Memorial
This page is dedicated to officers who were killed or seriously injured in the line of duty
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God"
Matthew 5:9
DETECTIVE JOHN RAYMOND WEIR
Age: 57
Tour of Duty: 19 years
INCIDENT DETAILS
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: Sunday, September 23, 1990
Weapon Used: Knife
Seriously injured in the Line of Duty September 23, 1990
Passed away on November 7, 2004
Detective John Weir was seriously injured by an armed barricaded suspect while performing his duties
on September 23, 1990. Due to the seriousness of his injuries Detective John Weir was permanently
disabled and was not able to return to his job.
Detective Weir passed away on November 7, 2004. Detective Weir will always be remembered by his
fellow officers as a friend and a dedicated officer. He is survived by his wife and two children.
CLYDE EDWARD POWELL
Age: 27
Tour of Duty: 2 Years
INCIDENT DETAILS
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Sunday, September 14, 1941
Weapon Used: Shotgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Officer Powell was shot and killed while responding to a call in which a man had just murdered a
woman. The suspect was arrested at the Sault Ferry as he attempted to flee into Canada. The suspect
was convicted of first degree murder for Officer Powell's death and second degree murder for the
woman's death. He was sentenced to life plus 75 years and later died in prison.
Officer Powell had served with the department for 2.5 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter,
mother, brother, nephew and nieces.
TORRENCE M. MacMILLAN
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 1 Year
INCIDENT DETAILS
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Tuesday, May 15, 1923
Weapon Used: Shotgun; 10 gauge
Officer MacMillan was shot and killed while searching the room of a man who was drunk on moonshine.
During the search the suspect shot him in the abdomen with a 10-gauge shotgun. Officer MacMillan had
served with the department for one year.
Awards & Recognitions
Police officers put their lives at risk every day they report to work. All of them are to be commended for the duties they perform for the community. Periodically, individual or groups of officers perform so exceptionally well or beyond what is normally expected that special recognition is due them from their peers within the department.
2012
From left to right:
Officer Derrek ODell - Medal of Honor
Officer John Weist - Medal of Honor
Officer Brian Mattson - Merit Commendation
U.S. Border Patrol Officer - Donald Natzke - Lifesaving Commendation
Sgt. Francis DeShano - Lifesaving Commendation
Officer Nathan Kaczmarek - Merit and Lifesaving Commendations
A special tribute was paid to the widow of fallen Detective John Weir.
Mayor Bosbus presented Kathy Weir with a U.S. flag that was flown over the U.S.
Capitol Building in John's honor.
Mrs. Weir also received the Sault Ste. Marie Police Department's Police Cross on
John's behalf.
2010 & 2011
In 2011, for the first time, the City of Sault Ste. Marie is recognizing these outstanding efforts by officers of the police department in a public forum. Commendations were presented at the December 19, 2011, City Commission meeting to the following officers.
Individual Commendations: Officer Darrel Harp and Detective Brad Lacross for rescuing a suicidal subject on the lake ice on February 5, 2010.
Life Saving Awards: Officer Shane Hill for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a choking senior citizen on January 12, 2011.
Detective Thomas Swanson for conducting CPR on an unresponsive subject that was not breathing. The saving of both lives is attributed to the actions of each officer.
Certificate of Merit: Detective John Larsen for his service as the department's representative to the areas narcotics unit (SANE) for over two years and the numerous successful cases that he took part in.
No police department works successfully without the cooperation and, at times, assistance from the citizens. There are times when, without being asked, a person steps up to help officers in various situations. The Police Department is always prepared to recognize these selfless acts by non-law enforcement individuals. The following civilian was also recognized at the December 19th Commission meeting.
Civilian Citation: Mr. Tyler Cronk for the assistance he gave to Officer John Weist on September 1, 2011 to pursue and apprehend a fleeing suspect.
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