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Incident
Deputy Sheriff John Gunsell was killed in an automobile crash on Dickerson Road while responding to assist another deputy at an accident call.
Deputy Gunsell, the passenger in the patrol car, was thrown from the vehicle when it went out of control on a series of S-curves. He was transported to Otsego Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Deputy Gunsell had served with the Otsego County Sheriff's Department for five years and previously served with the Caseville Police Department for 12 years and other departments for an additional four years.
Survivors
He is survived by his four children.
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
21 years. You could have gone home.
Deputy Sheriff Gunsell gave the Otsego County Sheriff's Office 21 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Gaylord community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Gunsell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Otsego County Sheriff's Department has lost 3 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 224 officers lost to accidents in MI, 31.9% of the 703 remembered there.
John is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John 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 2004, 2 officers in MI were lost to accidents, the 33rd heaviest of 98 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 8.
In 2004, 72 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 43rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2004, 77 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 62nd heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John 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. John had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John 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. John had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John 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. John had served 21 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 7.6% of these deaths in MI; August holds the most, 14.3%. Sundays: 13.8%.
September holds 9.2% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Sundays: 14%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Sundays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 33.3% of all 3 deaths at Otsego County Sheriff's 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
Otsego County Sheriff's Department has 3 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Otsego County Sheriff's Department are honored on badge.nw.
