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Incident
Patrolman Robert Dexter was killed in a vehicle crash while pursuing a suspected rum runner on Woodward Avenue at about 11:00 pm.
His patrol car struck an unrelated vehicle that was traveling in the wrong direction near the city's northern border.
Patrolman Dexter was taken to a local hospital where he died shortly after midnight. Several gallons of illegal whiskey was found in the other vehicle.
Patrolman Dexter had served with the Bloomfield Hills Police Department for nine months. He had previously served with the Detroit Police Department for six years and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office for five years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and daughter.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Dexter gave the Bloomfield Hills Township Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Michigan. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dexter.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Bloomfield Hills Township Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Robert is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Robert is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
Robert 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 1928, 8 officers in MI were lost to accidents, more than in any other year.
In 1928, 103 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 5th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1928, 115 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 6th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 48. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Robert had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 48. 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. Robert had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 48. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
June holds 7.6% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Mondays: 13.8%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Mondays: 13.4%.
June holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Bloomfield Hills Township Police Department. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% 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
Bloomfield Hills Township Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Bloomfield Hills Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.