The tragic death of a Michigan State Police officer over the weekend has a local connection.
The Citizen reports Dan Kerstetter, an Auburn native, died last night after being taken off life support after it was determined he would not survive the injuries suffered when his cruiser was struck while he was conducting a traffic stop Friday morning.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 13, MC Officer Kerstetter was stopped on the side of Northbound I-75 near Dix in Lincoln Park conducting a traffic stop, when another motorist struck his patrol vehicle. MC Officer Kerstetter was seated in his patrol car with his seat belt on during the crash. Preliminary investigation and witness statements indicate that a Ford Explorer struck the median wall before continuing down the freeway, eventually striking MC Officer Kerstetter’s patrol vehicle, and pushing it into the back of the semi-truck. The driver of the Ford Explorer did not survive the crash. The semi-truck driver was not injured.
“We are heartbroken for this loss,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “Traffic enforcement is dangerous work. The dedication of our motor carrier officers and troopers to keeping the public safe on our roadways is commendable and honorable. With the decision to give the gift of life, even in his death, MC Officer Kerstetter is serving others.”
Motor carrier officers are armed uniformed members of the Michigan State Police, who specialize in commercial vehicle enforcement. They enforce traffic safety laws on commercial vehicles, protect the infrastructure through aggressive size and weight enforcement, conduct commercial vehicle and driver inspections and contribute to homeland security efforts by enforcing hazardous material regulations.
MC Officer Kerstetter is married and has three children.
The Detroit Free Press posted this article about MC Officer Kerstetter and the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings remembrance of the Central New York man who served as the team’s former equipment aide.
Have all the Finger Lakes news from Finger Lakes News Radio delivered to your email every morning for FREE! Sign up by clicking here
