President - MSPTAmspta.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2012-Sept-Oct-… · · 2016-08-29President...

1 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪

1st District ....................Tpr. Nate JohnsonPost ..........................................Representative(s)Lansing ..............................Tpr. Mike DillonBrighton ...........................Tpr. Michael Sura

Tpr. Joe PendergraffJackson ................................ Tpr. Pete Smith

Tpr. Eric ByerlyMonroe .......................Tpr. Herman BrownLab ...................................S/Sgt. Mark Goff

Metro District ............. Tpr. Ray PechmanPost ..........................................Representative(s)Metro ....................(d) Tpr. Jay Morningstar

(a) Tpr. Marcus Wise(m) Tpr. Gary Melvin

Lab ........................... S/Sgt. Kathleen LewisLab ...............................S/Sgt. Tim Ketvirtis

3rd District................. Tpr. Joe CavanaughPost ..........................................Representative(s)Tri-City ............................Tpr. Jay Kurowski

Tpr. Don ReichTpr. Everett Reneaud

West Branch .................Tpr. Jeffrey DevineCaro .............................Tpr. Brian McCombLapeer ........................Tpr. Eric Hofmeister

VacantFlint ...................................... Tpr. Brad Ross

Tpr. Steve SkrbecTpr. Troy Bonadurer

Lab .......................................................Vacant

PresidentD/Sgt. Christopher Luty

Vice PresidentD/Sgt. Duane Hickok

Secretary/TreasurerD/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens

Standing Committees

Associate Membership(Retiree Committee)Diane Garrison (Ret.)*John Boggs (Ret.)Gordon Gotts (Ret.)Alan Shaw (Ret.)Roger Warner (Ret.)Sgt. Lorne HartwigTpr. Adam StarkweatherD/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens Mr. Larry Schneider, Esq.

Constitution & BylawsTpr. Ray Pechman*Sgt. Lorne HartwigD/Sgt. Duane Hickok

Contract Bargaining TeamD/Sgt. Chris Luty*D/Sgt. Duane Hickok**Tpr. Joe CavanaughD/Sgt. Bill EberhardtSgt. Dick HaleTpr. Nate JohnsonTpr. Craig MacDonaldD/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens

Discipline AdvocatesD/Sgt. Duane Hickok*Tpr. Joe CavanaughSgt. Dennis HarrisTpr. Nate JohnsonD/Sgt. Chris LutyTpr. Ray PechmanTpr. Adam StarkweatherD/Sgt. Mitchell StevensTpr. Scott Wilber

Drug & Alcohol TestingD/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens*Tpr. Nate JohnsonMr. Larry Schneider, Esq.

ElectionsTpr. Scott Wilber*Tpr. Adam Starkweather*Sgt. Lorne HartwigTpr. Ray PechmanTpr. Bert RichardsD/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens

Emergency Telephone Service CommitteeD/Sgt. Chris Luty

FinanceD/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens*Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh**Tpr. Dave CowenD/Sgt. Bill EberhardtTpr. Nate Johnson

GrievanceD/Sgt. Duane Hickok*Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh**S/Sgt. Allan AverySgt. Joe BrodeurTpr. Herman BrownD/Sgt. Bill EberhardtTpr. Mike FinkSgt. Dennis HarrisTpr. Amy HofmeisterTpr. Heather JohnstonTpr. Jay KurowskiTpr. Jim McRaeTpr. Jay MorningstarD/Sgt. Jay PoupardTpr. Trevor RadkeTpr. Kellie SummerhaysD/Tpr. Bob TomassiD/Sgt. Sally WolterMr. Larry Schneider, Esq.

MCOLESD/Sgt. Chris Luty

PublicationsTpr. Yvonne Brantley, Editor In ChiefTpr. Eric ByerlySgt. John FaccioTpr. Carissa HoranTpr. Lisa LucioTpr. Sunshine PonzettiTpr. Harry RiceTpr. Eric WilberPat Strzalkowski, Association Staff

SafetyTpr. Joe Cavanaugh*D/Sgt.Bill EberhardtTpr. David Cowen

Sergeants-At-ArmsSgt. Dale Goodrich*Tpr. Hugh Welsh

MSP Retirement BoardSgt. Richard Hale

Transfer Review BoardTpr. Nate Johnson*Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh

Uniform EquipmentTpr. Nate Johnson*Tpr. Rick DoehringTpr. Adam Starkweather

LegalGeneral CounselLawrence P. Schneider, Esq.Labor CounselMs. Kathleen Boyle, Esq.White, Schneider, Young & Chiodini, P.C.

Office StaffAdministrative Assistant/Event PlannerKaryn CentofantiMarketing DirectorPat Strzalkowski

5th District .........Tpr. Adam StarkweatherPost ..........................................Representative(s)Paw Paw ............... Tpr. Michael McDonald

Tpr. Cary CaspersonWayland ................ Tpr. Kellie Summerhays

Tpr. Philip McNabnayNiles ...................................Tpr. Jeff Miazga

Tpr. Jeff BedellColdwater ...........................Tpr. Jim McRae

Tpr. Jereme Miller

6th District .......(Acting) Sgt. Scott WilberPost ..........................................Representative(s)Rockford ..................Tpr. Chris Bommarito

Tpr. Hugh WelshHart .................................Tpr. Dan ThomasMt. Pleasant ....................Tpr. Eric SumpterLakeview ............................. Tpr. Jim Yeager

Tpr. Kelly LinebaughNewaygo .......................Tpr. Paul CampbellHart ...........................Tpr. Sammy SeymourLakeview ......................... Tpr. Norma MaklLab ................................S/Sgt. Shawn Baker

7th District ................. Tpr. Rick DoehringPost ..........................................Representative(s)Cadillac .................................Tpr. Paul Stone

Tpr. Wesley SmithTpr. Rick Pearson

Houghton Lake............. Tpr. Bert RichardsGaylord ........................ Tpr. John Ferguson

Tpr. Chris BeltAlpena .........................Tpr. Chris WicklundLab ................................S/Sgt. Joe Stoddard

8th District ...................Tpr. David CowenPost ..........................................Representative(s)Negaunee ...................Tpr. Jonah BonovetzSault Ste. Marie ............. Tpr. Dan BergsmaSt. Ignace ..........................Tpr. Ron BeckettGladstone ......................... Tpr. Pat MaddenIron Mountain ............ Tpr. Doug WeesnerWakefield ........................... Tpr. Joe RenaudCalumet .......................... Tpr. Steve LanctotLab ................................. S/Sgt. Jay Peterson

Region 1 Uniform SergeantSgt. Frank Williams

Region 2 Uniform SergeantSgt. Lorne Hartwig

Region 1 D/SergeantD/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt

Region 2 D/SergeantD/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens

MICHIGAN TROOPER • 1715 Abbey Road, Suite B • East Lansing, MI 48823Telephone: (517) 336-7782 • Facsimile: (517) 336-8997 • Website: www.mspta.net

Know your rights . . .

protect your rights!

* Denotes Chair or Co-Chair ** Denotes Vice Chair

▪ September/October 2012 ▪ 1

Published by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association

On the Cover

Editor-in-Chief ........................Tpr. Yvonne BrantleyLayout/Typesetting ................Pat StrzalkowskiCover Design ...........................Cherie MorehouseSubmission E-mail [email protected]

MSP Provides Military Honor Guard By: Tpr. Eric Byerly .............................................................6Flint Post Spearheads Work Day for

MSP Trooper Injured in Afghanistan By: Tpr. Dan Lubelan .........................................................8Many Thanks

By: Caryn Painter and Krysta Cook ..................................10Flint Post Troopers Participate in Polar Plunge for Special Olympics By: Tpr. Dan Lubelan ....................................................... 11Stimac Named 2011 Trooper of the Year .......................... 11Board of Awards ....................................................................12Third Generation MSP! By: D/Sgt. David Robertson ..............................................21“Trooper Jeffrey Werda Memorial Highway” Becomes Reality By: D/Tpr. Joeseph Rowley ................................................22Deteriorated Dynamite, What to look for and why? By: Spl/Sgt. Tim Ketvirtis .................................................252012 Copper Cup Hockey Tournament By: D/Sgt. Jim MacDonald ...............................................27Pension Reform 2011 – FQA ...............................................30Retired? What You Must Know About Medicare By: Lawrence P. Schneider .................................................33Retirees Bill Update By: D/Sgt. Don Hager Anderson (Ret.) ............................35Police Car Perk Seems Deserved By: John Boyle ....................................................................36Peek Through Time: Politician’s shooting death in 1945 still a mystery By: Leanne Smith ..............................................................38MSTAF Calendar Order Form ............................................40Training Academy Honor Garden Brick Order Form...........................................................41Honoring Officer Arnulfo Crispin By: Tpr. Ryan Codde .........................................................48

From the President’s Desk ...............................................................2Vice President’s View ....................................................................... 3Counsel’s Corner ................................................................................5Making the News ............................................................................19In Memory of Our Retirees ...........................................................43Register of Deeds ........................................................................... 44 Final Call ...........................................................................................46End of Watch.......................................................Inside Back Cover

Editorial PolicyThe Michigan Trooper is the official publication of the Michigan State Police

Troopers Association. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the MSPTA. Articles represent the opinions of the author. Any similarity between the people and places in the fiction and semi-fiction of articles printed, and real people and places is purely coincidental.

All rights in letters to the Michigan Trooper will be treated as unconditionally as-signed for publication and copyright purposes; as subject to the Michigan Trooper’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially. No responsibilities can be assumed for unsolicited materials.

Letters or articles must be accompanied by the writer’s true name and address. Due to legal requirements and the potential financial liability for libel imposed upon the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, the Editor of the Michigan Trooper reserves the absolute right to select, edit, and reject all articles for publication. When an article is selected for publication, writers are assured of freedom of expres-sion within necessary limits of good taste, available space, and legal requirements.

The Michigan Trooper is published bi-monthly by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association.

For information about securing permission to reprint Michigan Trooper articles, please address inquiries to the Editor.

September/October 2012MAGAZINE

The 123rd Trooper Recruit School pose on the steps of the State Capitol. Photo courtesy of Ray Holt (MSP Media Center).

In this Issue

Departments8 10 22


From the President’s Desk

This is the first edition of the Michigan Trooper that has been pub-lished to members in over a year. Several months ago, I notified the MSPTA Executive Board that I wanted to suspend the Publication Policy as it stood, and focus on alternate publication and marketing media. We have been working to take advantage of digital marketing and information applications such as the MSPTA website, Facebook, and Twitter. These applications are some of the most commonly used and ultra-efficient means for communicating in a digital format—and part of the communication revolution that is all but supplanting paper in much of today’s world.

Suspension of the policy created some questions, and even in a few cases, perhaps a bit of anxiety. Due to the hubbub from the membership, I decided to reexamine the change. I took the opportunity to discuss this with my wife, Tamie, who has reading habits and a technical perspective in a uniquely different combination than my own. She is a voracious reader, but has successfully resisted my efforts to gift her with an electronic reader. I recently came close with an iPad, and

see PRESIDENT, page 4

D/Sgt. Christopher Luty

while she enjoys it for web browsing, email, and texting, I still often find her curled in the chair, turning the paper pages of a book or newsprint. When asked, she shared her insight, enabling me to see things from a little different perspective.

Tamie explained to me that of course she is aware of this paper vs. digital war going on. Having worked many years as a law enforcement commander, she was squarely in favor of the keen efficiencies and adaptability inherent to electronic com munications. However, she re-minded me, living in a rural setting, on the edge of one of Michigan’s state forests, the availability of reliable and affordable cellular signals and Internet based communications has been a frustrating challenge for our family.

Tamie shared with me the debates about the different reading formats that often occur between the five sisters of her family, all of them lifelong readers in some fashion. She said that she will often resort to

quoting some research on the topic to fend off harassment from her Kindle-loving sisters. (Research that she readily admits she reads on the web!) She shared with me some of the scientific research involving brain scans that shows our brains process paper-based and digital marketing in different ways. In particular, paper ads tend to cause more emotional processing. Studies have shown that physical media leaves what she called a “deeper footprint” in the

brain, generating more activity where the visual and spatial information is integrated. This unique finding suggests that physical presentation may cause the reader to process more emotionally powerful stimuli and memory, and create more emotionally vivid memories. Numerous other studies have shown that many forms of electronic reading requires more time to read than printed paper, between 10-20% more, depending on the electronic device being used.

While my wife’s arguments helped me understand the science going on with the research, and certainly ex-plains why she emotionally still clings to paper books, she did concede that the science was not all gloom and doom for the progression to digital format. There are many advantages to digital communications that simply can’t be overlooked, and in comparison can’t be matched by print. The same marketing researchers tell us that digital formatting can build in video, audio, and interactivity in a way that no print is able to perform. Digital

communications that are well-targeted, engaging, and media-rich, have the potential to stimulate multiple senses, surprise and interact with an audience, and overall engage the reader in a

way that no printed word can. Matched with super time and cost efficiencies, the argument clearly becomes in favor of a change from paper to digital.

In hindsight, the removal of the printed Michigan Trooper may have been premature without our digital communications fully-functioning, and without the time for the emotional transitioning that may need to happen with readers who are similar to my wife. In August, I reinstated the

Follow President Chris Luty on Twitter:

@MSPTApresident


D/Sgt. Duane Hickok

and a half. We are still changing, as this process has been somewhat fluid along the way. We still have a ways to go, but I believe the worst is over and there is now some light at the end of the tunnel.

From here I believe a test for your association is to brighten that light while at the same time doing what it can to shorten the tunnel. This is one of the association’s current missions as it will improve the working conditions and in turn the lives of our members.

I want to back up a little here and relive some history. While your bargaining team was at the table with the employer trying to figure out how the restructuring could work and hopefully be the least painful as possible for everyone, a lot of the bumps in the road we are currently experiencing were recognized, some were not. For several of the exercises we conducted we had a map of the state that marked the physical address of each trooper and the posts that would remain. At that point in time

with the map up on the wall one could readily see the potential that the remaining posts could become hubs. As time went by, where troopers lived would likely become more and more concentrated around the remaining posts, obviously leaving communities in the outlying areas with no troopers living there. Absent detachments or some other mechanism to keep troopers in those far away areas, patrols there were likely to diminish. Both the department and the asso ci-

Having experienced sweeping modifications to the method in which we deploy our law enforcement resources, we have now arrived at a crossroad. Much has been ac-complished in the last year and a half or so. Obviously there is much more that needs to be done to get us to where we, as a department, need to be. I believe we are still on course and headed in the right direction. Pain and discomfort has been experienced by some of our members and their families during this transition. It has been a difficult path for many of you. For enduring what has recently come to pass, all the while completing the mission we are tasked with, I want to thank our members for your patience and understanding. Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed in Lansing.

About a year and a half ago it became evident that to stand by and do things the same way, because that is the way we have always done it, just would not work for us any longer. We were going to be left behind if that is what we chose to do. This applies to both the MSP and the MSPTA. At one point in this process we were faced with the decision to change and survive or continue on course and set into motion what could have been a tremendous reduction in our ability to remain a leader in law enforcement in the State of Michigan. Although we did not have the luxury of time to brace for what was happening to us, we worked together, with the department, and it happened – we changed. To say we changed a lot is probably an understatement when you take into account everything we have been through over the last 30 years and compare it to what we have been through in the last year

ation recognized this and discussed this possibility at the table a year and a half ago.

So far, to avert the “polar ization effect” of troopers in this manner and to maintain patrols, we have stuck with the post/detachment model. This model has or had potential, but in my opinion it is not working as well as it should or could be. The department also recognizes improvement is needed. From the association’s end it’s not working well because of

the uncertainty that is attached with that method. As we all know, with detachments being seniority bid by shifts, you can be here today, gone tomorrow, with a long drive to boot.

The instability created by the greatly expanded post areas has surfaced much too often already.

A solution to the problems of polarization, troopers driving long distances from their homes to their patrol areas, among other issues, is currently being considered. Assigned vehicles are a big part of the picture and will play a key role in accomplishing our regional policing plan.

With that being said, we are also ex ploring an additional option. An

Vice President’s View

Follow Vice President Duane Hickok on Twitter:

@MSPTA_VP


option that, when coupled with assigned vehicles, will get us where we need to be. The employer and the association have begun to discuss troopers being assigned to counties (change) as opposed to posts or detachments (the way we have always done it). The discussion is definitely a step in the right direction for both parties. The idea is currently in its infancy, but if done properly, I think we can all see tremendous potential in this concept. Again this idea is in

its infancy and no details have been worked out as of the writing of this article.

Getting troopers to where they need to be, both as far as an operational need and for the individual trooper’s needs, would be the best of both worlds. Sometimes operational needs do not align with individual needs, so the devil is in the details. The biggest challenge for this concept will be to get from where we are (the post/detachment model) to

where we are probably headed, the county assignment model. Tackling this challenge will be up to a work group that the department has invited the association to be part of. We eagerly look forward to this challenge and implementation of the concept as a step in the right direction for the department and its members.

Finally, please keep the family of Tpr. Chris Croley in your thoughts and prayers. ■

Publication Policy and work began to get this issue out.

While we continue our efforts to move communications to a digital format, we are not as far along as I had hoped, largely due to the intense work done this year with other important MSPTA business. To go hand in hand with the efficiencies being created with our new communication methods, we have also been busy this year with some internal reorganization at the MSPTA office—changes being made to afford our membership a higher level of service. At one point the MSPTA office employed four full-time employees, outside of executive members and legal counsel. Today we manage our operation with a reduced staff of one full-time and one part-time employee, largely in response to the current economic climate. This reduction has meant that each staff member individually take on more responsibility, and requires us to look for the most efficient ways to do business.

We were busy this past year with the Letters of Understanding (LOUs) that allowed members to transfer in conjunction with last year’s post closings. The LOUs were closely followed with a series of very intense and frustrating contract negotiations, in a political climate that often seemed

from PRESIDENT, page 2

see PRESIDENT, page 5

anything but labor friendly. I know we all recognize and agree that the labor agreement that was eventually ratified was a difficult compromise. In the office, we have tackled

multiple challenges. Earlier this year, Pat Strzalkowski was given a new title as Marketing Director for the organization. She will be concentrating on moving us into this millennium with real world marketing and communications. Karyn Cento-fanti has assumed the title of Administrative Assistant/Event Plan-ner. She has relieved Pat of many of her previous duties. Karyn now will be organizing the quarterly, district, and committee meetings, in addition to acting in an office support capacity for the president, vice president, and Grievance Committee positions.

Pat has already spent considerable time reformatting our labor agreement so that it could be easily viewed on portable devices such as smart phones and e-tablets. She is currently tasked with developing and implementing a document management system that will allow our office to go paperless. Not only is a “paperless” organization more eco-friendly, but we will also benefit from reduced paper costs, decreased storage space for filing cabinets, avoid postage costs, save time on manual search and delivery,

and reduce the energy costs of running office machines, just to name some of the immediate benefits.

Earlier this year, several Executive Board members volunteered to help remodel the office to accommodate the new Marketing Director position, create office space designated for the Chair for the Associate Member Committee (Retiree Committee), and a small conference room that doubles as a waiting room. Pat now enjoys a larger and more functional work space. During this work, we spent a great deal of time auditing and disseminating 40 years worth of documents that had been stored in numerous file cabinets over the years.

Perhaps the most important role Pat will be playing in her new position as Marketing Director is leading the way in our efforts to fully utilize our website, Facebook, and Twitter. The MSPTA is now on both Facebook and Twitter. I can be followed at @MSPTApresident, and Duane Hickok can be found at @MSPTA_VP. Pat will be working closely with Mosaic Media, a business marketing group based in Troy, Michigan, who is currently working on the construction of our new MSPTA website. We have plans for our own version of Craig’s List that will be restricted to members


Counsel’s Corner

If I could give just one piece of sage advice, it would be this . . . If it happened, put it on your daily. Please!

In my experience, members of the Department of State Police face disciplinary action far less often than other employees in the public and private sectors, despite being held to more rigid standards of conduct, on and off duty. After reading this month’s edition of the Michigan Bar Journal (which includes attorney dis-ci pline), I would have to surmise that, as a group, our members face discipline at a lower rate than even lawyers. Make all the jokes you want, but that is a very high compliment! This is especially true given the high

number of lawyers we have within the enlisted ranks of our department!

Yet there is one thing that I see, time and time again, in the disciplinary process – failure to include something on the officer’s daily report. In my opinion, it is the most preventable form of discipline, but it is also one of the most common reasons for discipline in the Department of State Police.

First, let me say that I understand the problem. As a lawyer in private practice, I was responsible for docu-menting all my contacts during each work day. My incentive for being complete and accurate was compelling, to say the least – if I forgot something, I didn’t get paid for that work. Yet I found daily documentation of my legal activities to be the most unpleasant part of being a lawyer in private practice.

So it is with considerable chagrin that I sit here in my first floor “ivory tower” telling you about the im por-tance of documenting every law en-forcement activity on your daily. My failure to document something meant that my law firm (and I) did not get paid for the legal work I performed. Your failure to document something on your daily could have far more serious consequences beyond just the possible

Lawrence P. SchneiderMSPTA General Counsel

and retirees. Our vision also includes electronic access to MSTAF, with on-line donation capabilities, streamed videos from quarterlies that include live chat, electronic balloting, and a number of other ideas put forward by the Executive Board, staff, and membership.

I know that any change, even change for the better, can be accompanied by drawbacks and discomfort for some. I am confident that the benefits realized by the changes taking place for the MSPTA organization will go a long way to alleviate that discomfort for those who are struggling in that

familiar spot. I am excited about the efficiencies and functionality we will experience as we move forward, but more importantly, I look forward to the opportunities for improved communication and increased in-volvement these changes will bring to our MSPTA members. ■

concluded from PRESIDENT, page 4

loss of pay. In extreme or repetitive cases, it could cost you your job.

More importantly, putting things on your daily that the department expects you to put on your daily keeps your integrity from being questioned. In a couple of cases over the years, I have been called upon to represent troopers in the disciplinary process who gave motorists a “verbal warning,” but neglected to note the stop on their daily. In one case, the motorist was indignant about being stopped in the first place and called the post to complain, but there was no record of the stop. (No good deed goes unpunished!) The trooper was not trying to hide anything; he had just gotten busy and never came back to his notes to record the stop. Unfortunately, that is not how the department saw it.The moral of my story is simple –

If it happened, put it on your daily (whenever required by Official Orders.) I have never represented a trooper in a discipline case who put too much information on his or her daily. However, leave one stop off your daily, and I can almost guarantee that you and I will meet sooner than we had expected. I’d rather meet at the next quarterly. ■

Michigan State Police Troopers Association ...


MSP Provides Military Honor Guard

On February 28, 2012, MSP pro vided an honor guard for the 303rd Military Police Company from Jackson. They were deploying to Afghanistan for a year. The company is full of troops, deputies and local officers from around the state. Several department members are alumni of this company, including yours truly. MSP was on hand while they loaded on the busses, then escorted them down I-94. Please keep all our military service men and women in your thoughts and prayers. ■

Tpr. Eric ByerlyJackson Post

117th Recruit School

1

3

4

(1) Tpr. Aaron Weinrick (Metro Post), Tpr. Eric Byerly (Jackson

Post), and Tpr. Platt Weinrick (Flint Post). It was during this deployment

that Platt Weinrick was injured in Afghanistan.

(See story on pages 8-9.)

(2) Tpr. Jeff Lehman (Jackson Post) standing honor guard at one of the bus entrances.

(3, 4 & 6) Tpr. George Lehman (Coldwater Post) doing the same.

(5) Tpr. Joshua May (Tri-City Post), Tpr. Brad Howard (Hart Post),

Tpr. Platt Weinrick (Flint Post), and Tpr. Aaron Weinrick (Metro

Post) stand by a patrol car prior to their deployment.

(7) Military supporters line the street as the company leaves.

2

Photos courtesy of D/Sgt. Mark Goff (Questioned Documents Section) and MCO Jason Newcomb (Niles Post).


5

6

7


Flint Post Spearheads Work Day for MSP Trooper Injured in Afghanistan

Platt Weinrick was injured on June 19, 2012, in Afghanistan, when his base was attacked. He has since returned home and is recovering at his home.On July 15, 2012, the Flint Post

organized a work day at his house to do some landscaping, redo his driveway, install a flag pole and add a 12x12 deck to the front of his house. In the process, we had many donations from Home Depot and other businesses such as Reliable Lawn Care, Saginaw Ace Asphalt and Champagne and Marx Excavating. Ap proximately 70 troopers and family members came out to help clean up and work on Platt’s house. We also had a play set donated for his three childern. We enjoyed a cook out with food being donated by the Tpr. Werda Memorial. Troopers Werda and Weinrick sat next to each other in the 119th recruit school. It was amazing to see so much work get done in one day. Many thanks to all who participated. ■

Tpr. Dan Lubelan Flint Post

121st Recruit School

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

– Mahatma Gandhi

“ “


Many Thanks ...

On August 15, 2012, the Depart-ment of Human Services in Ogemaw County had our annual Bring Your Child to Work Day. This is a day where parents are encouraged to bring their school-aged children into the workplace for a day of fun-filled and educational activities. In the past, the committee has centered this day with activities specifically related to the Department of Human Services. This year we decided to include some community partners.

Trooper Harold Terry was in vit ed to come to the Department of Human

Submitted by:Caryn Michalak Painter

(Wife of Sgt. Scott Painter) and Krysta Cook

DHS – Ogemaw County

Services in Ogemaw County to speak to the children in the afternoon. After spending time dis cussing what it takes to become a trooper, the academy and his specific training, he also showed everyone the gear he carries on a daily basis. Trooper Terry gave tours of his Tahoe, including show ing the children his computer, the lights and sirens and all of his equipment. He ex plained his job eloquently, making sure all ages could comprehend his presentation.

The best part of Trooper Terry’s pre sentation was when he introduced his partner, K-9 Maximus, aka “Max.” Maximus did a fabulous job exhibiting his talent of finding objects that were foreign to the ground as well as his narcotic searches. Max was

well-mannered around the staff and children and helped Trooper Terry give an excellent presentation.

The Ogemaw County Department of Human Services committee re-sponsible for “Bring Your Child to Work Day” would like to thank Tpr. Terry for sharing his time with us at this special event. Our grati-tude is also extended to Tpr. Yvonne Brantley of the Tri-City post for providing us with “goodie bags” including Michigan State Police items for the children.

As for the Department of Human Services, we invite these children in hopes of recruiting future DHS staff … however, following Trooper Terry’s presentation, we probably lost them to future MSP careers!! ■


LANSING. Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue is pleased to announce that Tpr. Bradley Stimac of the Houghton Lake Post is the 2011 recipient of the Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker Trooper of the Year Award. Stimac received the award at a special ceremony held in Lansing. The Gerstacker Award recognizes the MSP trooper or sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedi cation to duty and a concern for giving back to their community. The late Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker, former chairman of Dow Chemical Company, created the award in 1961.

“Trooper Stimac displays a con sistent commitment to conducting high-quality investigations and he has taken a leadership role both at work and in his community, making him a natural choice for this year’s Trooper of the Year,” stated Etue.

At the post, Tpr. Stimac serves as a community service officer, where he is responsible for planning and organizing special programs in area schools. He is also the assistant Sex Offender Registry coordinator, a field training officer and certified child safety seat inspector.

Tpr. Stimac has taken a leadership role in multiple work and community-related programs, including serving as a founding member of the local Partnership for Substance Abuse Awareness Coalition, Lunch with a Trooper program at a local elementary school, and he authors a bi-weekly article in the local newspaper to help bridge the gap between the MSP and the public.Tpr. Stimac enlisted with the department in 1998,

graduating as a member of the 116th Trooper Recruit School. Upon graduation, he was assigned as a trooper at the Houghton Lake Post. ■

Stimac Named 2011 Trooper of the Year

Tpr. Bradley Stimac

Flint Post Troopers Participate in Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Submitted by:Andrea Weinrick

(Wife of Trooper Platt Weinrick,sister-in-law of Trooper Aaron Weinrick)

Troopers from the Flint Post participated in the 2012 Fenton Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. As a team, they raised over $9,000 and are currently ranked number four in the state for fundraising for Polar Bear Plunges. This was the second year that troops from the Flint Post have participated, both years taking first place in fundraising for their event. The team wore tee shirts in memory of Tpr. Dave Stokes who had participated in the 2011 event. I thought the Michgian Trooper magazine would like to know how these troops are giving back. ■


Board of Awards

The following citations were approved by the department’s District and Division Review Panels and the Board of Awards Committee. The ranks of the officers are those held at the time of the request for citation.

Bravery Award

January 2012

Tpr. Arthur McNew is receiving the Bravery Award for diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On April 18, 2011, while on patrol, Trooper McNew received a radio call of a shooting in the city of Hudson. Investigators determined the female victim was the ex-wife of the suspect. Witnesses reported the suspect shot her with a shotgun before fleeing in a black truck. Trooper McNew responded to the suspect’s address a few miles from the shooting, but did not locate the suspect vehicle. After talking with a neighbor, Trooper McNew obtained a more detailed vehicle description that he shared with dispatch.

Trooper McNew then began patrolling the area looking for the suspect. A short time later, dispatch advised there was a report of a reckless driver matching the description of the suspect vehicle. Being only one mile from the location, Trooper McNew responded and located the suspect vehicle.

As additional units arrived, Trooper McNew attempted a traffic stop; however, the suspect fled at a high rate of speed. Trooper McNew pursued the suspect for several miles, during which time the suspect pointed a sawed-off shotgun toward Trooper McNew on several occasions. The pursuit continued, eventually leading back to the suspect’s residence. Fearing the suspect may enter the house and the situation would escalate to a barricaded gunman or hostage situation, Trooper McNew performed a “PIT” maneuver on the suspect vehicle, causing it to come to a rest on the lawn. As Trooper McNew exited his patrol unit to approach the suspect vehicle, the suspect drove forward striking a Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Department patrol unit, causing minor injury to the deputy. Concerned for the safety of the deputy, Trooper McNew and other responding officers fired their service weapons. When the officers were able to safely make their way to the suspect vehicle, they found the suspect deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

In taking the lead role in a pursuit with an armed suspect, Trooper McNew knowingly placed his life in danger. Addi-tionally, when the safety of a fellow officer was at stake, Trooper McNew took decisive action to prevent further injury to anyone involved. For these reasons, the Board of Awards finds that Trooper McNew’s brave actions are in the highest traditions of the Michigan State Police.

April 2012

Troopers Willie Buie, Christopher Bush, Joseph Young, Mitch Dyer, and David Cardenas are receiving the Bravery Award for diligence and perseverance under uncommon

circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On October 13, 2011, Trooper Buie responded to a bank robbery in the Village of Ravenna. Witnesses reported the suspected bank robbers, who fled the scene, were armed with assault rifles.

Trooper Buie positioned himself along the suspected travel route and was able to catch up to the fleeing robbers, whose vehicle was behind an FBI agent. The FBI agent gave way to Trooper Buie and a vehicle pursuit ensued. Once the suspects realized they were being pursued by police, the passenger began shooting at Trooper Buie. At this point, Trooper Buie was the only police officer in pursuit, and knowing he could not terminate the chase without losing the suspects, Trooper Buie established a tactical distance between his patrol car and the suspect’s car. The suspects continued to fire upon Trooper Buie, yet he selflessly continued the pursuit, recognizing the suspects were an ever-growing threat to the public.

Troopers Bush, Cardenas, Dyer, and Young headed in the direction of the robbery, and as a result, became involved in the pursuit, along with Trooper Buie. As the pursuit continued, the suspects fired several rounds at the officers and other motorists. In an attempt to allude the pursuing officers, the suspects intentionally hit and killed a Walker police officer who was attempting to deploy stop sticks. As a result of hitting the officer, the suspects’ vehicle became disabled and went off the road. As the suspects were exiting their vehicle, Troopers Bush, Dyer, Cardenas, and Young converged in an attempt to prevent their escape. The suspects discharged multiple rounds at the troopers, who returned fire, fatally wounding both suspects.

By taking an active role in the pursuit of these armed and dangerous suspects, these troopers knowingly placed their lives in danger. When the suspects attempted to flee on foot, while discharging several rounds, these troopers took decisive action to prevent further injury to anyone involved. For these reasons, the Board of Awards finds the brave actions of Troopers Buie, Bush, Dyer, Cardenas, and Young are in the highest traditions of the Michigan State Police.

August 2012

Tpr. Ryan Rich and Tpr. Kelly Lambert are receiving the Bravery Award for diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On March 23, 2012, Troopers Rich and Lambert were assigned to patrol duty in the city of Saginaw when they made an early morning traffic stop. They asked a male passenger to step out of the vehicle for further questioning, and as the suspect backed out of the vehicle, he turned and opened fire on the troopers. Trooper Lambert was struck by rounds piercing his left arm, left ear, and through his neck. Trooper Rich responded quickly by grabbing the suspect’s arm and weapon, wrestling the assailant to the ground. The suspect continued his aggression, determined to fire additional rounds at the troopers. Despite having been severely wounded, Trooper Lambert was able to draw and fire


at the suspect. Meanwhile, Trooper Rich was able to disengage from the physical confrontation and return fire as well, with both troopers fatally striking the suspect.

Trooper Rich then grabbed Trooper Lambert, who had endured tremendous blood loss, placed him in the patrol car, and raced to the hospital. Trooper Rich’s quick action bought valuable time and saved Trooper Lambert’s life. For these reasons, the Board of Awards finds the brave actions of Troopers Rich and Lambert are in the highest traditions of the Michigan State Police.

September 2012

Sgt. Dale Lynema of the Paw Paw Post is being awarded with the MSP Bravery Award for his diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On October 13, 2010, Sgt. Lynema responded to a call in

Barry County as back-up for deputies who were on the scene with a suicidal individual armed with a shotgun and threatening residents in the area. Further information indicated the gunman was highly intoxicated and/or medicated.

Once on scene, Sgt. Lynema advised bystanders to take cover, before joining the deputies who were instructing the individual to put down his weapon.

When the individual pointed his shotgun at the deputies and threatened to kill them, Sgt. Lynema confronted the gunman. He then ordered the gunman a second time to put down his weapon, at which point the subject shouldered his weapon and pointed it at Sgt. Lynema. In a courageous act to protect his life and ensure the safety of others, Sgt. Lynema fired his weapon, ending the threat.

In presenting Sgt. Lynema with the MSP Bravery Award, the department noted his selfless decision to place himself in harm’s way to protect the lives of others was an act of bravery and necessary to bring the incident to conclusion.

Meritorious Service Award

October 2011

Spl/Sgt. Ken Hersha is receiving the Meritori ous Service Award for his professionalism and diligence and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On October 27, 2009, Spl/Sergeant Hersha was requested by the Cambridge-Onsted fire chief to investigate a suspicious fire. The structure that was intentionally burned was a pole barn that had been converted to an apartment. Once the cause and origin were determined, Spl/Sergeant Hersha continued to investigate the matter and identified a former tenant as a suspect. Through diligent investigation, Spl/Sergeant Hersha obtained video footage from a hardware store of the suspect purchasing two gasoline cans just days before the fire. These cans were located at the fire scene and the bar codes were used to trace them back to the store. On November 20, 2009, Spl/Sergeant Hersha was conducting

surveillance on the suspect when he observed him partake in a drug transaction. He maintained surveillance on the suspect’s vehicle until it was stopped by marked units and the suspect was arrested for carrying a concealed handgun and for possession of

cocaine. Several thousand dollars in cash were also seized by the Clinton Police Department.In the meantime, on November 11, 2009, Washtenaw County

Sheriff’s deputies arrested a suspect for unrelated crimes. This suspect told officers he was paid by the first suspect to set arson fires. Further investigation revealed the original suspect employed several young men to commit felony crimes for him including arson. The investigation continued, eventually involving several local, county, state, and federal agencies as it grew in scope. Numerous investigations spun off from this, including public corruption allegations of law enforcement officers being on the suspect’s payroll. To date, one police officer in northern Michigan has resigned after admitting to investigators his criminal involvement with the suspect; an indictment is pending. To date, both suspects have been charged and convicted of numerous felony crimes, including the September 11, 2009 attempted fire bombing of the Pleasant Lake Bar in Manchester, Michigan, where they were directed to cause “mass casualties.” Due to Spl/Sergeant Hersha’s determination and dedication, an extremely dangerous criminal and his associates have been brought to justice, including officers who swore to uphold the law.

D/Sgt. Twana Powell is receiving the Meri torious Service Award for her pro fes sion alism and diligence and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On May 8, 2010, Tpr. Jonathan Henry was off-duty driving his personal vehicle, when he encountered five subjects with firearms on a street in the city of Detroit. Trooper Henry observed the suspects get into two vehicles and drive away from the area. While following the suspect vehicles, the suspects began firing shots at Trooper Henry. He notified dispatch and provided a registration plate number from one of the vehicles. As he continued to follow the suspects, one got out on foot and hid between houses as the other suspects attempted to lead Trooper Henry into an ambush. Responding MSP and Detroit Police Department officers were able to arrest the suspect on foot and recover a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. Additional investigation revealed the suspects had just committed an armed home invasion at a drug house.

D/Sergeant Powell’s relentless investigative efforts identified the victims of the initial home invasion, who had not reported the crime. D/Sergeant Powell worked tirelessly to identify the other suspects, and utilizing her unique and productive interview skills, she convinced the victims of the home invasion to cooperate. D/Sergeant Powell then methodically investigated and identified each of the four additional suspects, without the assistance of the suspect in custody who refused to cooperate. D/Sergeant Powell marshaled the resources of MSP Detroit Violent Crimes Task Force and the Second District Fugitive Team to locate each of the suspects, once again utilizing her interviewing skills to convince one of the suspects to confess to the incident and provide testimony against the other defendants.

D/Sergeant Powell’s investigative efforts resulted in multiple felony charges against each defendant. Her outstanding investigative efforts and willingness to go above and beyond


expectations has resulted in five dangerous criminals, who attempted to murder a trooper, being taken off the streets.

D/Sgt. Jacquelyn Stasiak is receiving the Meri torious Service Award for her professionalism and diligence and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On September 21, 2007, the Ionia Post was contacted about a missing person who had not been seen by family members in over a week and had failed to show for a family gathering. Through a very detailed investigation over the next two years, D/Sergeant Stasiak was able to determine that the victim, who was mentally challenged, was befriended by a life insurance salesman who developed a plan to steal his life savings and murder him. The victim had approximately $450,000 that had been saved over a lifetime. The suspect forged the victim’s signature and attempted to send the money to his home country of Lebanon. He then enlisted a friend from Pennsylvania to kidnap and murder the victim.

D/Sergeant Stasiak has spent hundreds of hours of her own time working on this case. She has executed numerous search warrants both in Michigan and Pennsylvania, as well as overseas with the assistance of the U.S. Secret Service. As a result, evidence was found linking the suspects with the attempted wire fraud. The first suspect was sentenced to 39 years in federal prison for kidnapping and stealing the victim’s money, and the second suspect was convicted on similar charges. Had it not been for D/Sergeant Stasiak’s determination, this case may not have been solved and two very clever scam artists would still be at-large.

D/Sgt. Michael Morey and Tpr. Brian Siemen are receiving the Meritorious Service Award for their professionalism and diligence, and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On December 1, 2006, an elderly woman was found dead in her home in Hubbardston. Initially, the Ionia County Sheriff’s Department and the Ionia County Medical Examiner determined the victim died as a result of an accident and no further investigation was conducted. In January 2007, family members disputed the findings and asked that the case be reopened. The Ionia County Sheriff’s Department requested D/Sergeant Morey to assist them. Over the next several months, as D/Sergeant Morey and Trooper Siemen took on more and more of the investigation, they came to believe the victim did not die as a result of an accident, but instead was murdered. In December 2007, the Ionia County Sheriff’s Department requested the Michigan State Police handle the investigation. D/Sergeant Morey and Trooper Siemen re-examined the entire case and were able to convince a forensic pathologist that the victim’s death was more likely that of a homicide rather than an accident.

They developed a suspect who had lived across the street from the victim at the time of her death and was seen with an amount of cash similar to what the victim had gotten from the bank. Over the next couple years, D/Sergeant Morey tracked the suspect to Texas and worked with Texas authorities to gain additional evidence. In 2009, D/Sergeant Morey and Trooper Siemen traveled to Texas to gain additional information/evidence, but it still was not enough for a warrant. In 2010, a

ranger with the Texas Department of Public Safety obtained a partial admission from the suspect and the Ionia County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for Open Murder. D/Sergeant Morey and Trooper Siemen again went to Texas and additional information/partial confession was gained from the now 21-year-old suspect. Eventually, he was brought back to Michigan and found guilty of first-degree murder, felony homicide, and second-degree home invasion, and is now serving a life sentence. The tenacity and hard work of both D/Sergeant Morey and Trooper Siemen solved a very difficult case that had previously been closed as an accidental death.

D/Sgt. Thomas Rajala and Tpr. Jeffrey Rose are receiving the Meritorious Service Award for their professionalism and diligence and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers. On September 12, 2009, the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Department investigated a death and fire at a residence in Ironwood Township. The initial investigation determined the victim set the fire and then committed suicide, however, in May 2010, Trooper Rose received a tip that the fire was set to cover up a homicide. The Gogebic County Prosecutor requested the Michigan State Police reopen the investigation, and an extensive investigation was conducted by Trooper Rose and D/Sergeant Rajala. The investigation involved multiple interviews over a four-month period from 67 possible witnesses.

As a result of their investigation, the prosecutor issued a three-count warrant for Felony Murder, Arson of a Dwelling, and First Degree Home Invasion. During the one-week trial in June 2011, 57 witnesses testified, some coming from as far away as Florida and Washington. The jury deliberated for 1 hour and 52 minutes before finding the suspect guilty on all counts. Because of Trooper Rose and D/Sergeant Rajala, a very dangerous criminal was caught and a family was provided closure.

January 2012

Tpr. Aaron Steensma is receiving the Meritorious Service Award for his professionalism and diligence and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers for his role in the investigation of the abduction/murder of Venus Rose Stewart. On April 26, 2010, Trooper Steensma was the first officer to arrive at the home of Venus Stewart’s parents when they reported their daughter missing. Upon arrival, Trooper Steensma surveyed the area and conducted interviews with her parents. From this, he became suspicious of the situation and immediately took action to secure the entire home and driveway to preserve the potential crime scene.

Next, Trooper Steensma began processing the crime scene, during which time he noticed several items out of place. One of those items was a tarp wrapper that had blown under a boat parked in the driveway. In addition, he noticed a hair tie on the sidewalk with some loose stones brushed upon it. He also discovered a footprint approximately 30 yards from the home between a woodpile and blades of grass in the yard that appeared to have been disturbed. At this point, Trooper Steensma contacted the post detective to convey his belief that Venus was abducted and to request additional resources.


When additional officers arrived, Trooper Steensma took charge by coordinating roles for each responding officer, regardless of agency. As a result of this communication, a responding deputy was able to identify faint tire impressions on a parallel road near the scene that were later matched to suspect Doug Stewart’s vehicle that was seized in Newport News, VA.

The tarp package Trooper Steensma discovered and preserved was traced to a Walmart Store in Van Wert, Ohio where the suspect was captured on video surveillance purchasing a shovel, gloves, and hat the night before the abduction. The forensic lab was also able to lift a fingerprint from the tarp package, which matched suspect Doug Stewart, calling into question his claim that he was in Virginia when this incident occurred.

Trooper Steensma’s investigative role included conducting over 50 follow-up interviews, many of which occurred after-hours or on his day off. Additionally, Trooper Steensma served as the family’s point of contact throughout the investigative process and into the subsequent trial.

Trooper Steensma’s initial crime scene response, briefing of responding officers, and observations in this incident proved to be critical in the successful prosecution of this murder. The judgment and experience shown by Trooper Steensma while in command of this crime scene resulted in important evidence being obtained. In addition, his service and availability to the lead detective and Venus Stewart’s family is truly commendable.

August 2012

D/Sgt. Thomas DeClercq, D/Sgt. Michael Foley, D/Sgt. Frank Mraz, and D/Sgt. Jeffery Yonker are receiving the Meritorious Service Award for their professionalism and diligence and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers for their roles in the investigation of a double homicide. On May 21, 2010, the Lansing Police Department requested the Michigan State Police take over investigation of this high-profile case due to a possible conflict of interest. With only a small amount of evidence obtained at the scene and no suspects, D/Sergeant’s DeClercq, Foley, Mraz, and Yonker began their investigation from scratch. D/Sergeant Yonker coordinated obtaining 31 search warrants and interviewing over 66 people during the course of the investigation. Phone records were obtained for both of the victims and several interviews were conducted by D/Sergeant’s Foley and Mraz of persons who had recently been in contact with the victims. One of the subjects who had called one of the victims was identified only as “Chicago call.” D/Sergeant Foley gathered intelligence information on this number and learned it belonged to a subject who was living in Chicago, but had lived in Lansing at the time the homicides occurred. This subject made five consecutive calls to one of the victims the day he was killed. On September 14, 2010, D/Sergeant’s Foley and Mraz went to Chicago to interview this subject as a possible witness. It was clear the subject was not being honest and during the course of the next day, after an intensive interview, the subject admitted he and his friend planned to rob the victims’ house and kill anyone who was home. The subject also confessed to obtaining the murder weapon from his father.

At the same time the interview was occurring in Chicago, D/Sergeant DeClercq went to the subject’s father’s house

and obtained the 9mm handgun. Upon examination of the weapon, D/Sergeant DeClercq determined the rounds in the handgun matched those recovered from the murder scene. This information was immediately relayed to the detectives in Chicago to use in the interview. This handgun was subsequently identified by MSP lab personnel as being the murder weapon. The accomplice was later arrested and interviewed by D/Sergeant DeClercq, resulting in not only a confession to being a co-conspirator, but an admission that one of the murders was premeditated.

During the trial of the first suspect, D/Sergeant Yonker sat at the prosecutor’s table and was very instrumental with maintaining property that was introduced. D/Sergeant Yonker was also called upon to provide direction, clarification, and overall assistance for the successful prosecution. The tenacity and hard work of D/Sergeant’s DeClercq, Foley, Mraz, and Yonker led to both subjects being found guilty of multiple counts of first and second degree murder.

Lifesaving Award

October 2011

Tpr. Jason Berg is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On June 9, 2011, Trooper Berg responded to a “man down” call. Upon arrival, the first responding officer was performing CPR on the victim, but did not have an AED. Trooper Berg used his AED, shocking the 76-year-old victim three times, resulting in the reestablishment of a pulse. Due to Trooper Berg’s quick action and training, the victim survived.

Tpr. Joseph Bozek and Tpr. Brian Bitson are receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On June 7, 2011, Troopers Bozek and Bitson were dispatched to an unresponsive male subject who was suffering from a drug overdose. Trooper Bozek was the first to arrive on-scene and located the male subject lying on the ground in the backyard of the residence. Trooper Bozek applied the AED to the subject and the AED advised “no shock, begin CPR.” Trooper Bozek attempted CPR, however, the subject’s jaw was locked, making it difficult to keep his airway open. With Trooper Bitson maintaining the subject’s airway and an officer from White Cloud Police Department doing chest compressions, Trooper Bozek began CPR. The officers completed several cycles of CPR, but the AED continued to advise “no shock.” During various times while CPR was being administered, the subject would take a large gasp of air, at which time the officers gave the subject sternum rubs. Officers maintained an open airway and performed CPR as instructed by the AED for approximately 6-8 minutes until emergency medical personnel arrived and administered an I.V. to counter the drugs. The subject then became alert and responsive. Without the first aid administered by Troopers Bozek and Bitson before medical personnel arrived, the male may not have survived long enough to respond to the I.V. treatment.

Tpr. Harold Terry and Tpr. Kyle Kehn are receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On January 8, 2011, at 8:15 p.m., Troopers Terry and Kehn were dispatched to


the shore of Higgins Lake in Roscommon County to rescue two men who fell through the ice. The troopers arrived and located the two subjects, who were separated by a quarter mile. Both subjects were approximately 100 yards off shore and had fallen through the thin ice. Trooper Terry located the first subject and went onto the ice as far as he thought was safe so he could throw his rescue disk. The subject grabbed the disk and was pulled to solid ice where he could be retrieved and moved to the patrol car.

Trooper Kehn located the second subject and walked onto the ice as far as he could, and then he threw his rescue disk. The subject was able to wrap the rescue disk cord around himself and he was pulled from the water and taken to shore.

Once on shore both subjects were stripped of their clothing, which was starting to freeze. The troopers placed the men in their patrol cars with the heat on and wrapped them in emergency blankets. Once emergency medical personnel arrived, both the subjects were transported to the hospital. If it were not for the heroism and the effort of these two troopers, these two would have likely perished in this incident.

Tpr. Craig Winnie and Tpr. James Revoyr are receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at 4:55 p.m., Troopers Winnie and Revoyr were dispatched to a residence in Calumet Township to a complaint of a man who was not breathing and had no pulse. The troopers arrived on scene within three minutes and immediately administered their AED and began CPR. After giving six shocks, the victim regained a pulse and began breathing. It is without a doubt the troopers’ quick actions and training saved the man’s life.

Tpr. Adam Laninga is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at 10:30 p.m., Trooper Laninga was dispatched to the VFW Hall in L’Anse where a 71-year-old male was having a heart attack. Trooper Laninga arrived within one minute and was connecting the AED when a Baraga Police Department officer arrived. Together, they delivered one shock from the AED and the victim started to breath and vomit. A moment later, the victim stopped breathing and had no pulse. CPR was started and two more shocks were delivered before the victim regained a pulse. He was then transported to the hospital, conscious and talking. There is no doubt Trooper Laninga’s quick action and training saved the man’s life.

January 2012

Tpr. Gordon VanGelder is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On June 11, 2010, Trooper VanGelder responded to a report of a man who had hung himself from a tree. When Trooper VanGelder arrived, the man was already on the ground. Using his training, Trooper VanGelder checked the subject’s vitals and determined he had no pulse and was not breathing. Trooper VanGelder then administered CPR, performing both the chest compressions and respirations. He then opened the subject’s airway and continued breathing. When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics provided Trooper VanGelder with a bag-valve mask that he used until the subject

could be transported to the hospital. Due to Trooper VanGelder’s quick actions and effective use of first aid, the victim survived long enough for his family to be able to donate his organs to Gift of Life, so others may benefit from this tragic event.

D/Sgt. William Eberhardt is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of a child. On May 14, 2011, while off duty, D/Sergeant Eberhardt was attending a wedding reception when several children, dressed in swimwear, came running into the reception area yelling for help. D/Sergeant Eberhardt followed the children to the pool, where he learned a three-year-old girl had been pulled from the pool after being underwater for a period of time. The child was unresponsive and not breathing. D/Sergeant Eberhardt and a bystander began CPR and back-blows until emergency medical personnel arrived. By the time the child was en route to the hospital, she was alert. She was treated and released from the hospital that evening with no lasting effects of the incident.

Tpr. Phil McNabnay and Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh are receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of a child. On June 18, 2011, Troopers McNabnay and Linebaugh responded to Bass Lake for a report of a child underwater. Upon arrival, the troopers worked together to form a line to attempt to locate the child in the water. Because there was no visibility, they had to dive under the water and use their hands to feel for the victim. By doing this, the troopers were able to locate the girl at a depth of 15 feet and remove her from the water. Responding emergency medical personnel began CPR, successfully restoring her heartbeat and pulse, and she was transported to the hospital. Sadly, her condition did not improve and her family ultimately decided to terminate support and donate her organs to Gift of Life to benefit others.

Tpr. Alan Burke is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On November 15, 2011, Trooper Burke and his partner were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle in the backyard of a home in Alpena Township. When troopers arrived, they observed a van resting against a tree with a fire burning under the left front of the vehicle. While Trooper Burke’s partner returned to the patrol car to retrieve a fire extinguisher, Trooper Burke ran to the vehicle. He found the fire was spreading rapidly and the driver was unable to exit the vehicle. Acting quickly, Trooper Burke extricated the driver by reaching through the passenger window and pulling him to safety, just as the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. It was later determined the driver was suffering from diabetic shock and was unable to free himself from the vehicle. If not for Trooper Burke’s quick and decisive actions, it is unlikely the driver would have survived.

Tpr. Donna Haw is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of two children. On Aug. 6, 2011, while off-duty, Tpr. Haw was swimming with her family at a public beach when she heard a drowning boy yell for help. As Tpr. Haw swam to help the drowning boy, she saw another boy sinking in his attempt to help his friend. Tpr. Haw pulled both boys safely to shore, called emergency medical personnel and notified their family


members. If not for Tpr. Haw’s quick actions and training, the boys may not have survived.

April 2012

Sgt. Kevin Beasley is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On September 2, 2011, Sergeant Beasley observed a male subject reacting in a manner which indicated he was choking. Sergeant Beasley confirmed with witnesses that the subject was indeed choking. He then successfully performed the Heimlich maneuver and verbally coached the subject to cough, indicating he had an open airway. Sergeant Beasley then had the subject transported for further treatment. If not for the quick actions or Sergeant Beasley, the victim may not have survived.

Tpr. Bradley Ross is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On February 1, 2012, Trooper Ross responded to an accident in which a vehicle collided with a tree and caught fire. Due to the impact, the driver was knocked unconscious. When Trooper Ross arrived, a witness was attempting to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, with no success. As the fire was entering the passenger compartment, Trooper Ross entered the vehicle and cut the seat belt off the driver. He then removed the driver from the vehicle and the danger of the flames. Without the quick and courageous actions of Trooper Ross, the driver would likely have perished in the fire.

Tpr. Dale Girke is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On August 24, 2011, Trooper Girke responded to a shooting call in which a male was shot in the neck. The victim had suffered both an entrance and exit wound, and was on the ground bleeding and choking profusely. Trooper Girke administered first aid by applying direct pressure to the wounds in an effort to stop the bleeding. Thanks to Trooper Girke’s quick actions and knowledge of first aid techniques, the victim survived.

D/Lt. Shannon Sims and Tpr. Dennis McGuckin are re-ceiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On October 4, 2011, the Thumb Narcotics Unit (TNU) had just concluded executing a search warrant and arrest of a subject for manufacturing marihuana. As the officers were leaving, the father of the arrested subject arrived. The father was advised of the arrest and given possession of the residence. As officers left, they witnessed the father fall to the ground at the front door of the home, hitting his head during the fall and losing consciousness. Officers on scene carried the victim from the porch and placed him on the ground while Trooper McGuckin retrieved an Automated External defibrillator (AED) from his patrol car and Detective Lieutenant Sims retrieved a first aid kit from his vehicle.

Detective Lieutenant Sims checked for breathing and pulse and found neither. Trooper McGuckin called for EMS by radio and then applied the AED paddles to the chest of the victim. Detective Lieutenant Sims began giving the victim breaths with the use of a first aid mask. The AED warned a

shock was being delivered to the victim, after which Detective Lieutenant Sims and Trooper McGuckin began two-person CPR. After approximately 2-3 minutes of CPR, the victim was able to breathe on his own and his pulse was re-established. If not for the actions of Detective Lieutenant Sims and Trooper McGuckin, it’s possible the victim would not have survived.

Tpr. Christopher Ingalls is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On November 25, 2011, Trooper Ingalls clocked a speeder at 76 mph in a 55 mph zone. As Trooper Ingalls turned his patrol car around, the subject accelerated in an attempt to flee. The subject turned on a side street and lost control of his vehicle when the pavement turned to gravel. As Trooper Ingalls looked for the subject, he discovered the vehicle had crashed. The driver was unconscious, had sustained a severe head injury, and was not breathing. Trooper Ingalls established the subject’s airway and immobilized his neck until advanced medical personnel arrived. If not for Trooper Ingalls’ quick and decisive actions, it is unlikely the driver would have survived.

August 2012

Tpr. Derrick White is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On February 10, 2012, Trooper White responded to a call of a stabbing in progress. The initial information was that a 10-year-old girl had called 911 to advise her 15-year-old brother was stabbing their mother. Trooper White arrived at the residence and saw a female child frantically waving from the front porch. Knowing that back-up was still miles away and that the victim was bleeding, losing consciousness, and still being attacked by the suspect, Trooper White made the decision to enter the home. Once inside, Trooper White observed the suspect straddling the victim and verbally ordered him to get off the woman. The suspect reared up on his knees and then hesitated to move. Trooper White moved toward the suspect with his Taser drawn and shoved the suspect backwards. The suspect then began to comply with Trooper White’s verbal commands and was arrested. Trooper White then rendered assistance to the female victim who was bleeding from both arms. If not for the quick and brave actions of Trooper White to enter the home, the victim may not have survived the attack.

Tpr. Robert Bow is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On March 25, 2012, Trooper Bow was dispatched to a residence for an unresponsive female. At the residence, Trooper Bow was joined by Patrolman Brian Steffani of the Carleton Police Department. Trooper Bow assisted by checking the victim’s airway and vital signs, and when it was determined the victim was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Trooper Bow began providing rescue breaths while Patrolman Steffani gave chest compressions. While the officers were performing CPR, paramedics arrived and began providing IV medication and utilized an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Just prior to activating the AED, the victim began breathing on her own, allowing her to be transported to the hospital. Due to Trooper Bow’s quick actions and effective use of first aid, the victim survived.


Sgt. Paul DiPietro is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On March 17, 2012, Sergeant DiPietro was off duty, coaching softball when he heard someone yelling “does anyone know CPR?” Sergeant DiPietro responded and found a victim lying unresponsive next to a vehicle. Sergeant DiPietro directed someone to call 911 and determined the victim was not breathing and did not have a pulse. Sergeant DiPietro immediately began CPR and continued until the Canton Fire Department arrived. Fire personnel administered two Automated External Defibrillator (AED) shocks to the victim and began administering medications, while Sergeant DiPietro continued chest compressions. The AED was administered an additional time prior to the victim being transported to the hospital. The victim was later released from the hospital and is expected to fully recover.

Tpr. Raymond Rollet is receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of a child. On May 28, 2012, Trooper Rollet and his partner were on patrol when they were flagged down by several people who told them a small child was choking and unable to breathe. Without hesitation, Trooper Rollet exited the patrol car to assess the situation. When he tried to establish an airway, Trooper Rollet quickly realized the obstruction was visible and utilized a finger sweep to dislodge an object from the victim’s throat. Thanks to Trooper Rollet’s knowledge of first aid techniques, the young victim survived.

Tpr. Brandon Davis, Tpr. Thomas Coles, and Tpr. Nicholas Pollich are receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of another. On May 26, 2012, Trooper Davis was dispatched to a residence in Van Buren County for an individual in full cardiac arrest. Upon his arrival, Trooper Davis relieved a neighbor who had been performing CPR on the subject. Trooper Davis performed chest compressions while staff from Lawton Quick Response ventilated the victim and connected an Automated External Defibrillator. When no shock was advised, Trooper Coles and Trooper Pollich began assisting Trooper Davis with CPR. The three troopers continued chest compressions for approximately 15 minutes until a pulse was detected by EMS personnel. Due to the persistence of these troopers, the victim survived.

Distinguished Service Award

Tpr. Sarah Krebs is receiving the Distinguished Service Award for organizing the “Missing in Michigan” event at Ford Field. Realizing the need to bring awareness to missing persons, D/Tpr. Krebs brought together volunteers, community organizations, law enforcement, and private companies for a one-day program entitled “Missing in Michigan Event – Missing Person’s Day 2011.” For five hours, families and friends of missing persons were made a priority by law enforcement and other entities, and they were assured their missing loved ones are not forgotten. Almost 500 persons attended the event, and the program

gave more than 40 families the opportunity to provide law enforcement officials with tips and information about their missing loved ones by providing photographs and DNA samples. Profiles of missing persons were entered into national databases including NamUs, 17 of which were new to the system. An important discovery that would not have been made without this event is that 20 missing person cases were found not to have been entered into LEIN/NCIC, an oversight that has since been corrected. Child identification kits were also provided to attendees.

D/Trooper Krebs enlisted the assistance of nine law enforcement agencies, 13 community organizations, four MSP specialty units, three musical guests, and over 100 volunteers to make this event a success. Ford Field, WWJ-TV, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Masons of Michigan, Crimestoppers, the University of North Texas, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were major supporting organizations. Community resource booths at the event included: The Missing You Foundation (Adrian, MI), Peace for the Missing (Grand Haven, MI), Cindy’s Hope (Howell, MI), Justice for Navaeh (Monroe, MI), Track Missing (Big Rapids, MI), Tri-State K9 Search and Resuce (Pontiac, MI), Mid-Michigan Working Dogs (Sheridan, MI), and K9 One Search (Flint, MI).

The amount of planning, organizing, scheduling, directing, and coordination it took to bring these various groups together to put on this event was monumental. Thanks to D/Trooper Kreb’s vision, this program at Ford Field was professional and reflected positively on the department. ■

Awards SpotlightTrooper Steve Porter of the Kalkaska Post was recognized by the FBI for helping them track down a sex offender wanted for sexually exploiting children. Using a photo of the victim, Tpr. Porter identified electronics in the background and contacted the manufacturer the led the FBI to the suspect. ■

Trooper Dale Lynema was awarded the Valor Award from the Hundred Club of Detroit for handling a volatile situation with an intoxicated armed gunman threatening a deputy and onlookers. ■

The Commendation Board of the Madison Heights Police Department has awarded Tpr. Dawn Zonca a Meritorious Service Award for her and her canine, Striker. Their work led to the arrest of two suspects involved in a armed robbery at a jewelry store. ■


Making the NewsFrom Sketches to Secret Service Krebs enjoying varied career with MSP

By: Traci L. WeisenbachReprinted with permission,Huron Daily TribuneCopyright May 26, 2012

Pigeon – Sarah Krebs has created sketches of wanted felons from all over Michigan. She’s helped locate and apprehend fugitives and has provided protection for well-known political dignitaries.

Now, she’s helping solve violent crimes in Detroit.

It all started with being a summer ranger at Sleeper State Park, ticketing parking violators and quieting down rowdy campers. Law enforcement is a career for which Krebs was destined. “It’s in our blood,” said the Michigan State Police (MSP) detective/trooper of her family. “My grandfather, the late Marvin H. Krebs, retired as a sergeant with the Grosse Pointe Farms Police after 27 years. My father, Mark, retired in March 2011 with 37 years as a detective sergeant with the MSP. I also have a cousin who is now retired from the FBI in Detroit.” Krebs, a 1996 Elkton-Pigeon-Bay

Port Laker High School graduate, was scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the Laker High School graduation ceremony Friday night. She said she planned to share some details from her notable career, which has been quite different than what she expected. “I really thought coming into (it that I would end up working in our crime laboratory, because of my educational background,” said the 2000 Michigan State University (MSU) graduate. “I ended up loving being a trooper and now a detective. I would never want to leave the investigative part of my job. I’m one of the lucky few who actually gets to do both.

I use my degree, being a forensic artist, but I still get to do all the fun stuff without working in a cubicle or lab.” Krebs currently is assigned to the Detroit Violent Crime/Gang Task Force. “We handle many violent crimes that occur within the city, including serial killers, armed robbery rings, serial sexual assaults, kidnappings, etc. Most of the high-profile cases within the city get our assistance,” she said. “The team is comprised of local, state, county and federal (law enforcement). It’s funded by the FBI.”

Because of her work on high profile cases, Krebs has been featured on national television shows, such as MSNBC’s Donny Deutsch’s show “The Big Idea,” “America’s Most Wanted” and “Dateline,” in which she interviewed with Chris Hansen about a Detroit fugitive she age-progressed and was found in Mexico. “It is surreal,” Krebs said of being on national television. “I was watching ‘Good Morning America’ one day and my sketch of the ‘Flint Stabber’ was profiled. There is nothing like eating breakfast, watching the ABC News and being able to say, ‘Hey! I drew that!’”

Receiving national attention also allows Krebs to make great networking connections. “I now have the connections to call ‘America’s Most Wanted’ and ask them to profile one of my cases, or I can talk to Chris Hansen about doing a show on missing people,” she said. “It’s been great.” She said she doesn’t get recognized in public unless she’s wearing her uniform. “I like it that way though. I am pretty low key,” she said.

With the MSP Detroit Violent Crime/Gang Task Force, Krebs’ day-

to-day work is quite varied. She works in downtown Detroit, across from Comerica Park. “My day is based on what’s going on, crime-wise, in the city,” she said. “We are tasked with writing search warrants, doing warrant sweeps, surveillance, etc. “When there is down time, we are each assigned either a local gang case or some type of conspiracy or criminal enterprise case.”

Krebs also gets called to assist other agencies because of her forensic art skills. She does composite sketches, identifies Jane and John Does that come out of the morgue and other forensic work.

“It’s always busy and every day is different,” she said. “That’s what I love about it.”

Through her work with unidenti-fied remains, Krebs has become an advocate for missing people in Michigan. “In many of my cases, after identifying the person, I meet the family and find out what a struggle they have been through to find their missing loved one,” she said.

One of her proudest moments in her career involved identifying a 19-year-old Algonac man, who had been missing since 1983 and helping the family find some closure. “I did a skull reconstruction, my first, in 2004 that helped (make the identification),” she said. “His skull was found in 1992 in the Clinton River. The two cases had never been connected. I did a facial reconstruction that identified him. I was able to meet his family and attend his memorial service 21 years after he died. The family and I still keep in contact. The case will always stick with me.”

The case led to Krebs starting the ‘Missing in Michigan’ event, which


became “Michigan’s Missing Persons Day.” “We just celebrated our second year on May 19 in Grand Rapids,” she said.

Before her current position, Krebs has served in a variety of other capacities with the MSP after finishing recruit school. She first served at the Richmond MSP post before going to the Detroit post. In Detroit, she’s worked in the Forensic Artist Unit, the U.S. Marshal Service Fugitive Team Task Force, Secret Service during the 2008 presidential campaign and the FBI Organized Crime Squad.

She said the Fugitive Team Task Force has been one of the most fun jobs she’s had. “All we did was hunt down fugitives and arrest them every day, with little to no paperwork

involved,” she said. Working with the Secret Service

was quite a memorable experience, Krebs said. “There is nothing like escorting the future president of the United States around,” she said. “We would ride in the (presidential candidates’) motorcades and do personal executive protection for the candidates and their families. I met then-Sen. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, John and Cindy McCain, Mike Huckabee, Mitt Romney and Hillary Clinton, among others.”

However, her favorite memories are of being a uniformed MSP trooper in Detroit. “I am sure you can only imagine the stories I have,” she said.

When thinking about her time at Lakers, many memories revolve

around art class, then taught by Lee Deneen. “Art became a large part of my career,” said Krebs, who drew cartoons for MSU‘s State News. “I can still hear (Deneen) saying, ‘Shade on the round!’ I still apply this when I’m doing my drawings.”

Deneen remembers Krebs as a determined young woman, who always did the best she could and was always willing to try new things. He said she wanted her art projects to be perfect. If she made a mistake, she’d start over and she’d learn from the mistake. “I’m proud of her,” he said, noting he’s seen some of her national television appearances. “I figured she would do whatever she had the urge to do and she would do it well. That’s just the kind of person she is.” ■

Congratulations to Tpr. Timothy Thompson of the Niles Post who was awarded the Distinguished Pistol Badge at the 2012 National Pistol Championships at Camp Perry, Ohio. Trooper Thompson outperformed a number of other police competitors, winning the Police Sharpshooter category using the .22 caliber, center-fire, and .45 caliber pistols.

Members of the 1-126 Cavalry unit of the Michigan National Guard display a state flag on a mountain in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. They are, from left, Command Sgt. Maj. Terry Berdan,* an unnamed Canadian interpreter, Lt. Col. Mark Tellier, Master Sgt. Billy Beliew, Sgt. 1st Class David Ressler and Master Sgt. Miguel Sanchez.

*Tpr. Terry Berdan is out of the 119th RS and is posted at Flint.


The graduation of the 123rd Re-cruit School was a great success. This school had a very special meaning for the Robertson family because with the graduation of this class, came our family’s third generation MSP member.

My nephew, Tpr. Daniel Robert-son, son of my brother, Retired F/Lt. Curtis Robertson, and grandson to my father, the late Retired Captain Robert H. Robertson, graduated and was assigned to the Caro Post.

Trooper Dan Robertson was employed with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department for five years before joining the Varsity Team. Dan is very happy and excited to be assigned to the Caro Post after talking in length with his father and me. We both told him that it would be a great place to “learn” to be a trooper.

I went to the post with him on the weekend of his visit. I was very happy to learn that I know a couple of the sergeants there, which lets me know that he is in great hands. Dan also met his FTO during the visit. He was very impressed with his FTO, and the post in general.

One very special thing that took place during the graduation was the

Third Generation MSP

D/Sgt. David RobertsonMetro Post #21


issuing of his badge. The badge #489 that was assigned to Dan belonged to his grandfather, my father, when he was a trooper in 1955. From that date to the present, there has been a Robertson in active duty with the Michigan State Police.

With the retirement of my broth-er, and me entering into the DROP program, it is very exciting to see another Robertson carry on the tradition.

A number of relatives were in attendance at the graduation cere-mony. Those present to witness this great event were my mother, DeEtta Robertson, who is holding a photograph of my father as a young trooper graduate, my brother, Robert H. Robertson, Jr., as well as his son and daughter, my other brother, Retired F/Lt. Curtis Robertson, with his wife and son, Mark, Dan’s mother, Denise, along with my wife and daughter. Mark traveled from Florida to see his brother graduate, and Dan’s girlfriend traveled from the Metro Detroit area to attend.

It was great to see the PRIDE on the faces of all the new troopers. They truly deserve it! Now I could make a comment about how MY SCHOOL, the Mighty 100th, was the last of the

real tough schools … but I think every person who graduates from a State Police Recruit School could say the same thing, and be correct!With the start of the 124th Recruit

School and plans for the 125th and 126th in 2013, I believe the MSP is moving in the right direction to lead us back to being the #1 State Police Agency in the country.

Now, a simple message to the NEW troopers … Pay attention to your FTOs and sergeants. Become sponges and absorb as much information as you can. Most of all, HAVE FUN!! There is no other profession like this; make the most of it. Be safe troopers. ■

(L to R): D/Sgt David Robertson, Trooper Daniel Robertson,DeEtta Robertson, and Retired F/Lt. Curtis Robertson.

Proud dad with son.


“Trooper Jeffrey Werda Memorial Highway” Becomes Reality

Trooper Jeffrey J. Werda began his career with the Michigan State Police on September 17, 2000, as a proud member of the 119th Trooper Recruit School. Trooper Werda served at the Gladwin, Detroit and Bridgeport posts.

Trooper Werda volunteered to par-ti cipate in the Michigan State Police contingent that traveled to Loui siana to assist that state following the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Trooper Werda served the citizens of Louisiana with the same level of pride, integrity, and dedication that he displayed every day as a Michigan State Trooper.

Trooper Werda’s last watch was in the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 6, 2011, when, in support of another agency, he attempted to intercept a pursuit in progress. While en route, Trooper Werda was involved in a one-vehicle patrol car crash and lost his life in the line of duty.

Trooper Jeffrey J. Werda, Born February 1, 1968,

End of Watch April 6, 2011

I was one of Jeff ’s classmates of the mighty 119th Trooper Recruit School and one of his close friends. I pray that I never have to type another article that pertains to the death of an officer or a friend.

As one of Jeff ’s best friends, I had the honor of giving the eulogy at his funeral. During that eulogy I delegated some tasks using one of Jeff ’s signature phrases “I’m on it.” I learned if you challenge someone in front of several thousand people,

they “Get on it.” Things like designing t-shirts, planting new lawns, and planning a golf outing took a lot of work. I applaud those who accepted the challenge. Your hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed by Jeff ’s family, his friends, or his community.

There was one task that I delegated to Sgt. Al Renz of the Bridgeport Post. Well, he was a sergeant at the time, now he has joined the dark side as F/Lt. Al

Renz. (Only kidding! Congratulations Al.) Anyway, I had challenged Al with the task of renaming the road Jeff lost his life on the Trooper Jeffrey J. Werda Memorial Highway. Little did I know this was not an easy task. Al, I’m still sorry … but only a little. It proves my point, challenge someone in front of several thousand people and the job will likely get done.

Al, realizing I have asked something of him that was nearly impossible, reached out to the MSPTA office. In short order, Chris Luty called inform-ing me I had asked the impossible but they were going to do everything they could to make it happen. A few phone calls were made and before long Rep. Joel Johnson was involved. Well, the word involved might not cover it. Rep. Johnson embraced the idea and made it a mission. He kept the MSPTA office informed and kept me updated as this mission progressed. Not once did Rep. Johnson put his name out in front of this project. It was always about Trooper Jeffrey Werda and his sacrifice.

Finally the call I had been waiting for. There was going to be a road renamed after my classmate and friend. I was so excited to learn it was going to work I struggled to dial the phone to let Tammy (Jeff ’s widow) know. On May 1, 2012, my wife, Christy,

and I drove Tammy to Lansing. We met with Rep. Johnson, Chris Luty, and Duane Hickok. We were escorted to the Governors ceremonial office at

the capitol for the ceremonial signing of HB 4843, which became Public Act 71 of 2012. Governor Snyder was a perfect gentleman as he addressed Tammy. He signed the bill, paused for

photos, and again addressed Tammy with sincere words of support and gratitude.

Afterward, we were seated in the balcony over the House Floor while the House was in legislative session. Rep. Johnson went to the podium to introduce us as his guests, but he could not be heard over the noise of the working session. Rep. Johnson spoke up and still did not receive the level of attention he demanded for this bill. He paused …

The House Speaker Pro Tem Rep. John Walsh then pounded his gavel, calling the House to Order. Let me tell you something, that place became silent within a second. Later I learned any legislator or staff member who does not immediately silence, with the pounding of the gavel, faces removal from the House Floor by legislative sergeants. Rep. Johnson then introduced us and explained why we were in the audience, thus we received a standing ovation that brought Tammy to tears. Oh all right, you got me, yes I had tears … but

If you challenge someone in front of several thousand people,

they “Get on it.”

D/Tpr. Joseph RowleySTING Narcotics



so did my wife and I’m pretty sure I caught Chris and Duane sniffling too. It was an extremely moving event.

The original bill was introduced by Rep. Joel Johnson, and supported by Rep. Ken Horn. Afterward, Rep. Richard LeBlanc and Rep. Ken Horn made it a point to seek us out and introduce themselves. Again, these gentlemen gave comforting words of support and gratitude to Tammy.Now that it was official, Chris

pulled me aside and made me aware that there was an issue – funding! I know, big surprise right? We have the approval just not the funding. We tossed some ideas around finally deciding to do what always works when a problem needs to be fixed. We went to the troops!

I was not present; however, “the hat” was passed during the quarterly at Great Wolf Lodge. Chris was send-ing me updates and I was amazed at how much was being collected. I said amazed, not shocked. I wasn’t shocked because I know within the MSP there is still a family and families pull together in times of need. A couple of quick calls around Gladwin and we sent $500 to the table with a friendly challenge. Ultimately, $3200 was collected, in one day, to use

towards the cost of installing the signs. MDOT ended up donating the labor, and the remaining money went to the Trooper Werda Memorial Fund. Funding issue resolved!

Nobody wanted these signs to be installed without a proper dedication service. So again, we reached out to the MSPTA office for some help. I was given one simple instruction; secure a venue with both indoor and outdoor capabilities.On August 22, 2012, we had a

wonderful dedication service at the Gladwin City Amphitheater. The weather was perfect for this out-door event. Rep. Joel Johnson and Sen. John Moolenaar spoke of com-mitment, service, and sacrifice. Chris Luty shared the story of how the ceremony came to be and credited those who worked so hard to make it happen. Al Renz shared a fitting story of his relationship with Jeff. Col. Etue’s remarks reminded us that this was a day where we should be happy, as this memorial to Trooper Werda is a tribute to the life he lived.

Following the ceremony, MDOT took the signs and installed them along M-61. A reminder of the life Trooper Jeffrey Werda lived.

Earlier in this article you might

recall I said to Al Renz that I was sorry, but only a little. Let me explain … After the signs were installed I had the opportunity to visit one of the sign locations with Jeff ’s daughter, among others. I watched as Kenz teared up and said “that’s really cool.” So to those who made this happen, may that be payment enough. This is why I am only a little sorry for the work this caused for so many.

My current commute to work rewards me with a trip down the Trooper Jeffrey Werda Memorial Highway; once on the way to work and once on the way home. Those signs serve as a daily reminder to live life as the precious gift it is; after all, it has an unknown expiration date.

Thank you to those who made this happen. If you happen to make it to Gladwin, do yourself a favor and take a tour of Jeff ’s Highway. During your tour, say a quick prayer for all of our brothers and sisters who work tirelessly to keep this state safe … then kick up the radio and sing along to your favorite tune as Jeff would so often do!

Until next time, take care of your-self and continue to take care of one another. ■

Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue - MSP Director, Tpr. Joe Rowley, Chris Luty - MSPTA President, F/Lt. Al Renz, Representative Joel Johnson and Senator John Moolenaar.


Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. – Warren G. Bennis

Surrounded by family and friends is one of the Trooper Jeffrey Werda Memoral Highway signs.

McKenzie Werda stands with Tpr. Joe Rowley by one of the

highway dedication signs.


One of the many rolls of the Bomb Squad Unit is to dispose of commercial explosives that are found abandoned or have been allowed to deteriorate into an unstable con-dition. Many hazardous material disposal companies will not dispose of deteriorated explosives due to the unpredictable nature and enhanced sensitivity these explosives now possess.

When these types of calls for service are received, we perform an assess ment with the reporting agency over the phone to determine the type of explosive and the nature of the response. Many times, the information we receive is limited or the owner of the explosives has passed away. Due to this limited information we will respond and perform an on site assessment to see what we are actually dealing with. This was the case this past November when the Bomb Squad responded to a request from one our local law enforcement agencies. The officer stated there were a couple boxes of old dynamite inside a pole barn that had been sitting around for

Deteriorated Dynamite,What to look for and why?

Spl/Sgt. Tim KetvirtisSpecial Operations Division

Bomb Squad Unit112th Recruit School

years. The owner had passed away and the barn was being cleaned out by family members when the boxes were found.

Bomb Squad Technician, Sgt. AJ Bray, was the first to arrive on scene and contacted the officer to start his assessment. The assessment attempts to identify the type of explosives, the age of the explosives, the condition of the explosives, and based on the quantity on hand, a determination if the area can withstand a detonation in the event of an accident.

Sgt. Bray located the dynamite fifteen feet in the air up on a wire rack supported by the barn’s rafters. With no good way of getting to the dynamite, Sgt. Bray scaled a ladder and took some photos of what we were dealing with. It turned out that we had 150 pounds (3 cases) of extra gelatin 60 % strength dynamite and an old raccoon’s nest.

Sgt. Bray determined that the air blast radius was approximately 1,743 feet and a fragmentation hazard from

the building was 5,589 feet if the dynamite detonated inside the barn. All three cases of dynamite showed signs of deteriation with powder and crystallization.

Dynamite deteriorates when mois-ture dissolves the water-soluble com-ponents of nitroglycerin and am-monium based dynamites, releasing the liquid nitroglycerin mixture. Nitroglycerin stratifies or flows out of the filler material due to gravity. Extreme temperature fluctuations ac-celerate the deterioration process and it becomes more unstable at transitional temperatures. Because nitroglycerin

freezes at or below 55 degrees F, this freeze/thaw cycle occurs continuously throughout the warmer months of the year significantly increasing the deterioration of the dynamite over the years.

These signs of deterioration include excessive softness or hardness of the cartridge, an oily substance collected on its wrapping and formation of crystals or white powder on and in between the cartridges. In this condition, the dynamite is determined to be more sensitive to heat, shock and friction and extremely hazardous.

Bomb Technician, Tpr. Scott Reynolds and I arrived on scene and assisted Sgt. Bray with the removal

Dynamite box and plastic.

Crystals and powder on the dynamite.


process. We utilized wooden “burn pans” fabricated on scene to secure the dynamite cartridges while we slowly lowered the dynamite from the rafters. Once at ground level the dynamite was transported to a local gravel pit for disposal.

Once at the gravel pit, squad members separated the cases of dynamite to limit the burn piles to 50 pounds each. Each pile was separated from the other by a distance of 250 feet to prevent a possible sympathetic detonation.

The controlled burn successfully consumed the nitroglycerin explosives. Any time an explosive disposal is performed, you realize that there is no completely “safe” procedure for disposing of the explosive material. There are only methods that are considered less dangerous.

Squad members’ average 15 to 20 dynamite burns per year and most are considered deteriorated once an on scene assessment is made. These conditions provide hazards for everyone around the area as explosives may detonate easier in these

conditions. For troops responding to calls involving explosives, be mindful that explosives come in many forms from commercially manufactured to homemade mixtures. Deterioration quickly renders the product unreliable and unpredictable. Product stability

and sensitivity will be changed, and there is no reliable way to predict the nature and extent of that change, particularly given the complex interaction of factors affecting it. If you ever have questions, just give your closest squad a call. We are always happy to help. ■

Deteriorated dynamite in the burn pan.

The disposal burn at the gravel pit.

Sgt. AJ Bray stands in front of one of the bomb squad’s trucks. Mrs. Kim Dowling (MSP Photo Lab) took this picture at a training event and photoshopped the background explosion.


2012 Copper Cup Hockey Tournament

D/Sgt. Jim MacDonaldSixth District TSU


The 2012 Copper Cup Hockey Tournament celebrated its ninth year in Grand Rapids with 18 teams participating in the tournament and competing for three crowns, A Division, B Division and Gentlemen’s Division. If you are not familiar with the tournament, it is a fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan. This year the tournament donated over $2500 to LETR and over $15,000 in nine years.

Teams from across Michigan and Illinois came together to play hockey and socialize including: Action Target (Dearborn), Cheboygan, Muskegon, Summit FireHogs (Jackson), Sag-Rapids (Saginaw/Grand Rapids), Rockford Fire (Rockford, IL), Grand Rapids Fire, KCLEA (Kent County), Oakland County, GRPOA (Grand Rapids), Michigan Police and Fire (Detroit area), UP Lock-n-Hose (Baraga), Thunder Cats (Rochester Hills), Mr. Joe’s (Southfield), Kensington Valley Pride (Brighton), Fox Motors (Cadillac), Blazin’ Blades (Rochester Hills) and WMOMS (Grand Haven).

The A Division champs were Action Target who defeated Oakland County, 8 to 3. The B Division was won by UP Lock-n-Hose who topped GRPOA 5 to 3. Cheboygan beat out Muskegon 5 to 3 to claim the Gentlemen’s Division Cup. All the players received a shirt from the tournament and a prize raffle was held with donated gifts. Next year’s tournament dates are March 22 – 24, 2013. The 2013 tournament will mark the 10th year of Grand Rapids hosting the tournament and plans are in the works to make this the best tournament to date. Check out the tournament web site – www.coppercuphockey.com for more information.

Special thanks goes out to all the departmental members (hopefully I don’t miss any) who played, refereed, or

Posing with the Copper Cup

Hockey trophies, Sgt. Scott Wilber was also a referee

at the tournament.

volunteered time to make this a great event including F/Lt. John Card, F/Lt. John Porter (ret.), Sgt. Scott Wilber, Sgt. Gerald Badgett, Tpr. Brett Sova, Tpr. Korey Rowe, Tpr. John Wickwire, Tpr. Rick Doehring and Tpr. Joe Bozek.

If you would like to get involved with the Law En-forcement Torch Run or other Special Olympics events, please contact F/Lt. Card for more information. Lt. Card is always looking for runners for the Central Run, a short 750 mile run over five days. ■

REMINDER:The Michigan Trooper is always looking for stories from the road (past or present), young pictures

of current members for the “Guess Who” section, favorite quotes, wedding or new baby information

for the “Register of Deeds,” or any article you would like to see published.

Please send submissions to: [email protected]


October 2011 QuarterlyHoliday Inn – Midland

After the day’s meetings, both children and adults were all smiles at the evening reception and raffle. Many thanks to Wendy Servia, Jaime Kurowski and Stacy Darrow for hosting the children’s Halloween party.

Lee Wilber (retired MSP and father of

Sergeants Scott & Eric Wilber)

gave the invocation at the General Session.

Photos courtesy of Tpr. Lisa Lucio (Metro Post).


April 2013 QuarterlyGreat Wolf Lodge – Traverse City

Photos courtesy of Sgt. Brian Keely (Rockford Post).


Pension Reform 2011 Frequently Asked QuestionsThe changes to the tax structure will affect returns due in 2013. For an overview of the changes, visit the Department of Treasury website.

1. Court Case – Published 12/6/20112. Age Requirements for MI Income Tax on Pension – Published 12/6/20113. Residency Questions – Published 12/6/20114. When will Tax Go Into Effect – Published 12/6/20115. Amount of Tax Withheld – Published 12/6/2011

Supreme Court Case.

1. What’s happening with the state pension tax law in the Supreme Court?

The legislature passed the bill, Public Act 38, and the governor has signed it, so the pension tax is considered Michigan law. The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that the pension tax is constitutional, but making recipients ineligible for the subtraction based on household resources creates a graduated income tax that is unconstitu-tional. These portions will need to be revised by the legislature. We’ll post any new information in the What’s New section of the website.

Age Requirements for MI Income Tax on Pension.

1. I was born on or before December 31, 1945. Will my pension be subject to MI income tax?

No, your pension will not be subject to MI income tax. You do not need to take any action.

2. I was born between January 1, 1946 and December 31, 1952. Will my pension be subject to MI income tax?

Yes, your pension will be subject to tax (unless you’re filing jointly with a spouse that was born on or before De-cember 31, 1945).

Editor’s Note: Last year, the Michigan Legis lature passed a law that will, for the first time, subject public sector retirement pensions to the Michigan State income tax. Many legal arguments were raised about why this could not legally be done. Governor Snyder asked the Michigan Supreme Court to review the legal issues before the tax became effective on January 1, 2012. The Supreme Court did so, and upheld the legality of the tax.The legislation has generated many questions, from active employees and retirees. The Office of Retirement Systems (ORS)

published an “FAQ” page shortly before this issue of the Michigan Trooper went to press. Because the legislation affects nearly every person who reads this publication, we are reprinting the FAQ below exactly as it appears on the ORS website. On June 14, 2011, the Michigan Senate passed a bill (409) that would exempt pensions that were earned from employment

that was not covered by Social Security taxes from this new state income tax. Enlisted officers of the Michigan State Police would be protected by this exemption because they are not covered by Social Security during their State Police employment. This bill has stalled in the House, however, and no further action has been taken as of the time this issue of the Michigan Trooper goes to publication. Accordingly, unless the status quo is changed by legislation after this date, regular and deferred MSP retire - ment pensions, as well as MSP non-duty disability and non-duty death pensions, will be subject to the state income tax beginning January 1, 2012.

MSP duty-disability and duty-death pensions are not included in the recipient’s adjusted gross income on the federal tax return, so these two types of pensions will remain unaffected by the new Michigan legislation, regardless of the age of the enlisted officer or spouse receiving the pension.


3. I was born on January 1, 1952 or after. Will my pension be subject to MI income tax?

Yes, your pension will be subject to tax (unless you’re filing jointly with a spouse that was born on or before De-cember 31, 1945).

4. My spouse was born on or before December 31, 1945, and I was born after that date. Will my pension be subject to MI income tax?

If you are filing taxes jointly with your spouse, your pension will not be subject to MI income tax. However, in Janu-ary ORS will start withholding taxes according to the birthdate of the individual pension recipient. If you don’t want taxes withheld, log into miAccount after December 23 and update the withholding for MI income tax.

5. My spouse was born between January 1, 1946 and December 31, 1952. Will my pension be subject to MI income tax?

Unless you were born on December 31, 1945 or before, yes, your pension will be subject to MI income tax.

6. My spouse was born on January 1, 1952 or after. Will my pension be subject to MI income tax?

Unless you were born on December 31, 1945 or before, yes, your pension will be subject to MI income tax.

7. I’m filing jointly with my spouse. Whose age should we go by to know how the tax will affect us?

The age of the oldest spouse determines the category that will apply to the pension and retirement benefits of both spouses. However, in January ORS will start withholding taxes according to the birthdate of the individual pension recipient. If you don’t want taxes withheld, log into miAccount after December 23 and update the withholding for MI income tax.

8. I’m receiving a survivor’s pension. Whose date of birth will state use to determine if I pay taxes; my deceased spouse or mine?

We’ll calculate your withholding based on your age since you are now receiving the pension payment.

9. I don’t live in Michigan. Will my pension be subject to MI income tax?

Your taxation status depends on your state of residence; if you’re not a Michigan resident, you will not be subject to MI income tax.

WHAT ORS WILL DO: If you currently have a Michigan address on file with us, we’ll withhold Michigan income taxes according to Public Act 38. To protect you from being under-withheld, if you currently have a non-Michigan address on file with us, but had a Michigan address on file between September 1, 2011 and December 16, 2011, ORS will withhold MI income tax. If your address with us has been out-of-state since before September 1 of this year, we won’t withhold Michigan income tax. You can log in to miAccount any time after December 23 to make changes to your withholding.

Residency Questions.

1. I live out of state half of the year. Will I be taxed?

Your taxation status depends on your state of residence; if you’re not a Michigan resident, you will not be subject to MI income tax.

WHAT ORS WILL DO: If you currently have a Michigan address on file with us, we’ll withhold Michigan income taxes according to Public Act 38. To protect you from being under-withheld, if you currently have a non-Michigan address on file with us, but had a Michigan address on file between September 1, 2011 and December 16, 2011, ORS will withhold MI income tax. If your address with us has been out-of-state since before September 1 of this year, we won’t withhold Michigan income tax. You can log in to miAccount any time after December 23 to make changes to your withholding.

2. If I change my address with ORS to an out of state address, will you stop deducting for State of Michigan taxes?

See Residency Questions > Question 1 for answer.

3. I change my address between Michigan and Florida every year. Will you continue to deduct Michigan taxes?


4. I live in Michigan now but will be moving out of state. Will you stop taking out taxes for Michigan?



5. I live in another state several months of the year. For tax purposes, am I considered a Michigan resident?

Questions of residency should be directed to the Michigan Department of Treasury. If your address on September 1, 2011 was in Michigan, ORS will withhold taxes based on your current federal exemptions. If you determine after talking with the Michigan Department of Treasury that you are not considered a resident and don’t want taxes withheld, log into miAccount after December 23 and update your withholding for Michigan income tax.

When Will Tax Go Into Effect.

1. When will ORS start taxing my pension?

Michigan tax will be withheld from your January 2012 pension based on the number of exemptions you requested for your federal income tax. If you were born on or before December 31, 1945, ORS will not withhold Michigan income tax unless directed by you. You can log in to miAccount any time after December 23 to make changes to your withholding.

2. How will this affect my tax returns for 2012?

The new law won’t affect the 2011 tax returns you file in 2012. The new law will affect the tax returns you file in 2013 (for the 2012 year).

3. Will I be taxed monthly starting in January 2012 or after my pension payments go over the $40,000/20,000 thresh-old?

ORS will not know when you have reached the income threshold, so if you are subject to taxes, ORS will begin withholding starting January 1, 2012. After December 23 you can log into miAccount and make adjustments to your withholding if needed. You may want to contact your tax advisor for the total number of exemptions you should claim, considering all of your sources of income.

Amount of Tax Withheld.

1. How much will ORS withhold from my pension for the Michigan income tax?

Michigan tax will be withheld from your January 2012 pension based on the number of exemptions you requested for your federal income tax. If you’d like to use the same number of exemptions for your Michigan income tax, you don’t need to do anything. If you’d like to change your state or federal exemptions, log into miAccount on or after December 23, 2011 and make any changes you need. If you make changes on or after January 10, 2012, we’ll use your federal exemptions to calculate your state income tax in January, and your changes will take effect in February.

2. What should I choose for my exemptions?

ORS can’t give you advice about your specific tax situation. You may want to consult a tax professional about adjusting your withholding amount.

3. I want to know the dollar amount that will be deducted for Michigan Income Tax for my January 2012 pension payment?

After December 23, a calculator will be available in miAccount. Please log in to review your Michigan income withholding and adjust as needed.

4. What is the percentage rate for the new state tax?

Pensions will the taxed at the same rate as other income, 4.35 percent.

5. Will there be a form available to change my Michigan withholding?

An updated version of our withholding form will be available on our website on December 23.

This Document can be found on the Office of Retirement Services’ website:

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/ors/FAQs_-_Pension_Tax_V1_12-6-11_370830_7.html


By Lawrence P. Schneider MSPTA General Counsel

Most people age 65 or older who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible for free Medicare hospital insurance (Part A). You are eligible at age 65 if:

• You receive or are eligible to receive Social Security bene-fits; or

• You receive or are eligible to receive railroad retirement bene fits; or

• Your spouse is eligible; or

• You or your spouse (living or deceased, including divorced spouses) worked long enough in a government job where Medicare taxes were paid; or

• You are dependent parent of a fully insured deceased child.

You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) if you meet the criteria above. If you don’t want to keep Part B, you must follow the direc-tions when you get your Medicare card to let Medicare know you don’t want it. Otherwise, you will be charged the

Part B premium. If you are covered under a retiree

health insurance plan through the State of Michigan, you (and any cov-ered dependents) must enroll in Medi-care Plans A and B as soon as you or a covered family member first becomes eligible. Usually, this happens when you or your spouse attain the age of 65. In rare cases, you or your spouse or a dependent child may become eligible for Medicare earlier. This can happen if, for example, one of you has a medi-cal condition that qualifies you to en-roll in Medicare at a younger age. For example, end stage renal disease is a qualifying condition. There are others as well.

Once you or a family member are ELIGIBLE to be enrolled in Medi-care, Medicare becomes that person’s primary health insurance (whether they have enrolled or not). Sometimes retirees believe that they can avoid paying the Medicare Plan B premium by declining Medicare coverage, think-ing that they are already covered by their State of Michigan retiree health insurance. This belief is incorrect. Your State of Michigan retiree health insurance will take credit for whatever Medicare would have paid for a medi-cal expense, whether you or the family

member enrolled or not. That could leave you personally responsible for substantial medical expenses.

Fortunately, when you (i.e., the re-tiree) enroll in Medicare, the premium cost for Plan B is offset by the fact that your premium for State of Michigan retiree health insurance is then elimi-nated.

It is not sufficient for the retiree or dependent to merely enroll in Medi-care to receive this premium break. The retiree must notify ORS of the Medicare enrollment information, ei-ther through MiAccount or by com-pleting and mailing the Insurance Enrollment/Change Request (Form R0452H) found on the ORS website. This requirement exists whether or not Medicare eligibility occurs because an insured person reaches age 65 or as a result of some other qualifying reason at a younger age.

If you are retired and expect to live beyond age 65, Medicare is in your future. It could become important to you even before you reach that age. Learn what you need to know about it now. The “Medicare and You” hand-book on the SSA website is the very best place to start:

http://www.medicare.gov/ publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf

Retired?What You Must Know About Medicare

These photos were taken when President Obama came to Holland. They flew the presidential limos into Grand Rapids on the Air Force cargo plane. Sgt. Gorajec and myself escorted the limos from Grand Rapids to Holland. The U.S. Secret Service set up the photos for us when we escorted the limos back after the motorcade. Photos courtesy of Sgt. Tom Draves (?)


Pokagon Band Chairman Selected as Tribal Leader of the Year

National Financial Organization Honors Matthew Wesaw

Monday, March 12, 2012, Dowagiac, Michigan – Pokagon Band Chairman Matthew Wesaw has been selected by the Native American Financial Offi-cers Association to receive the Tribal Leader of the Year Award.“Out of more than 550 tribes in

the United States, Pokagon Band caught the attention of experts for its solid finances and enterprise expan-sion plans,” said John Warren, Po-kagon Band treasurer. “Bankers have told us that some countries should take note on how we manage finan-cial resources.”

A retired Michigan State Trooper,

Matthew Wesaw has spent his ca-reer devoted to public service. He served as vice-chairman of the Po-kagon Band’s Tribal Council, and was elected in 2009 to serve as chairman. Wesaw, who lives in Lansing, is the recipient of three gubernatorial ap-pointments, serving on the Michigan Community Service Commission, as past chairman of the Michigan Com-mission on Indian Affairs, and as only the second Native American to be appointed to the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. He now serves as that commission’s chairman. In 2009, Wesaw was elected by the lead-

ers of the Midwest’s 37 federally-rec-ognized tribes to serve as area vice-president for the National Congress of American Indians, the oldest orga-nization serving Native Americans in the country.

“It is such a privilege to honor and recognize the excellent work Chair-man Wesaw is doing to benefit Indian Country,” said Bill Lomax, NAFOA president. “He is truly an innovator and an inspiration.”

Chairman Wesaw accepted the award on March 21, 2012, at the NAFOA conference in New Orleans. He is a native of Bangor, Michigan. ■


September 20, 2012

As you may recall, two years ago Senate Bill 1433 was introduced by former Senator Mike Prusi, which

D/Sgt. Don Hager Anderson (Ret.)

would give you a $300.00 monthly “jump” in your MSP retirement pension. That bill stalled in the Senate Appropriations Committee and eventually died at the termination of the two-year legislative session ending December 31, 2010.

With much help from Diane Garrison, chair of the MSP Retirees’ Committee, we have been able to reintroduce a similar bill, SB-794. We are now well into the current legislative session which ends December 31, 2012. This current Bill 794 was introduced by Senators Casperson, Nofs and Emmons and sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee chaired by Senator Roger Kahn, phone number 866-305-3132.

Now is the time to stand up and be

counted. May I suggest you contact your local Senator and Representative requesting he/she support SB-794.

You might not realize it, but within that group of MSP retirees who retired before October 1, 1986, there are over 100 retirees who are receiving poverty pensions under $14,710.00.

I don’t have e-mail, but if you have any questions, give me a call – 906-774-9458. You may also call the general information number for the House – 517-373-0135 or the Senate – 517-373-2400. ■

Respectfully Yours,

Don “Hager” Anderson Retired MSP

Retirees Bill UpdateAttention all MSP retirees who retired before

October 1, 1986 – this notice is for you ...

The MSPTA is accepting photographs for the 2014 Michigan State Trooper’s Assistance Fund calendar. If you have a photo that you would like to submit as a possible calendar entry, please email it to [email protected]. Due to potential copyright issues, photos are to be taken and submitted by departmental members only.

See page 40 to order your 2013 calendar!Funds raised from the sale of this calendar support

the Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund.

The Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund (MSTAF) was founded in 1993 as an IRS approved non-profit charitable organization, and provides financial assistance for the families of troopers who are severely injured or die unexpectedly while active with the Michigan State Police. MSTAF also makes donations to recognized charities such as the American Red Cross, the American Cancer Society, D.A.R.E., and the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, to name just a few. The MSTAF Board of Directors serves without compensation, and 100% of all monies are donated directly towards programs administered by the Assistance Fund.


By: John Boyle, ColumnistReprinted with permission,Asheville Citizen TimesCopyright October 9, 2011

So, have you ever wondered about all those police cars from different departments you see parked in your neighborhood?

As a Fletcher resident of a pretty large subdivision, I’ve seen Ashe-ville Police Department patrol cars, Buncombe County Sheriff ’s Office vehicles and cruisers from the High-way Patrol.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who wonders about the efficiency of this practice. I’ve gotten a couple of dispatches from Weaverville resident Phillip Crown asking about it, and he sent the paper another letter this past week.

“The problem I wrote about before is providing these people with a free ride to and from work,” Crowe said. “I am sure all of us would love that from our employers. The taxpayers of the county and cities are the employers of these people. And do not tell me it is quicker response in an emergency. Some of these cars are all the way in Haywood, Yancey and Madison counties. The recent break-in and theft from a cruiser at the officer’s home only brings to light another problem with this practice. I wish someone would tell me why we have this practice, other than a perk for the officer.”

The man raises a fair point, so I did some checking around.

Buncombe County Sheriff Van

Duncan said the department does indeed let full-time deputies take their cruisers to and from work. The department, which has 376 employees, has 175 take-home vehicles.

The department did change a previous policy that allowed deputies to use their patrol cars to drop their children off at school, mostly out of liability concerns.

But the department continues its longstanding policy of allowing deputies to take their cars home, mainly because it saves money – and the cars – over the long haul.

“What we’ve found is an assigned vehicle lasts four-five years, as opposed to about half that for a vehicle that is ‘hot-seated’ – that’s the term we use for rotating vehicles among deputies when they start their shift,” Duncan said.

It turns out that deputies who are assigned a specific vehicle and are responsible for its upkeep take much better care of it, so it lasts a lot longer. Duncan also notes that computers are mounted in the vehicles now, and deputies carry a lot of their gear in their cars that they would have to remove after every shift if they were hot-seating.

And sorry, Mr. Crowe, but Duncan said the practice does allow officers to respond much more quickly to emergencies and to start their shifts more efficiently. Instead of having to drive to the Sheriff ’s Office in downtown Asheville, dropping off their car and then loading up a patrol car, they can just go.

“Another problem we have is if

all those deputies were parking their personal vehicles here at the office, we just don’t have enough room in our parking lot,” Duncan said.I can confirm that the Sheriff ’s

Office does have a pathetically small parking lot.Woodfin Town Administrator

Jason Young cited all the efficiency points that Duncan hit on, noting that the town has 16 patrol cars and 14 patrolman. Woodfin used to essentially run its cars 24 hours a day and found the cars simply wore out faster.

He brings up another interesting point: if someone wanted to vandalize or sabotage all the cars at once, it would be pretty easy if they were all parked in the same place.

But he was also very upfront about this part of the issue: Sure, it’s a perk.

“Historically, police salaries aren’t that great,” Young said. “So it’s an added benefit. I won’t deny that at all.”

I didn’t hear back from APD about all this.

All in all, I’d like to work up some outrage about this issue, but by and large it seems to make some sense on the efficiency side, and I tend to agree with Young that it’s simply a nice perk to offer largely underpaid cops.

Sure, driving the vehicle to another county or 40 or 50 miles each way probably doesn’t make sense, and departments might want to look at some mileage restrictions.

But overall, I can live with it. Plus, I like having all those cop cars in my neighborhood, scaring off burglars. ■

Police Car Perk Seems Deserved

EDITOR’S NOTE: MSPTA’s attorney Larry Schneider was visiting relatives in North Carolina last year when he saw this article in a local newspaper. He found it interesting that the journalist had initially resisted the idea of allowing police officers to drive patrol cars to their homes, but upon investigation, backed off his skepticism and actually favored the concept. Larry suggested the article for the Michigan Trooper magazine. Our thanks to Mr. Boyle for granting his permission to reprint the article.


From the Archives . . .

(Below, at left):From the Flat Rock

Post – The front desk in June, 1958, is Cpl. Robert MacCormick

(seated), Cpl. Weldon Decker, and the

Post Commander, Sgt. E.L. Bradley.

Cpl. Oliver Foudila and Tpr. Herbert Levinepatrolling Mackinac Island in 1958.

Cpl. Richard Abbott with Jocko,

East Lansing, date unknown.

K-9/Motor ... found on MSP’s Facebook page.

June 1958 – Assisting an injured man following a rollover crash on the Detroit-Toledo Expressway (probably I-75), is Tpr. Al Gerber (wearing the super cool shades!).


By: Leanne SmithReprinted with permission,Jackson Citizen PatriotCopyright October 9, 2011

By 1945, political corruption was common in Michigan. Legislators’ votes frequently favored those who could pay them the most for their support.

The death of a state politician on M-99 three miles northeast of Springport might have helped put an end to that.

State Sen. Warren G. Hooper was driving his green Mercury home to Albion from Lansing on Jan. 11, 1945, when he was killed execution-style, allegedly because he was about to testify before a grand jury about legislative graft.Hooper, 40, had been shot

three times in the head with a .38-caliber pistol about 4:30 p.m. in what authorities later believed was a professional hit, possibly committed by members of Detroit’s infamous Purple Gang.

Tire tracks revealed Hooper’s car, which was headed south, had skidded across the road and stopped with the front wheels on the pavement and the rear wheels off. It was still facing south but on the wrong side of the road.

A recent heavy snowfall had been followed by bitterly cold temperatures, and that’s why Floyd Modjeska, operator of Springport’s feed elevator, thought it was odd to see a car parked cockeyed on the side of the road as he drove by.

He stopped to investigate and found Hooper’s body slumped forward in the front seat on the passenger side. The ignition switch was off and the gears in neutral. Footprints in the

snow led from the driver’s side door to the pavement.The car was on fire, and Hooper’s

body was partially burned. Police later speculated he was smoking a cigarette when he was shot and it fell from his mouth and ignited the seat.Modjeska flagged down another

motorist, Kyle Van Auker of Eaton Rapids, and then drove to the nearby farm of Goldie Hersay to call Michigan State Police in Jackson to report the crime.

Born in Los Angeles, Hooper was the great-great- grandson of William Hooper, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He came to Albion in 1935 to become the Albion Recorder’s advertising manager.

Hooper left the job a year later to cover the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a freelance reporter but came back to Albion afterward. He bought and operated a gas station in town before going into politics.

A Republican, Hooper was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives’ 1st District in 1938. He served three terms before being elected to the Senate’s 9th District.

Hooper had been a state senator for only two weeks when he was killed. That was four days before he was to be a key witness in Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Leland Carr’s grand jury on legislative bribe-taking, in which former Jackson County assistant prosecutor Kim Sigler was serving as special prosecutor.

Hooper was the key witness in the case against former state treasurer Frank McKay, sports promoter Floyd Fitz simmons and former state Rep. William Green. He had been given immunity after making a full con-fession to being paid $500 from Mc-Kay for his vote on a horse-racing bill.

Hooper, who agreed to testify against these men and others, had declined police protection when it was offered. But his wife, Calienetta, said he feared for his life and had been staying at a Lansing hospital instead of a hotel.

Upon learning of Hooper’s murder, Lt. Gov. Vernon J. Brown was quoted in the Citizen Patriot as saying, “Many persons will realize now for the first time that the grand jury is dealing with something sinister. It shows what the underworld will do when it finds itself in danger.”The first real lead police had in

the case was a witness report of a maroon-colored car seen blocking the highway in front of Hooper’s car. One man was inside the car and another was standing at the left side of Hooper’s car.On April 20, brothers Harry and

Sammy Fleisher and Detroit saloon operator Mike Selik, all former Purple Gang members; Selik’s wife, Naomi; and Pete Mahoney of Detroit were taken into custody for questioning in Hooper’s murder. Naomi Selik was soon released.On May 2, the Fleishers, Selik

and Mahoney were charged with conspiring to kill Hooper. The star witness at their arraignment was Sam Abramowitz of Detroit, a career criminal who was granted immunity for his testimony that he was one of several people who had been hired at different times by these men to kill Hooper.

The case was bound over for trial, and the Fleishers, Selik and Mahoney were convicted and sentenced to spend no less than four-and-a-half and no more than five years in Southern Michigan Prison for conspiracy to commit murder.

Peek Through Time: Politician’s shooting death in 1945 still a mystery


They appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court, which upheld the sentences of the Fleishers and Selik but set aside the conviction of Mahoney.

No one ever was arrested for pulling the trigger or bankrolling the hit, and Hooper’s murder remains unsolved.

However, the investigation snow-balled after Hooper’s death into 62 convictions, including a former lieutenant governor, 23 state legis-lators and more than 30 lobbyists, police and court officials. ■

Tidbits

The Jan. 11, 1945, murder of state Sen. Warren G. Hooper has come to be known as one of Michigan’s most sensational murder mysteries.• Hooper and wife Calienetta had

two sons, Robert Lewis and John Charles, who were 6 and 4, respectively, at the time of their father’s death.• Hooper’s funeral at Albion’s St.

James Episcopal Church was attended by about 200 people. He’s buried in Riverside Cemetery.• A $25,000 reward, the largest

ever offered at the time for the capture of a criminal, was put out by the state in hopes of getting information that would lead to solving Hooper’s murder. The Detroit News added an

additional $5,000.• Abe Rosenberg, alias Harry

Rosenburg, a former Albion road-house operator and Detroit cigarette salesman, was the first person to be formally arrested in connection with Hooper’s murder. He was booked for investigation of murder after a witness, who later recanted, said he heard Rosenberg threaten Hooper for being too friendly with his wife.• Ingham County Circuit Judge

Leland Carr, who conducted the grand jury investigation into legislative bribe-taking at which Hooper was to testify, became a Michigan Supreme Court Justice.• Kim Sigler, a former Jackson

County assistant prosecutor and special prosecutor in the grand jury investigation was a flamboyant trial lawyer. He was elected governor in 1946.• Hooper was the third grand

jury witness to die under unusual circumstances. State Sen. Earl Mun-shaw was found dead in his garage with the motor of his car running two days after he testified. Harvey Bylenga of Grand Rapids, an official of the Star Transportation Co., which was under grand jury investigation, was also killed when his car was struck by a train in Grand Rapids.• Attorney General John R.

Dethmers, who was investigating Southern Michigan Prison at the time of Hooper’s murder, theorized that with the help of Warden Harry H. Jackson, Hooper’s murderer might have been slipped out of the prison to commit the crime and then returned to rest easy with a perfect alibi. He said a ring of big-time convicts virtually had their own way in the prison and came and went almost at will. Jackson and other prison officials were eventually ousted for corruption.• The Hooper case was reopened

in 1989 when state police conducted ballistic tests on possible murder weapons, again without reaching a conclusion. Included in the test were old guns from Southern Michigan Prison. The .38-caliber handgun that killed Hooper has never been found.• The Hooper murder prompted

the publishing of the books “Three Bullets Sealed His Lips” and “Payoffs in the Cloakroom, the Greening of the Michigan Legislature 1938-1946” by Bruce A. Rubenstein from the University of Michigan-Flint and Lawrence E. Ziewacz of Michigan State University.• Michigan Court of Appeals

Judge William C. Whitbeck also has penned a new legal thriller, “To Account For Murder,” based on the Hooper murder.

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Since 1975, department members have traversed the halls of the Training Academy, and it’s the place where our proud tradition began for many. Since the Training Academy opened, it has become one of the shining symbols for the agency.

The Training Academy is proud to offer you the opportunity to purchase a commemorative brick for an “Honor Garden” that will be constructed outside the east entrance to the Academy. Bricks may be purchased by active or retired department members and their immediate family.

Have a brick engraved to commemorate a department member’s time in the agency (e.g. Name, Recruit School, Years of Service), in memory of a loved one or to honor or recognize a special individual.

Bricks are available in three styles; 4” x 8” and 8” x 8” for the honor garden, or a mini-brick as a keepsake.

Orders will not be processed without full payment.

Please act today! While bricks may be ordered at any time, the first order will be placed on May 1, 2012, for installation this year. Individual orders after that date will be combined and may only be placed two or three times per year.


Capt. Robert Pearson (Ret.)82nd Recruit School

8/13/1947 – 7/17/2011

Correction: In the July/August/September 2011

edition of the Michigan Trooper, Captain Pearson was incorrectly

identified as Tpr. Pearson. The Publications Committee

apologizes for this error.

Lt. Jack L. Brouard (Ret.)25th Recruit School

11/10/1923 – 4/22/2011

D/Sgt. Kenneth E. Taylor (Ret.)32nd Recruit School4/7/1927 – 10/30/2011

Sgt. Harold D. Wade (Ret.)30th Recruit School10/2/1922 – 12/4/2011

D/Sgt. Swande “Don” Godell (Ret.)45th Recruit School5/12/1932 – 12/5/2011

D/Sgt. Charles E.“Bud” Garrison (Ret.)56th Recruit School

9/14/1935 – 12/11/2011

Tpr. Clifford A. Baker (Ret.)65th Recruit School1/6/1944 – 12/30/2011

Sgt. Roy G. Wade (Ret.)28th Recruit School1/12/1926 – 1/1/2012

Lt. Daniel E. Kostrzewa (Ret.)27th Recruit School7/1/1924 – 1/8/2012

In Memory of Our Retirees

Maj. Lewis G. Smith (Ret.)42nd Recruit School1/1/1934 – 1/24/2012

Lt. Carl Harrison (Ret.)22nd Recruit School9/21/1918 – 3/6/2012

Tpr. Jay Cossette48th Recruit School3/25/1936 – 3/11/2012

Lt. Richard J. LaCasse (Ret.)28th Recruit School4/10/1921 – 3/17/2012

D/Sgt. Roger Lee Rivard (Ret.)36th Recruit School11/5/1929 – 4/6/2012

Tpr. Carl Lewis (Ret.)80th Recruit School2/21/1945 – 4/12/2012

D/Sgt. Milton L. Wolner (Ret.)43rd Recruit School5/4/1928 – 4/24/2012

Insp. Marshall B. Weeks (Ret.)83rd Recruit School

12/21/1949 – 5/30/2012

D/F/Lt. Robert E. Kelly (Ret.)65th Recruit School8/9/1941 – 5/30/2012

Sgt. Robert AldenLawson, Sr. (Ret.)59th Recruit School7/6/1940 – 6/7/2012

D/Sgt. Russell C. Benson (Ret.)86th Recruit School3/17/1949 – 7/27/2012

F/Lt. David Lewis Corey (Ret.)25th Recruit School 4/5/1924 – 7/28/2012

Tpr. William S. Dunaske (Ret.)83rd Recruit School

2/18/1944 – 8/24/2012

D/Sgt. James P. Lentz (Ret.)41st Recruit School

1/19/1927 – 9/10/2012

Sgt. Thomas E. Hansen (Ret.)82nd Recruit School

12/13/1949 – 9/16/2012

Tpr. Jack K. Mitchell (Ret.)61st Recruit School

4/18/1937 – 9/26/2012

Tpr. Cass Erbin (Ret.)30th Recruit School4/20/1927 – 10/4/2012

Maj. Lloyd V. Brevard (Ret.)29th Recruit School7/2/1925 – 10/8/2012


Trooper Aric Dowling (CJIC) and Kim Nastal (MSP Photo Lab), were married on October 31, 2011 at their home in Holt, Michigan. The couple honeymooned in Paris.

Trooper Josh Reeber (Metro Post) and wife, Dora, were married on June 18, 2011.

Tpr. Korey Rowe (Metro Post/Motor Unit) and wife, Samantha, welcomed daughter, Sophia Annadele, on August 3, 2012. Sophia weighed 8 lbs., 2 oz. and was 20-1/2 inches long.

Register of Deeds


Register of Deeds

Logan Christopher Ambrose was born on April 16, 2011 to Tpr. Andrew (Rockford Post) and his wife, Shana. Logan weighed 9 pounds, 12.6 ounces and was 21-1/2 inches long. Logan was welcomed at home by big brother, Jack Lewis Ambrose.

Paige Marie Ziecina was born on August 16, 2011 to Tpr. Craig Ziecina (Brighton Post) and his wife, Tara. Paige weighed 6 lbs., 8 oz.

Jax Timothy Trammel (J.T.) was born on Novem-ber 16, 2011 to Tpr. Marcus Trammel (Metro Post/ Motor Unit) and his wife, Catherine. He joins his big sisters, Natalie and Addison. Jax weighed 8 lbs., 11 oz. and was 21 inches long.

Trooper Frank Siemienski (West Branch Post) and his wife, Tina, are pleased to introduce their new daugh-ter, Lily Jade Siemienski. Lily was born on September 23, 2012, weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces and was 18-1/2 inches long. Lily was welcomed at home by big sister, Addison Rae Siemienski.


Final Call

Officer Trevor SlotWalker Police Department

Walker, Michigan

End of Watch: Thursday, October 13, 2011 Age: Not Available Tour of Duty: 9 years Badge Number: Not Available Cause of Death: Vehicular Assault Date of Incident: October 13, 2011

Trooper Tony V. RadulescuWashington State Patrol

End of Watch: Thursday, February 23, 2012 Age: 44 Tour of Duty: 16 years Badge Number: 557 Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: February 23, 2012

Trooper Javier Arana, Jr.Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Highway Patrol

End of Watch: Saturday, March 24, 2012 Age: 32 Tour of Duty: 2 years Badge Number: 13500 Cause of Death: Automobile Accident Date of Incident: March 24, 2012

Trooper Amanda AnnaNew York State Police

End of Watch: Saturday, May 26, 2012 Age: 31 Tour of Duty: 6 years Badge Number: 5304 Cause of Death: Automobile Accident Date of Incident: May 25, 2012

Trooper Aaron BeasleyUtah Highway Patrol

End of Watch: Saturday, June 30, 2012 Age: 34 Tour of Duty: 13 years Badge Number: 253 Cause of Death: Fall Date of Incident: June 30, 2012

Corporal Marshall Lee BaileyWest Virginia State Police

End of Watch: Tuesday, August 28, 2012 Age: 42 Tour of Duty: 17 years, 4 months Badge Number: 204 Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: August 28, 2012

Trooper Eric M. WorkmanWest Virginia State Police

End of Watch: Friday, August 31, 2012 Age: 26 Tour of Duty: 1 year, 8 months Badge Number: Not Available Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: August 28, 2012


Final Call

Officer Kenyon YoungstromCalifornia Highway Patrol

End of Watch: Wednesday, September 5, 2012Age: 37 Tour of Duty: 7 years Badge Number: 18063 Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: September 4, 2012

Trooper Bobby Gene Demuth, Jr.North Carolina Highway Patrol

End of Watch: Saturday, September 8, 2012Age: 42 Tour of Duty: 12 years Badge Number: C-145 Cause of Death: Vehicular Assault Date of Incident: September 8, 2012

Officer Patrick O’RourkeWest Bloomfield Police Department

West Bloomfield, Michigan

End of Watch: Sunday, September 9, 2012 Age: 32 Tour of Duty: 2 years Badge Number: 55 Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: September 9, 2012

Detective Sergeant James G. Hoopes, III

New York State Police

End of Watch: Wednesday, September 12, 2012Age: 40 Tour of Duty: 14 years Badge Number: 5712 Cause of Death: Heart Attack Date of Incident: September 12, 2012

Trooper First ClassBlake T. Coble

Pennsylvania State Police

End of Watch: Thursday, October 4, 2012 Age: 47 Tour of Duty: 24 years, 9 months Badge Number: Not Available Cause of Death: Automobile Accident Date of Incident: October 4, 2012

Sergeant Paul HernandezTexas Department of Public Safety

Texas Highway Patrol

End of Watch: Thursday, October 4, 2012 Age: 67 Tour of Duty: 35 years, 8 months Badge Number: 3907 Cause of Death: Heart Attack Date of Incident: October 4, 2012

Trooper Andrew David FoxVirginia State Police

End of Watch: Thursday, October 5, 2012 Age: 27 Tour of Duty: 5 years Badge Number: 727 Cause of Death: Struck by Vehicle Date of Incident: October 5, 2012


Final Call

Officer Arnulfo CrispinLakeland Police Department

Lakeland, Florida

End of Watch: Wednesday, December 21, 2011Age: 25 Tour of Duty: 1 year, 6 months Badge Number: 267 Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: December 18, 2011

Tpr. Ryan Codde121st Recruit School

Niles Post

On December 27, 2011, I had the privilege of representing our depart-ment at the funeral of a fallen police officer in Lakeland, Florida. Officer Arnulfo Crispin, 25, with Lakeland City Police Department was checking on three suspicious men in a park. Ofc. Crispin made contact with the three subjects to further investigate. While conducting a pat down of the subjects, Ofc. Crispin was violently shot in the head. Ofc. Crispin was transported to Lakeland Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead from the injuries sustained while in the line of duty.

Honoring Officer Arnulfo CrispinOfc. Crispin began

his career with the Lakeland Police De-partment on June 1, 2010 and had only been off of the FTO pro-gram for six months. Ofc. Crispin’s field training officer records indicate he was a good officer that conducted himself well on the job. He was given good marks on his training and described as a highly motivated officer with good police instincts.

I had the honor of attending Ofc. Crispin’s funeral service which was held at Victory Church in Lakeland, Florida. More than two thousand people attended the service including officers from all across the state of Florida. It was very clear that Ofc. Crispin was very close to his family, friends and coworkers, and will be greatly missed. People from all over the community showed their respects by lining the city streets while Ofc. Crispin was transported to the burial site following

the funeral service. I would like to thank the de-

part ment and the Michigan State Police Troopers Association for the opportunity to represent the Michigan State Police for this event. I was raised in Lakeland, Florida and it meant a lot that I was able to attend the funeral service to show support to my friends and fellow officers. ■

Officer Arnulfo Crispin

End of Watch: December 21, 2011


Tpr. Harold E. Anderson March 12, 1921Sgt. Milan Pratt April 15, 1922Tpr. John P. Clinton January 8, 1923Sgt. Harvey Bolen May 4, 1923Tpr. William F. Martz March 12, 1925Tpr. Howard H. Funk July 8, 1926Cpl. Sam Mapes May 1, 1927Tpr. Delos A. Williams July 30, 1929Tpr. John S. Burke October 13, 1930Tpr. Richard F. Hammond January 20, 1937Tpr. Irvine F. Wurm January 26, 1941Tpr. John W. Cain November 26, 1941Tpr. Charles T. Wood April 14, 1942Tpr. Ralph L. Broullire March 16, 1943Tpr. John D. Ryan March 3, 1950Tpr. George R. Branny April 12, 1950Sgt. Perry L. Critchell March 20, 1954Tpr. Calvin R. Jones February 10, 1956Tpr. George E. Lappi November 19, 1956Tpr. Bert A. Pozza November 19, 1956Tpr. Dugald A. Pellot September 30, 1957Tpr. Albert W. Souden September 3, 1959Det. Robert R. Gonser August 8, 1968Tpr. Carl P. Lindberg May 26, 1969Tpr. Roger M. Adams May 14, 1971Tpr. Gary T. Rampy December 31, 1971Tpr. Charles B. Stark December 31, 1971Tpr. Steven B. DeVries October 12, 1972Tpr. Darryl M. Rantanen May 27, 1974Tpr. Larry L. Forreider December 5, 1974Tpr. Norman R. Killough October 7, 1978D/Sgt. Harry Sorenson December 5, 1978D/Sgt. David Hubbard September 16, 1980Tpr. Allan Peterson August 29, 1981Tpr. Craig A. Scott February 9, 1982Tpr. Vicki Moreau-DeVries July 22, 1982Tpr. Tony Thames June 12, 1983Tpr. Robert Mihalik September 9, 1984Tpr. Paul L. Hutchins August 29, 1985Tpr. James E. Boland July 26, 1987Tpr. Kermit Fitzpatrick July 7, 1991Tpr. James R. DeLoach February 1, 1992Tpr. Steven J. Niewiek February 2, 1992Tpr. Byron J. Erickson July 31, 1993Tpr. Bryon S. Egelski July 11, 1994Tpr. Manuel H. Fields August 27, 1994Tpr. Frederick A. Hardy November 6, 1999Tpr. Rick L. Johnson May 6, 2000Tpr. Kevin M. Marshall July 7, 2003Tpr. Jeffrey J. Werda April 6, 2011

Next Quarterly MeetingTuesday, January 15, 2013

(Lodging Monday, 1/14 & Tuesday, 1/15)

Doubletree Hotel-Riverfront – Bay City

Registration Deadline is December 21, 2012 –Call the hotel and make your reservation today!

(989) 891-6000

Non Profit Org.US Postage

PAIDLansing, MIPermit #121

MICHIGAN TROOPER (SO2012)Michigan State PoliceTroopers Association

1715 Abbey Road Suite BEast Lansing MI 48823

The badge number on the cover of the Michigan Trooper is in honor of Tpr. Jeffrey Werda, badge number 482. On April 6, 2011, Tpr. Werda was responding to assist another police agency that was engaged in a pursuit when he was involved in a single vehicle crash resulting in his death. Tpr. Werda joined the Michigan State Police on September 19, 2000, as part of the 119th Trooper Recruit School. His assignments included the Gladwin Post, the Detroit Post, and he was serving at the Bridgeport Post at the time of his death. In 2005, Tpr. Werda was involved with the department’s response to Louisiana to assist with Hurricane Katrina. Tpr. Werda is the 50th Michigan State Police officer killed in the line of duty.

Sine

Pari

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