We haven’t hesitated in past times to support criticism of police departments and personnel, when we believed genuine overreach had occurred.

Likewise, when an officer falls in the line of duty, protecting and serving the community, it has been our pleasure and privilege to underscore that sacrifice here in this space.

Michigan State Police Trooper Darryl M. Rantanen didn’t die last week or last month or even last year.

Rantanen was killed many years ago, on May 27, 1974, on a stretch of highway in Delta County.

He died when the patrol car he was riding in was forced off the roadway during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. The patrol car driver, a 24-year-old trooper, was seriously injured.

According to one account of he crash, during the pursuit, Rantanen’s partner attempted to pass the stolen vehicle but before he could do so, the juvenile driver swerved into the patrol car, causing it to turn on its side and strike a tree.

The 16-year-old was later arrested, convicted of manslaughter, intent to do great bodily harm, and sentenced to 9 to 25 years in prison.

Recently, that particular section of U.S. 2/U.S. 41, between Hyde and Bark River, was designated the Darryl M. Rantanen Memorial Highway.

House Bill 4429, which made the designation, was introduced by state Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, and signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on May 13.

Rantanen died a long time ago. By all accounts, he was a good cop trying to do a hard job under difficult circumstances — and lost his life in the process.

Trooper Rantanen and his sacrifice should not ever be forgotten.