Roll of Honor
Incident
Trooper Darryl Rantanen was killed when the patrol car he was riding in was forced off the roadway during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle on U.S. 2 just west of M-69. During the pursuit, Trooper Rantanen's partner attempted to pass the vehicle. Before he could do so, the juvenile driver swerved into the patrol car, causing it to turn on its side and strike a tree. His partner was seriously injured in the crash. The 16-year-old was later arrested, convicted of manslaughter, intent to do great bodily harm, and sentenced to nine to 25 years in prison. Trooper Rantanen had served with the Michigan State Police for eight years. He was survived by his wife and four children. In 2021 a section of U.S. 2/U.S. 41 between Hyde and Bark River was designated as the Darryl M. Rantanen Memorial Highway.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-839A522A- Stewardship
- 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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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Trooper Rantanen gave the Michigan State Police 8 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Michigan. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper Rantanen.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Trooper Darryl M. Rantanen is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 officers honored here.
In MI, 426 of 719 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.2% of this state's fallen. That is 59.2 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At MI State Police, 27 of 57 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 47.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Darryl M. Rantanen's cause is highlighted.
How Darryl M. Rantanen Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Darryl M. Rantanen is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Darryl M. Rantanen was killed by automobile.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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