A Michigan State Police trooper who died in 1981 as a result of a train derailment in Berrien County has been honored with a new memorial. Michigan State Police First Lieutenant Mike Dawson with the Niles post tells WSJM News a dedication was held Thursday morning at the Lake Street railroad crossing in Bridgman for Trooper Allan Peterson. He was one of the officers assigned to the site of the derailment on August 7, 1981. Dawson says Peterson was exposed to toxic fumes there.
“August 29, 1981, he woke up to a severe coughing spasm,” Dawson said. “He was rushed to the hospital, but along the way, he passed away. He passed away at 8:12 a.m. on August 29, 1981.”
The dedication Thursday was held at the same time, 8:12 a.m. nearly 40 years later. Peterson’s widow and daughter were both there for the dedication.
“It was emotional for the family, 38 years later to be honoring the father, and this is the fourth time in Berrien County that we’ve had memorials. We’ve had three roads dedicated to four fallen troopers.”
And now there’s the bench and plaque at the Bridgman railroad crossing. Speaking at the dedication was the commander of the Michigan State Police district and Bridgman Mayor Vince Rose. Trooper Peterson’s widow and daughter also made brief remarks.
