Clarkston community honors fallen Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Overall with blue lights

All money raised by light sales to go to Overall family

CLARKSTON, Mich. – It's that time of the year again where many homes become decorated in lights for the holiday, but this year, Clarkston Mayor Steven C. Percival has a new decoration idea for his community.

Percival is asking Clarkston residents to consider putting up a small blue light as a tribute to fallen Oakland County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Overall. Clarkston City Hall is already sporting many blue lights in tribute.

Overall was killed Thanksgiving Day morning in Brandon Township, not far from Clarkston. He was placing stop sticks on the the highway to end a police chase. That's when Christopher Berek intentionally steered his vehicle into Overall, killing him.

"I don't think you could have gotten any better of guy," Percival said. "This could have been tragic for the city had Eric not been there. Eric was trying to stop this vehicle from heading south on M-15 or anywhere else."

The idea came to Percival and the Clarkston City Council, while they were trying to think of a way to honor his sacrifice.

"This is the very least we can do to show our support," Jonathan Smith, Clarkston city manager, said. "People will appreciate coming into town and seeing the blue lights."

For a $10 donation, Clarkston residents can get one of the blue lights to shine as a symbol of gratitude. All cash raised will go directly to Overall's family.


About the Authors:

Jamie anchors sports coverage on Local 4 News Saturdays at 6 & 11 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m., in addition to hosting Sports Final Edition.