His Death Was Just Days Before This: Honoring His Son, A Reserve Deputy’s Legacy

This is the story of Reserve Deputy Mark Alan Whitehead, a man who gave his life serving his community, and his father, Jim Whitehead, who turned unimaginable loss into a mission of remembrance and purpose. Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest trials, but when that loss comes in the line of duty, it carries an extra layer of weight, a mix of personal grief and public sacrifice. It’s a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and a legacy that continues to inspire. A Night That Changed Everything Jim was a guest and tells the story on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, which is available for free on their website , in addition to Apple Podcasts , Spotify and many major podcast platforms. On February 26, 1993, Mark Alan Whitehead and Reserve Sergeant Scott Collins were patrolling Interstate 84 near 181st Street in Multnomah County, Oregon. It was a routine night—until it wasn’t. A drunk driver, barreling down the highway at 105 mph, lost control. His ...