 2 meteorologist: "Ron was full of life, never in a bad mood, one of a kind and true giving soul."
- Jay Towers, WNIC Radio host: "Ron Savage was one of the nicest, most genuine human beings to walk this earth. . . . We will miss him terribly."
- David Shepardson, past Detroit News reporter: "Awful news. Great Detroit reporter"
Shocked viewers also express admiration, as more than 100 do by Saturday night on the station's Facebook page. A sampling:
- "I am in utter shock! My husband is in utter shock! Ron is our go-to reporter for the weekend news. We just saw him. We are so saddened by this news. . . . FOX 2 Detroit will not be the same." -- Susanne Charen-Disotell, Clinton Township
- "I can say from being a Fox 2 viewer since forever, I enjoyed him and his humor. He will truly will be missed." -- Ren'ee Wilks, Detroit
- "Ron was so nice to everyone he came in contact with." -- Gary Watts, Warren
- "I've known Ron for many years, both as a fellow firefighter and as a supporter of the Humane Society. He was truly the best of the best in all respects and will be sorely missed by all who knew him." -- Ken McLaurin, Pinckney
Related coverage:
Fox 2's Ron Savage, 63, Dies While Training for Detroit Charity Stair-Climb Sunday
