Trooper Steven J. Niewiek, Michigan State Police, Michigan

Trooper Steven J. Niewiek

Michigan State Police, Michigan

End of Watch Sunday, February 2, 1992

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Steven J. Niewiek

Trooper Steven Niewiek and Trooper James DeLoach were killed when their patrol car was struck by a train as they responded to a call to assist a fellow trooper who was struggling with a suspect at a nearby tavern.

At the Scott Lake Road railroad crossing, the troopers crossed in front of an eastbound Canadian National freight train. The patrol car exploded on impact and was thrown about 400 feet. Several citizens were able to pull Trooper Niewiek from the burning car, but due to the intensity of the fire, they were unable to reach Trooper DeLoach, who was pinned in the driver's seat.

Trooper DeLoach died instantly, and Trooper Niewiek passed away during surgery at 3:35am the following morning at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.

Six citizens who pulled the two troopers from the wreckage received the Citizen's Award for Bravery for their actions.

Trooper Niewiek had served with the agency for two years.

Bio

Age 24
Tour 2 years
Badge 1291

Incident Details

Cause Struck by train
Incident Date Saturday, February 1, 1992

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Steve was excited to be a State Trooper. I encouraged him to be a Trooper and he achieved that goal. I was proud of him and never said anything til now about this young man who was truly a great man… I was an officer for Kent County at the time. I became a Federal Officer and retired in 2015. There has not been a day that I have not thought of Steve. God bless these two men who died that day. I’m old now… but I ask God to keep them in his hands every day!! I have visited his grave and ask God to keep him in his hands!!! It’s been a Lifetime but I still see his excitement for being a Trooper!! God bless you Steve!!!

Federal Officer
Federal Government

May 11, 2022