Holly MatkinShelby, MI – Shelby Township Police Department (STPD) Sergeant Daniel Kammerzell died in the line of duty on Saturday after being found unresponsive inside his patrol vehicle, according to police.
The 51-year-old sergeant’s exact cause of death was not immediately released, but investigators said it did not involve any criminal or suspicious circumstances, Macomb Daily reported.
“Sgt. Kammerzell was found unresponsive in his patrol vehicle while on duty,” police confirmed, according to the paper.
Officers blocked of traffic between 23 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue on Saturday while a procession of law enforcement vehicles escorted the ambulance that was transporting the fallen sergeant’s body from the scene, Macomb Daily reported.
The STPD confirmed Sgt. Kammerzell’s death in a press release on Monday.
“With great sadness we announce the death of Sergeant Daniel Kammerzell on November 5th, 2022,” the department said. “Sergeant Kammerzell died in the performance of his duties for the Shelby Township Police Department.”
Sgt. Kammerzell served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from high school, according to his obituary.
He spent seven years serving the Detroit Police Department (DPD) prior to joining the STPD 18 years ago.
Sgt. Kammerzell took on multiple assignments during his years of service with the STPD, to include working as a detective, field training officer, training coordinator, range instructor, and evidence technician, Macomb Daily reported.
He was a founding member and assistant team leader of the department’s Tactical Response Unit and also served on the Metro Macomb SWAT.
“Sgt. Kammerzell always came to work in a great mood; cracking jokes and making everyone laugh,” the STPD said. “We thank you Sgt. Kammerzell for your dedication to this community. Rest in peace, brother, you will be greatly missed.”
He leaves behind his wife, Jill, his children, Avery, Nathan, and Zachary, and his granddaughter, Delilah, according to his obituary.
Sgt. Kammerzell is also survived by his parents, in-laws, siblings, nephews, and nieces.
A fundraising campaign established to help his family in the wake of their loss has raised more than $6,100 so far.
Sgt. Kammerzell will be laid to rest on Nov. 11.
Sergeant Daniel Kammerzell, a 17-year veteran of the Shelby Township Police Department, suddenly passed away while on duty yesterday at the age of 51. No suspicious or criminal activity was involved in his death. pic.twitter.com/p3ugEczPaw
— Macomb County Scanner (@Macomb_Scanner) November 6, 2022
Our thoughts go out to the men and women of the Shelby Twp. Police Department who are mourning the tragic loss of Sgt. Daniel Kammerzell, a 17-year veteran who suddenly passed away while on duty yesterday at the age of 51. RIP Sarge, we have the watch from here. pic.twitter.com/MmEiTK4tML
— Auburn Hills Police Department (@AHPOLICE) November 6, 2022
We send our deepest condolences to the Shelby Township Police Department, along with the family and friends of Sgt. Daniel Kammerzell, who died while on duty on Nov. 5.
Sgt. Kammerzell was an 18-year veteran of Shelby PD and previously served with the Detroit Police Department. pic.twitter.com/W72QOv596v
— Detroit Police News (@detroitpolice) November 7, 2022
Today we offer sincere condolences for the family and friends of Veteran Sergeant Daniel Kammerzell of the Shelby Twp. PD, whom passed away suddenly at the age of 51 while on duty. Kammerzell was a 17-year member of the police department. RIP pic.twitter.com/qKbnFhcqVn
— POAM (@MIPOAM) November 6, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Shelby Township Police Department (STPD) Sergeant Daniel Kammerzell, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
