Rest in peace, Officer Earl DeMarse
Marquette Officer Earl DeMarse passed away Sept. 25, 1973 – 45 years ago today.
DeMarse, an officer with 26 years of experience, was about 15 minutes into his shift when he was stabbed several times. An ambulance was called, but DeMarse died while en route to a hospital. His killer was sentenced to life in prison, and he is still incarcerated at an Ionia facility.
For decades, DeMarse was thought to have been the first Michigan corrections officer killed in the line of duty. The story of George Haight, an officer poisoned by an inmate in 1893, was uncovered about five years ago.
DeMarse is one of Michigan’s four fallen corrections officers who are honored on MCO’s Fallen Officers Memorial. Read about all of Michigan’s fallen COs here. We are proud to say we haven’t forgotten those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
As you go about your day, please take a few moments to remember DeMarse and the sacrifice he made. And as always, please watch your back and your partner’s back.
Thank you for your service in Michigan’s toughest job.