Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Peterson and Family,

As an instructor for Hazardous Materials courses around the country, I too reflect on your exposure with my students. The belief is that through your selfless sacrifice other responders will not have to make their final call. Your impact has definitely saved lives Sir.

You will never be forgotten!

(Ret.) Capt. Curt Thompson
Waterford Regional Fire Department

February 8, 2023

Rest in peace Trooper Peterson.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 27, 2021

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are always remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 29, 2020

Aug. 15, 2019 South Bend Tribune Report

Michigan trooper who died in 1981 to be honored in Bridgman

BRIDGMAN — A Michigan State Police trooper who died nearly 40 years ago as a result of exposure to toxic chemical fumes while on duty will be memorialized with a plaque and dedication service at 8:12 a.m. Aug. 29 at the Lake Street railroad tracks.

Trooper Allan Peterson was exposed to toxic gas as he guarded a train derailment site in Bridgman on Aug. 7, 1981.

A tanker carrying fluorosulfonic acid was among the 14 cars of an 80-car freight train that derailed. The tanker was damaged and leaked a white plume of caustic gas.

Peterson, 37, of Three Oaks, a 13-year veteran of the state police who was stationed at the New Buffalo post, died about three weeks later at 8:12 a.m. Aug. 29, 1981, of a massive heart attack following a prolonged coughing spasm. It was later determined the medical complications contributing to his death were a result of exposure to the toxic gas, according to Michigan State Police.

Peterson was the 34th state trooper to die in the line of duty. He left behind a wife and two daughters.

Peterson’s widow, one of his daughters, state police retirees, Bridgman city officials and a state police honor guard are among those expected to attend the dedication.

A plaque featuring Peterson’s picture and an account of his service and the derailment will be mounted on a post, next to a memorial bench, at the railroad tracks site.

The public is invited to attend the dedication.

Retired Police Officer
NYPD

August 15, 2019

Rest in peace.

Sgt. Jim Russo

August 29, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 32nd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 20, 2013

Merry Christmas, Trooper Peterson, to you and your family.
Thank you for your sacrifice.

May God's peace be with you this holiday season!

Trooper
Michigan State Police

December 14, 2010

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 15, 2007

It has been 25 years since your line of duty death. You are remembered and will never be forgotten. Watch over your brothers & sisters in law enforcement, especially the MSP. Rest peacefully, thank you for your sacrifice. God bless.

August 29, 2006

Rest in peace Troop!

Officer
Maryland

January 22, 2006

God bless you always.

DE
St. Louis City Police

July 27, 2005

Remembering you, Trooper Peterson, today, the 23rd anniversary of your death. Thank you for your service to the Michigan State Police and the citizens of Michigan.

Michigan Citizen

August 29, 2004

A true hero. I honor you. Jim Crotty (Former Richmond, VA Police Officer).

Special Agent Jim Crotty
ATF (Retired)

April 8, 2004

Trooper Peterson, I instruct a course on officer safety involving railroads. Your memory is honored by each officer in every class I teach. God bless.

Special Agent Dennis Duncan
Norfolk Southern Railway Police

February 21, 2004

Thank you for your sacrifice. You are a hero.

Anonymous

September 27, 2003