Remembering Southwest Michigan Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Ten brave men have laid down their lives in the line of duty to serve and protect all of us in Southwest Michigan.
It's sad that we need such a resource but the Officer Down Memorial Page lists the "more than 22,000 police officers [who] have made the ultimate sacrifice in the United States since 1791." The list is fascinating reading as a brief biography is included detailing length of service and the (sometimes grisly) details of death in the line of duty. Here, we zero in on the 10 Southwest Michigan officers who gave all in service.
Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety
- Gunfire 4/18/2011
- 10 year tour
Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department
- Gunfire 12/3/1867
- 15 years of service in the Sheriff's Dept.-also a Civil War Veteran
City of Battle Creek Police Department
- Gunfire 5/9/2005
- 20 years on the force
- Struck by vehicle 1/1/1967
- Served 4 months
- Struck by vehicle 5/3/60
- 7 years- Springfield Police Dept
- Assault 8/23/1940
- 31 years on the force
- Accidental gunfire 4/14/1926
- 1 year of service
- Gunfire 5/9/1920
- Served 15 years
Mattawan Police Department
- Vehicle pursuit 7/26/2005
- 4 1/2 months on the force
South Haven Police Department
- Gunfire 1/9/1976
- 15 years on the force
We remember and support all who have worn the badge and protect all of us in Southwest Michigan.