Nelson was assisting fellow police officer Dennis Dreibelbis as he was in pursuit. Officer Nelson was behind him in an “ambulet” when his vehicle was struck by a semi-truck.
An “ambulet” was a cross between and ambulance and a police car.
During the ceremony, Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter said, “I hope to make this day a celebration of a man who put in his time to protect the citizens of Plymouth. A loyal son, a brother always remembered, a dedicated father who left us way too early in life.”
In a proclamation read by Senter, he said, “The city of Plymouth is honored to dedicate this street in his memory for future generations to come to know the sacrifice James Allen Nelson made for all of the citizens of Plymouth.”
Senter added, “The former and present law enforcement officers that are here can tell you the sacrifices made by police officers”
He named a few saying, “Domestic battles, drugs and alcohol, people who just want someone to listen to their problem, the lying suspect, the helpless victim, the most emotional… death of an innocent child... death of a police officer.”
Attending the ceremony was Nelson’s widow, Darlene Brundige, and children Steve Nelson and Deb Nelson Stout. At the time of the unfortunate accident, Steve was only 14-months-old and Deb was 4-years-old.
Prior to the ceremony, Steve Nelson said, “It’s wonderful. It’s an honor.”
Also in attendance at the ceremony were six of the remaining brothers and sisters along with other family members of Nelson. His sister, Mick Nelson, who was nine-years-old when Jim Nelson was born, said, “He was like a son to some of us. Jim was a little bit special to us.”
After the ceremony, Dreibelbis shared his thoughts. Dreibelbis said, “It (accident) affected me a lot more than I thought it did. It (death) was devastating since we were friends outside of work.” He said, “It was almost like losing a family member.”
Dreibelbis said, “He (Nelson) was a person who would do anything for anybody.”