The South Haven Police Department has honored one of its own who was killed in the line of duty 50 years ago.

The department held a memorial outside of city hall on Friday to mark the 50th anniversary of Officer Michael McAllister’s death. He was shot and killed while searching a suspect after responding to a report of gunshots on January 9, 1976.

Speaking at the memorial, South Haven Police Chief Adam DeBoer said McCallister will never be forgotten in the community.

“I never met Officer McAllister, but I believe a part of his spirit lives in every officer who puts on the South Haven Police Department uniform,” DeBoer said. “A spirit of service before self, a spirit of commitment to community, and a courageous spirit that when danger arises, is willing to meet it.”

McCallister’s son, Gregory, thanked police for remembering his dad.

“I really lost a big part of my life when he left,” McCallister said. “He was my mentor. He was my dad. I’m glad he instilled respect and morals in me for me to live this old and be a representative of him.”

Upon receiving the call about shots fired, Officer McCallister arrived at the scene on North Shore Drive and located a suspect, who he began to pat down. With his back to McAllister, the suspect fired a gun through his coat, striking McAllister in the stomach three times. The suspect was later caught and sentenced to life in prison.

McAllister had served with the South Haven Police Department for 15 years and was survived by his five children.