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Incident
Officer Whitehead was killed when he was struck by the main rotor blades of a helicopter after a crash landing. He and his partner were on air patrol when they spotted a burning motor-home on I-96. After fire units arrived on the scene they began to ascend, but the helicopter struck electrical lines which crossed over the median. The helicopter descended rapidly and struck the ground. As both officers fled the aircraft Officer Whitehead was struck by the rotor blades, killing him instantly. Officer Whitehead had served with the agency for 7 years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 9 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, parents, and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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.
Police Officer Whitehead gave the Lansing Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Lansing community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Whitehead.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Lansing Police Department has lost 7 officers; 2 of them lost to accidents.
Dean is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Dean is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Dean is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1985, 1 officer in MI was lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1985, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1985, 75 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Dean was 30. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Dean had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dean was 30. 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. Dean had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Dean was 30. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Dean had served 9 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 10.7% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 14.7%.
May holds 8.6% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
May holds 8.4% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 28.6% of all 7 deaths at Lansing Police Department, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 31.9% of all 703 deaths in MI, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Lansing Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Dean among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 56-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Lansing Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
