Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Trooper Rantanen,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of the state of Michigan. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

May 27, 2024

I will not be present of the Highway Naming today. However I will be thinking of it most of the day. Thank you Beau LaFave, for making this happen. R.I.P. Trooper Darryl Rantanen

Mary Rantanen Kostamo

May 13, 2022

Rest in peace Trooper Rantanen.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 10, 2019

I was 13. He was the dad of my friends, my next door neighbors. He was kind, loving, funny. He had a beautiful wife, 3 beautiful sons, and a beautiful daughter. I woke up that morning to learn he was gone. But I can assure you he will never be forgotten.

Suzanne Rossi
Neighbor

June 26, 2019

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

May 27, 2015

Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.
Rest in peace.

Kiitokset palveluksestasi.
Lepää rauhassa.

Citizen

July 20, 2013

Thank you for your brave service to our community, Trooper Rantanen. I am honored to carry your name and live every day to keep your spirit of service alive. I will never forget you, Grandpa.

Darryl Rantanen
Grandson

March 27, 2013

Merry Christmas, Trooper Rantanen, 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

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Trooper Rantanen.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

"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

May you Rest in Peace.

May 27, 2006

You will always ride with us on the road. You will NEVER be forgotten.

M.S.P. Trooper
Michigan State Police

May 9, 2004