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Incident
Police Officer Gary Priess was killed when he was struck by a tractor-trailer while making a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 127 near the I-69 interchange.
He was speaking with the driver of the vehicle he had stopped, when the tractor-trailer struck his cruiser, and then him. The driver of the tractor-trailer pleaded guilty to negligent homicide and was sentenced to 90 days in jail, two years probation, and 60 hours of community service.
Officer Priess had served with the DeWitt Township Police Department for 18 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two young children.
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 Priess gave the DeWitt Township Police Department 18 years.
Thank you for your service to the DeWitt community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Priess.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
DeWitt Township Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Gary is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
Gary is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Gary 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 2000, 4 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 10th heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 2000, 85 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 19th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2000, 91 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Gary was 43. Of the 212 lost to accidents in MI whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 43; the middle age was 34. Gary had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Gary was 43. 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. Gary had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Gary was 43. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Gary had served 18 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 6.3% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Tuesdays: 15.6%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at DeWitt Township Police Department, 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 34,117 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
DeWitt Township Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Gary among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 33-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from DeWitt Township Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
