ROCKFORD, Mich.– He was shot and killed in the line of duty during a standoff. Now, as the tenth anniversary of Trooper Kevin Marshall’s death approaches, his friend and fellow trooper explains how Trooper Marshall’s memory lives on.
He was a young father, devoted to protecting his family and community. But, gone too soon.
Friend and fellow trooper, First Lieutenant Kevin Sweeney, is now the Post Commander at the Michigan State Police post in Lakeview. He remembers the night he found out his friend was killed in the line of duty.
“I remember getting that call from the sergeant that was working, telling me Trooper Kevin Marshall had been shot,” said First Lt. Sweeney. “I remember thinking, it was probably a flesh wound to the shoulder type of thing. That doesn’t happen to us. As I got more calls and learned more, it became very evident this was very serious and I needed to get to the hospital right away.”
Trooper Marshall and other officers were called out to a barricade situation in Fremont involving a militia member, July 7th, 2003. The gunman shot Trooper Marshall and one other officer.
Now, a decade later, Trooper Marshall is still being remembered. His picture hangs in the hallway of the Rockford MSP post. He can also be seen watching over his community at Marshall Memorial Park in Newaygo.
“The family is moving forward. It’s sad to know Anthony and Danielle wont get to know Kevin the way some of us did,” said First Lt. Sweeney.
There is also an annual memorial run in honor of Trooper Kevin Marshall. It’s held every Labor Day weekend in Newaygo with the proceeds helping out Special Olympics.
