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Incident
Deputy Sheriff James Cranston succumbed to injuries sustained four days earlier when he was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Miller Road and Linden Road in Flint Township. He was interviewing two other drivers who had been involved in an early morning accident when another vehicle struck him. He suffered massive leg and internal injuries when he was hit. The driver who struck him was charged with felonious driving and manslaughter and sentenced to five years probation with the first two months served in county jail. Deputy Cranston had served with the Genesee County Sheriff's Office for 12 years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and son.
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.
Deputy Sheriff Cranston gave the Genesee County Sheriff's Office 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Flint community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Cranston.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Genesee County Sheriff's Office has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
James is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
James is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James 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 1945, 4 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 1945, 62 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 70th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1945, 68 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 77th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
James was 62. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 62. 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. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James was 62. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. James had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 11.2% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Thursdays: 14.7%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
July holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Genesee County Sheriff's Office, the 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
Genesee County Sheriff's Office has 2 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 64-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Genesee County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
