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Incident
Patrolman Albert DeSmet was killed when his patrol car was struck during a high-speed pursuit. Clinton Township Police were pursuing a vehicle traveling into Roseville after the driver had rammed and hit two vehicles. Patrolman DeSmet and his partner activated their emergency lights and pulled onto the southbound lanes of Gratiot when the vehicle struck them from behind. The patrol car slid into the median, and the driver continued to drive until he crashed at the intersection on 12 Mile Road. The driver of the vehicle was found not guilty by reason of insanity and released after being committed to a state hospital for four years. Patrolman DeSmet had served with the Roseville Police Department for 24 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Also honored at salute.nw — U.S. Air Force. One record, 2 gates. Albert is one person.
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Tributes
24 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman DeSmet gave the Roseville Police Department 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Roseville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman DeSmet.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Albert Oscar DeSmet served in the U.S. Air Force (1964â1968) before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Roseville Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Albert is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Albert is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Albert is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1987, 3 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 16th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1987, 76 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 35th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1987, 95 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Albert was 44. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Albert had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Albert was 44. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Albert had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Albert was 44. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Albert had served 24 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.5% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 14.7%.
November holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 25% of all 4 deaths at Roseville Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 14.3% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Roseville Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Albert among them.
Where
Military Service
Albert Oscar DeSmet served in the U.S. Air Force (1964–1968) before joining law enforcement.
Visit Albert Oscar DeSmet’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 22-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Roseville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
