Family says Redford native killed in Dallas was great guy, dedicated policemen

The bloodshed in Dallas hits close to home with a Redford Township native among the lives lost.

Michael Krol was one of the officers killed by snipers in Texas Thursday in the line of duty. From 2003-2007 Krol was in law enforcement as a Wayne County Sheriff's Deputy.

His family spoke about Krol's dedication to his family and the law enforcement calling which his uncle said, started early on.

"Mike was a great guy, he was a dedicated policeman," said Ron Fegan, Michael's uncle. "He had committed himself real early in his life to being a policeman.

"He went down to Dallas because he wanted to live down there, and he loved it down there."

Brian Schoenbaechler also joined Fegan outside the family house in Redford to talk about Krol.

"I just really wanted Michael to be honored by the selfless service that he showed," said Schoenbaechler, Krol's brother-in-law. "I think this is how he lived his life. He really wanted to be a cop.

"He took all the steps in his life to prepare him to achieve that goal."

Krol's mother Susan Elkhe released these words regarding the death of her son.

"He was living a dream of being a police officer," she wrote. "Just turned 40 in April. He knew the danger of the job but he never shied away from his duty as a police officer. He was a great caring person and wanted to help people. A wonderful son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend."

Wayne County Sheriff Benny Napolean also issued a statement.

"We are saddened by the loss of the dedicated officers in Dallas-one of whom was a former member of this agency-and also the wounding of the other officers," said Sheriff Napoleon.  "Those officers made the ultimate sacrifice and died honoring their oaths to protect and serve.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and also the Dallas Police Department."

FOX 2 spoke with a man who kept in touch with Krol after he left Wayne County to become a police officer in Dallas

"I knew him, he was a good guy," the friend said. "He always stood out. When we were visiting Michigan we would always get together."

Because he doesn't know who may be responsible for the attack, he asked FOX 2 to not identify him.