Lansing Police Department, Michigan
End of Watch Thursday, May 9, 1985
Add to My HeroesDean A. Whitehead
Officer Whitehead was killed when he was struck by the main rotor blades of a helicopter after a crash landing. He and his partner were on air patrol when they spotted a burning motor-home on I-96.
After fire units arrived on the scene they began to ascend, but the helicopter struck electrical lines which crossed over the median. The helicopter descended rapidly and struck the ground. As both officers fled the aircraft Officer Whitehead was struck by the rotor blades, killing him instantly.
Officer Whitehead had served with the agency for 7 years and had served in law enforcement for a total of 9 years. He was survived by his wife, parents, and three brothers.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 9 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Aircraft accident
Most Recent Reflection
View all 10 ReflectionsPolice Officer Dean A. Whitehead will never ever be forgotten. I thank him for his service to the people of Lansing, Mi. RIP sir.
Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"
October 11, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Evan Dunn
Golden Police Department, CO
EOW: November 6, 2024
Police Officer Enrique Martinez
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: November 4, 2024
Detective Clarence E. Word, III
New York City Police Department, NY
EOW: October 1, 2024
Trooper Corey S. Thompsen
Illinois State Police, IL
EOW: October 18, 2024
Detective Maurice "Mo" Joseph
Norfolk Police Department, VA
EOW: October 9, 2024
Corrections Officer Bradford D. McNew
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: October 12, 2024
Corporal Raymond Kuuchi
United States Department of Veterans Affairs Police Services, US
EOW: September 2, 2024
Park Ranger Kevin Melvin Grossheim
United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service, US
EOW: October 6, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Lex Allen Love
Wise County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: October 2, 2024