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March 31, 1967: Of the thirteen employees killed while on duty, two were killed by accident. On March 31, 1967, officers Joseph D. Crater and Max H. Hinckley were victims of an explosion at the State Prison of Southern Michigan.
Hinckley, a 57-year-old native of Paw Paw, and Crater, a 25-year-old ex-marine, were on duty inside the arsenal when the mysterious explosion and subsequent flash fire claimed their lives. A total of 80 percent of the facility's arsenal, including guns, tear gas, ammunition and radios, were lost.
