Lake search continues for Southfield fire chief

Harrison Township — A second-day of searching for the body of a missing Southfield fire chief continued Sunday with the threat of rough weather rolling into the area, said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham.

Wickersham’s divers and deputies were joined by members from other area police agencies as searchers attempted to broaden their hunt in an area of Lake St. Clair where Southfield Fire Chief Keith Rowley disappeared Friday night while boating with others. Dive teams and searchers were still out at 8 p.m. Sunday.

“We have searched a large area but have not found anything yet and hope we don’t have to call it off due to rough water,” said Wickersham. “if we do, we will be out again on Monday.”

Members of Rowley’s family and co-workers from Southfield awaited word much of the day from the sheriff’s marine division.

The 58-year-old Rowley, who was not wearing a life jacket, reportedly jumped out of the boat in an effort to retrieve a friend’s hat. Rowley has been a member of Southfield’s fire department since 1979 and its chief since 2012.

A 55-year-old Troy man who was driving the 40-foot boat was taken into custody Friday night for driving while intoxicated. The man and two women who were aboard the boat were interviewed by investigators and said they circled the area where Rowley was several times in an effort to throw him a life preserver but could not locate him.

The boat driver was questioned and has since been released.

mmartindale@detroitnews.com

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