Michigan State Police, Michigan
End of Watch Saturday, February 1, 1992
Add to My HeroesJames R. DeLoach
Trooper James DeLoach and Trooper Steven Niewiek were killed when their patrol car was struck by a train as they responded to a call to assist a fellow trooper who was struggling with a suspect at a nearby tavern.
At the Scott Lake Road railroad crossing, the troopers crossed in front of an eastbound Canadian National freight train. The patrol car exploded on impact and was thrown about 400 feet. Several citizens were able to pull Trooper Niewiek from the burning car, but due to the intensity of the fire, they were unable to reach Trooper DeLoach, who was pinned in the driver's seat.
Trooper DeLoach died instantly, and Trooper Niewiek passed away during surgery at 3:35 am the following morning at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.
Six citizens who pulled the two troopers from the wreckage received the Citizen's Award for Bravery for their actions.
Trooper DeLoach had been with the Michigan State Police for three years. He is survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 3 years
- Badge 1574
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by train
Most Recent Reflection
View all 26 ReflectionsTrooper DeLoach,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Michigan. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
February 1, 2022
Recent LODD Deaths
![Segus R. Jolivette](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27106/c_2024_jolivette.jpg)
Senior Corporal Segus R. Jolivette
Lafayette Police Department, LA
EOW: July 25, 2024
![Mohamed Said](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27101/police-officer-mohamed-said.jpg)
Corporal Mohamed Said
Melvindale Police Department, MI
EOW: July 21, 2024
![Edgar Ordonez](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27100/c_edgar-ordonez.jpg)
Probationary Police Officer Edgar Ordonez
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: July 10, 2024
![Robert William Sumner](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27096/c_robert-sumner.png)
Corporal Robert William Sumner
Oklahoma Department of Corrections, OK
EOW: July 14, 2024
![Matthew Bowen](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27095/police-officer-matthew-bowen.jpg)
Police Officer Matthew Bowen
Vacaville Police Department, CA
EOW: July 11, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fernando Esqueda
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: July 11, 2024
![Kevin Linn Palmer](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27091/c_k._palmer.jpg)
Assistant Chief Kevin Linn Palmer
North Richland Hills Police Department, TX
EOW: May 1, 2024
![Jamieson Ritter](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27085/police-officer-jamieson-ritter.jpg)
Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Cleveland Division of Police, OH
EOW: July 4, 2024
![William Butler, Jr.](https://www.odmp.org/media/thumb/125/officer/27084/c_butler-bill.jpg)
Deputy Sheriff William Butler, Jr.
Hillsdale County Sheriff's Office, MI
EOW: June 27, 2024