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Incident
Patrolman Robert Dowidait was killed in an automobile crash while assisting a neighboring agency during a vehicle pursuit. The patrol wagon that Patrolman Dowidait was riding in skidded on the wet roadway and struck tree at the intersection of West Warren Avenue and Silvery Lane. Patrolman Dowidait suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The suspect was later apprehended and convicted of charges in connection with the incident. Patrolman Dowidait had served with the Dearborn Heights Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two sons.
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 Dowidait gave the Dearborn Heights Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Dearborn Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Dowidait.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Dearborn Heights Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 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 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1966, 3 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 16th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1966, 77 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 31st heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1966, 95 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 27th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Robert was 26. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 26. 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 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 26. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Robert had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 14.3% of these deaths in MI, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.8%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.4%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Mondays: 13.5%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Dearborn Heights Police Department, the 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 27,551 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Dearborn Heights Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Dearborn Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
