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Incident
Patrolman Sidney Dethloff was struck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic at a collision at the intersection of Haggerty and Seven Mile Road. Patrolman Dethloff and his partner had responded to a family disturbance call on 7 Mile Road, east of Haggerty. While investigating, the officers were standing well off the road and on the shoulder side of a parked vehicle when an eastbound speeding vehicle veered off the roadway. Patrolman Dethloff's partner was able to jump clear by jumping on the hood of the parked car, but the vehicle struck Patrolman Dethloff. The male driver of the suspect vehicle had blacked out, causing the car to leave the roadway. It was suspected that the driver may have suffered a mild heart attack as three days later, he passed away from heart failure. Patrolman Dethloff had served with the Livonia Police Department for two 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 Dethloff gave the Livonia Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Livonia community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dethloff.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Livonia Police Department has lost 4 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Sidney is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Sidney is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Sidney 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 1952, 5 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 4th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1952, 52 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 90th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1952, 65 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 82nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Sidney was 33. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Sidney had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sidney was 33. 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. Sidney had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Sidney was 33. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Sidney had served 2 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 25% of all 4 deaths at Livonia 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
Livonia Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, Sidney among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 30-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Livonia Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
