Douglas Downing Memorial Ceremony
On Friday, July 11, 2025, Officer Douglas Downing’s death will be commemorated at a ceremony at 11:00 a.m. at the corner of S. Park and Michigan Ave.
At that time, a plaque will be unveiled on the side of the old Bank Building, and that one block of S. Park St. will be dedicated in memory of Doug. Parking will be available at the rear of the Bomber Restaurant, and seating will be available for persons with disabilities.
After the dedication, a gathering will be at the Moose Club on Stoney Creek Rd.
Learn More About Patrolman Douglas Downing
Sourced from the City of Ypsilanti’s Police Officer Memoriam
Officer Douglas Downing lost his life when he was shot during a bank robbery on July 11, 1975. According to witnesses, three men entered the bank at Park and Michigan through a rear door and ordered the employees and customers to lie on the floor. As the robbers gathered money from the teller stations, someone triggered the silent alarm. Officer Downing responded to the alarm and made entry through the back door. A struggle ensued with one of the robbers, and Officer Downing was shot three times in the chest. He was dead at the scene.
The robbers then fled out the door and entered a 1974, burnt orange Cadillac where a getaway driver was waiting. The Cadillac sped away with the Ypsilanti Police in hot pursuit. After a short distance, the vehicle lost control and smashed into a wall. As the robbers fled on foot, one was shot, another was captured, and a third escaped but was arrested several days later.
This was not the first time that Officer Downing faced danger in the line of duty. He was twice before awarded a Meritorious Action Citation for courage and outstanding performance of duty. The first was for his dedicated work in the apprehension of a suspect in a Breaking and Entering case in 1971, and the second was for disarming a citizen who was threatening him with a rifle in 1972.
In memory and tribute to Officer Downing and in honor of his devotion to duty, courage, and selflessness, Ypsilanti Police Department Badge Number 106 was officially retired by the City of Ypsilanti City Council on July 21, 1975. Officer Downing was 37 years old at the time of his death and was a 7-year veteran of the Ypsilanti Police Department. Officer Downing is survived by his wife.