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James R. DeLoach
Trooper

James R. DeLoach

MI State Police — Lansing, MI
Accident
United States flag Michigan flag
End of Watch February 1, 1992
Age 26
Tour of Duty 3 yrs
Badge 1574
The Vigil Panel 137 ›
Gender Male
Incident Media Service The Sacrifice Memorials 1 Department 56

Incident

Trooper James DeLoach and Trooper Steven Niewiek were killed when their patrol car was struck by a train as they responded to a call to assist a fellow trooper who was struggling with a suspect at a nearby tavern. At the Scott Lake Road railroad crossing, the troopers crossed in front of an eastbound Canadian National freight train. The patrol car exploded on impact and was thrown about 400 feet. Several citizens were able to pull Trooper Niewiek from the burning car, but due to the intensity of the fire, they were unable to reach Trooper DeLoach, who was pinned in the driver's seat. Trooper DeLoach died instantly, and Trooper Niewiek passed away during surgery at 3:35 am the following morning at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital. Six citizens who pulled the two troopers from the wreckage received the Citizen's Award for Bravery for their actions. Trooper DeLoach had been with the Michigan State Police for three years.

Survivors

He is survived by his wife.

In Our Keeping

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Stewardship
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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.
Trooper DeLoach gave the Michigan State Police 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the people of Michigan. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Trooper DeLoach.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

Agency

Department MI State Police
Type State Police
Location Lansing, Ingham County, MI
Platform Identity msp.mi.us.gov.nw

Service Record

End of Watch February 1, 1992
Tour of Duty 3 yrs
Age 26
Badge Number 1574
Gender Male

Incident Details

Cause Accident

The Sacrifice · Accident

James is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.

34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.

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Compare against
I

Time

In 1992, 60 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 73rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.

Every year on record · United States
II

Who

James 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. James had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.

Age at death
Where he stood among them
Age by years of service
III

When

February holds 7.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Saturdays: 14.9%.

By month
By day of the week
IV

How

Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.

Every cause
Weapons recorded
V

His people

MI State Police has 57 officers remembered here, James among them.

Across the years

Trooper James R. DeLoach

MI State Police · End of Watch February 1, 1992

Where the Name Is Cut

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 43-E

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