MT-July-August-2009-1

Transcription

President
Vice President
Tpr. Michael Moorman
Tpr. Nate Johnson
1st District Representative
Lansing
Tpr. Rob Schwalm
Brighton
Tpr. Michael Sura
Ithaca
Tpr. Michael Zeilinger
Corunna
Tpr. Tim Murphy
Jackson
Tpr. Larry Rothman
Adrian
Tpr. Bill Strouse
Jonesville
Tpr. Keith Pillar
Collins Ctr. D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
Training/Lab S/Sgt. Jan Johnson
Tpr. Ray Pechman
2nd District North Representative
Metro North Tpr. Mike Zarate
Richmond
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Ypsilanti
Tpr. Joseph Brodeur
Groveland
Tpr. Trevor Radke
Tpr. Tim Permoda
5th District Representative
Paw Paw
Tpr. Richard Carlson
White Pigeon Tpr. Tim Wagner
Niles
Tpr. Tim Thompson
Bridgman
Tpr. Steve Vrablic
South Haven
Tpr. Carey Casperson
Saugatuck
Tpr. Taylor Bonovetz
Wayland
Tpr. Kellie Summerhays
Battle Creek
Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Hastings
Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh
Coldwater
Tpr. Todd Price
Tpr. Scott Wilber
Rockford
Sgt. Tom Draves
Reed City
Tpr. Paul Stone
Mt. Pleasant Tpr. James Ciochetto
Grand Haven Sgt. John Tillman
Newaygo
Tpr. Paul Campbell
Hart
Tpr. Sammy Seymour
Lakeview
Tpr. Norma Makl
Ionia
Tpr. James Yeager
Lab
S/Sgt. Shawn Baker
Region 1
(Representing Districts 1, 5, and 6)
Sgt. Rep:
Sgt. Dennis Harris
D/Sgt. Rep: D/Sgt. Duane Hickok
Region 2
(Representing Districts 2, 3, 7, and 8)
Sgt. Rep:
Sgt. Dale Garrow
D/Sgt. Rep: D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
Associate Membership
(Retiree Committee)
Gordon Gotts (Ret.)*
John Boggs (Ret.)
Diane Garrison (Ret.)
Alan Shaw (Ret.)
Roger Warner (Ret.)
Dale Garrow
Dennis Harris
Chris Luty
Constitution & Bylaws
Tpr. Scott Wilber*
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok
Tpr. Ray Pechman
Tpr. Bill Strouse
Tpr. Eric Wilber
Contract Bargaining Team
Tpr. Michael Moorman*
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh
Sgt. Dick Hale
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok
D/Sgt. Chris Luty
Tpr. Jerry Mazurek
Tpr. Scott Wilber
Secretary/Treasurer
D/Sgt. Christopher Luty
Discipline Advocates
D/Sgt. Chris Luty*
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh
Sgt. Dennis Harris
Tpr. Tim Permoda
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
Tpr. Mark Tamlyn
Tpr. Scott Wilber
Drug & Alcohol Testing
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens*
Tpr. Nate Johnson
Mr. Larry Schneider, Esq.
Elections
Tpr. Ray Pechman, Co-Chair
Tpr. Mark Tamlyn, Co-Chair
Sgt. Dennis Harris
Tpr. Steve Skrbec
Tpr. Scott Wilber
Emergency Telephone
Service Committee
D/Sgt. Chris Luty
Sgt. Richard Hale
Tpr. Craig MacDonald
2nd District South Representative
Metro South Tpr. Jake Liss
Monroe
Tpr. Herman Brown
Detroit (d)
Tpr. Craig Tuer
Detroit (a)
Tpr. Rich Fell
Detroit (m) Tpr. Gary Melvin
Gaming
D/Tpr. Scott Singleton
Lab
S/Sgt. Tim Ketvirtis
SECID
D/Sgt. Bill Terry
SECID
D/Sgt. Ken Dilg
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh
3rd District Representative
Bay City
Tpr. Jay Kurowski
East Tawas
Tpr. Gregg Kopkau
Bad Axe
Tpr. Brian McComb
Sandusky
Tpr. Dale Brywig
Flint
Tpr. Dave Stokes
West Branch Tpr. Paul Frechette
Bridgeport
Tpr. Joshua Coulter
Lapeer
Tpr. Eric Hofmeister
Caro
Tpr. Amy Hofmeister
Gladwin
Tpr. Everett Renauld
Lab
S/Sgt. Ryan Larrison
Tpr. Mark Tamlyn
Traverse City
Tpr. Rick Doehring
Cheboygan
Tpr. Ron Beckett
Gaylord
Tpr. Chris Belt
Alpena
Tpr. Michael Lorenz
Houghton Lake Tpr. Michael Harger
Cadillac
Tpr. Rick Pearson
Manistee
Tpr. Wes Smith
Petoskey
Tpr. James Armstrong
Kalkaska
Tpr. Stephen Porter
Rogers City
Tpr. Steven Bullock
Lab
S/Sgt. Joe Stoddard
Tpr. Jerry Mazurek
Negaunee
Tpr. Jonah Bonovetz
Newberry
Tpr. Eric Johnson
St. Ignace
Tpr. Emmet Blake
Manistique
Tpr. Eric Gravelle
Gladstone
Tpr. Pat Madden
Iron Mountain Tpr. Doug Cole
Wakefield
Tpr. Glenn Gauthier
L’Anse
Tpr. Steve Lanctot
Stephenson
Tpr. Joseph Racicot
Calumet
Tpr. Steve Lanctot
Munising
Tpr. Rich Cole
Iron River
Tpr. Doug Weesner
Sault Ste. Marie Sgt. Frank Keck
Lab
S/Sgt. Jay Peterson
Know your rights . . . protect your rights!
Finance
Sgt. Richard Hale*
Tpr. John Grimshaw
Sgt. Dennis Harris
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok
Tpr. Craig MacDonald
Tpr. Mark Tamlyn
Grievance
Tpr. Michael Moorman*
S/Sgt. Allan Avery
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
Tpr. Mike Fink
Sgt. Dennis Harris
Tpr. Amy Hofmeister
Tpr. Heather Johnston
Tpr. Jay Kurowski
Tpr. Jim McRae
Tpr. Scott Nichols
D/Sgt. Jay Poupard
Tpr. Trevor Radke
Tpr. Kellie Summerhays
Tpr. Mike Sura
D/Tpr. Bob Tomassi
D/Sgt. Sally Wolter
Erika Barraza, Association Staff
MCOLES
Publications
Sgt. John Faccio,
Editor In Chief
Tpr. Yvonne Brantley
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Tpr. Joe Donovan
Tpr. Carissa Horan
Tpr. Scott Nichols
Tpr. Lisa Lucio
Tpr. Steve Vrablic
Pat Strzalkowski, Association Staff
Sergeants-At-Arms
Sgt. Lorne Hartwig*
Sgt. Dale Goodrich
Safety
Tpr. Jerry Mazurek*
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh
Sgt. Dale Garrow
Transfer Review Board
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok,
Alternating Chair
Tpr. Tim Permoda
Tpr. Scott Wilber
Uniform Equipment
Tpr. Craig MacDonald*
Tpr. Rick Doehring
Tpr. John Grimshaw
COMMITTEES
* Chairman
or Lead Member
State Police
Retirement Board
Sgt. Richard Hale
Office Manager – Ms. Patricia Strzalkowski
Administrative Assistant – Ms. Erika Barraza
Labor Counsel
Ms. Kathleen Boyle, Esq.
White, Schneider, Young & Chiodini, P.C.
General Counsel
Mr. Larry Schneider, Esq.
Knaggs, Harter, Brake & Schneider, P.C.
MICHIGAN TROOPER 1715 Abbey Road • Suite B East Lansing, MI 48823
Telephone: (517) 336-7782 Facsimile: (517) 336-8997 Website: www.mspta.net
MAGAZINE
Vol. 45, No. 4
Published by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association
July/August 2009
On the Cover
This billboard at EB I-96 near Cedar Street in the Lansing area, is one of 19 billboards across the state set up to draw public attention to
the importance of the troopers of the Michigan State Police and their impact on the public’s safety. (Photo by Tpr. Rob Schwalm (Lansing Post).
In this Issue
The Thin “GREEN” Line..................................................................... 4
Voters Don’t Want Cops, Schools Cut.................................................. 5
Captain Robert H. Robertson Memorial Scholarship........................ 8
6
Yes I Qualified, But Let’s Be Fair........................................................ 10
Rothbury 2009........................................................................................12
We Are Called / Adopt-a-Cop............................................................. 14
20
12
Meet the MSP Chaplain Corps............................................................. 15
2009 July Quarterly................................................................................ 16
Sixteen Things That Every Trooper
Needs to Know About “Garrity”........................................................ 18
Lansing Troopers Lend a Hand
to Habitat for Humanity Project..........................................................20
16
Editor-in-Chief ............................John Faccio
Layout/Typesetting.....................Pat Strzalkowski
Cover Design................................Cherie Morehouse
Submission [email protected]
July 4th Annual Memorial 5K Race....................................................22
MSTAF 6th Annual Charitable Golf Classic.....................................30
National Troopers Coalition Picnic....................................................34
Trooper Kevin M. Marshall Memorial Golf Outing........................ 35
MSP 14th Annual Fall Color Run........................................................38
Departments
President’s Point....................................................................... 2
Vice President’s View.............................................................. 3
Unit Spotlight – Pontiac Detail............................................. 6
Board of Awards.................................................................... 23
Good Job Troops!.................................................................. 25
Making the News................................................................... 28
In Memory of Our Retirees................................................. 37
Register of Deeds................................................................... 39
Final Call................................................................................. 40
Final Word..................................................Inside Back Cover
Editorial Policy
The 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 assigned for publication and copyright purposes; and 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 expression 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.
▪ July/August, 2009 ▪ President’s Point
Tu ne cede malis sed contra audentior ito.
(Latin) Yield not to misfortunes, but
advance all the more boldly against
them.
As this issue of the Trooper reaches
the membership, we are almost two
months into the layoffs of our troopers from the 120th and 121st Recruit
Schools.
Shortly after the layoffs took effect, the finger-pointing as to who
was at fault started. The blame-game
did not come from within our own
ranks; it came from outside. Several
media markets pointed their pencils
at us and proclaimed that our members were selfish for not passing
the furlough vote. While this could
be expected from the liberal media,
what was unexpected was the condemnation from more than a few
commanders in our department.
Several incidents occurred where
command officers, some senior,
made comments at meetings and
in front of groups of our members,
that it was the Association’s fault for
the layoffs and that the Association
will be to blame for everything that
happens or doesn’t happen to the
department for years to come.
It is one thing to be disappointed
by the outcome of the furlough vote.
▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
Many in the department at all ranks
were. It is the unprofessional comments, many with no factual basis,
blaming the Association for the vote
outcome, that is uncalled for. In the
past 30 years, the Association has
done far more to benefit and promote
the department than many of these
naysayers will ever realize.
It is this handful of “sour apples”
that thrive on dividing an already
fractured department, instead of accepting that we are where we are and
asking, “What can I do to help get
us out of this dilemma? What can I
do to help get our troopers back to
work? What can I do that will help
the department become the legislative priority that it should be?” The Association continues to lobby
our lawmakers in an effort to restore
our laid off troopers beginning with
next year’s budget. Data compiled
by the polling firm EPIC-MRA and
released on July 9, 2009, (see page 5)
shows that nearly 70% of Michigan
citizens believe that the State Police
should not suffer cuts in the budget
process and should be a priority
for funding. Even though this data
points heavily in our favor, we must
also realize the reality that revenue
in Michigan continues to decline. It
will not be an easy fight and many
struggles lie ahead. The Association
is determined to continue to do what
is necessary in our efforts to restore
our troopers and prevent further
decimation of our ranks, which has
an overall impact on the public’s
safety.
Through all of this, the Association has received bits of good news
on several grievance issues. The most
significant grievance granted to the
Association by an arbitrator was
that which has been referred to as
the “Saugatuck grievance,” in which
eight troopers were transferred from
South Haven to Saugatuck during the
department’s reorganization at the
beginning of 2008.
In his decision, Arbitrator Donald
Sugerman ruled that the department
violated the transfer process when it
moved the eight troopers involved.
As part of the award granted to the
Association, Arbitrator Sugerman
penalized the department by ordering that they must forfeit five of
their transfer exemptions for this
year (2009). In ordering that only five
exemptions be taken, the arbitrator
took into consideration that three of
the troopers were already assigned
and working at Saugatuck at the time
the reorganization took effect.
In a recent discipline grievance,
Arbitrator Sugerman also granted
the Association’s grievance finding
that the department’s proposal of
a thirty day suspension against a
member was too great for what was
alleged. The arbitrator ordered that
the department shall rescind the proposed thirty day suspension and shall
remove all reference to it from the
member’s personnel file and/or other
official records. The arbitrator also
cited that the department had violated the member’s rights and did not
meet the requirements of due process
when the command officer investigating the allegation was also involved
in the incident. Lastly, the arbitrator
found that the department further
violated the member’s due process
rights when he was not allowed to
speak at his discipline conference.
Please see page 11 for a summary
of all the Association’s recent arbitration decisions. May all your patrols be safe. ■
Vice President’s View
Like many others in Michigan,
I spent this year’s Fourth of July
weekend camping with my family. It
was supposed to be a holiday from
work, sharing time with my wife and
grandkids. Instead I spent most of the
weekend weighed down with a sense of
fear and frustration over the trooper
layoff. Fear of the unknown future
for the laid-off men and women and
their families. Frustration because
of the seeming inability of our state
leaders to recognize the long-term
consequences this layoff will have on
the citizens of our state.
Driving home that Sunday night,
I found myself lost in these thoughts
when I was suddenly brought to
attention as a tire blew out on our
travel trailer. I’m embarrassed to
admit that I wasn’t prepared for a
flat tire. I did not have a spare or a
jack that would work. What I did
have was two tired and hungry kids;
the first an impatient two-year-old,
the other a know-it-all 11-year-old
bent on telling me how to solve our
predicament, and a wife who I’m sure
was remembering my promise to get
a spare tire after the last flat. With
holiday traffic whizzing by at 70 plus
speeds, just inches from where we sat
at the side of the freeway, this could
have been a nightmare. Like many
travelers in the state of Michigan, I
was confident that help was as close
as a phone call to the nearest state
police post.
I made a call to the area post only
to have reality slap me in the face
with a recording telling me that the
post was closed on weekends and
holidays. Determination, fueled by
an ingrained belief in our agency as
ever-present and unfailing, I patiently
made a call to the next nearest post and
found myself talking to a dispatcher
who was actually sitting 100 miles
away from that post. Although she
was friendly and sympathetic to my
situation, she was not familiar with
my area and therefore could not help
me with a service station that might
sell tires, or even one that might be
open on this Sunday holiday evening.
Eventually, I called the only wrecker
service I knew of, some distance away,
and was able to get the help I needed.
Unfortunately, it took several hours
to fix my problem because we needed
to take a rim from the trailer back to
the service station, then return it with
the new tire.
Forewarned of the long wait and
wanting to get my hungry family
off the freeway, I called Sergeant
Dave Simon, who I knew lived not
too far away. Dave has been my
good friend since we met in recruit
school. Without hesitation, he came
and picked up my family, took them
to his house, where he and his wife,
Pam, fed and sheltered them. As I sat
in a lawn chair alongside the freeway,
watching the holiday traffic backed up
as far as I could see, I contemplated
the possibility that we could be seeing
the end of our state police as a service
organization. Frustration with the
whole situation had me asking myself
“How did our department get to this
point?”
In addition to having troopers
laid off, we once had posts that were
open 24 hours a day with sergeants
who not only supervised troopers,
but often provided guidance to
officers from local agencies. Now
we have recordings telling people to
call during regular business hours, as
if their problems only occur during
regular business hours, or we only
care about their problems during
regular business hours. How did we
go from an emergency first responder
agency available to the public 24
hours a day, to an agency with retail
storefront hours?
D/Sgt. Christopher Luty
It’s easy to blame budget con
straints for the situation we are in.
However, the blame rests solely with
our lawmakers and governor who
formulate and approve the budget.
While our lawmakers will always
have some loyalty to their district
constituents, it is especially important
that they recognize their role and
responsibilities to the state at large.
Not all issues and state government
functions will have an equal effect
in all districts, yet all lawmakers will
still vote, and are accountable, in all
state matters.
Term limits are one of the ills
that have helped fuel the inability of
Michigan in its attempts to secure a
healthy future. Restricting time in
office, outside of the election process,
has created a situation in our state
where legislators must constantly
work with one eye towards the security of their own economic future.
These men and women also have
families and financial responsibilities
that don’t go away for their few years
in office. The dynamics of that quan
dary opens the door to favoritism and
the narrow minded law-making that
some find too difficult to resist. Law
makers who resort to practices such
see VICE PRESIDENT, page 4
▪ July/August, 2009 ▪ from VICE PRESIDENT, page 3
as taking direction from the local
sheriff when voting on state police
matters, ought to run for governor
in Illinois. Michigan cannot afford
this kind of pandering. Band-aid
fixes for complex problems become
a solution for others, who know
they won’t be in office long enough
to be held accountable, or to fear
the consequence from voters, due to
the mandated limits on their term of
service.
According to a recent poll published in the Detroit News, 70% of
registered voters in Michigan feel
that even with the difficult economy
in Michigan, the Michigan State
Police should not be cut. Yet, we
have 100 troopers standing in the
unemployment line. We need a
governor and more lawmakers who
are responsive and adept enough to
recognize the priorities of Michigan
citizens. They need to find the
necessary cuts in non-essential
services, and get 100 trained and
tested troopers back to work. ■
The Thin “GREEN” Line
Sgt. Brian Lewis
Gaylord Post #73
107 th Recruit School
I was sitting at home on June 28,
2009, re-reading the May/June issue
of the Michigan Trooper magazine and
the first page I happened to open to
was page 24. At the top of that page
was the single word, bold heading of
SOLIDARITY. I couldn’t help but
laugh at the irony. Pictured on that
page was a group of young troops
standing with our MSPTA leadership
in the Capital Building, asking someone else to save our people, but no
last minute legislation came through.
That was May 5, 2009. Jump forward
a couple of weeks and we get the
news, maybe the COPS money will
come through and the Federal Gov-
ernment will save our young brothers and sisters. That too comes up
just short as the award date for that
grant falls just after the deadline to
lay troopers off. I watched in silence
as members were aghast at the audacity and lack of commitment to public safety that laying these troops off
represents. What else could be done
to save these young men and women?
We put up billboards and websites ...
maybe the public will stand up for
us and save their jobs. Once again,
it’s too little too late.
Now it’s the eleventh hour and the
only thing that can save the troops
is the troops. Surely those who have
cried foul that this travesty could
occur will be there for each other.
Surely we will stand back to back
“two troops one riot” like we have
since 1917. Surely the principals of
loyalty and brotherhood that make
the MSP what it is will save these
young troopers. Then, it happened
… we all sat and watched as the thin
blue line started to fade to GREEN.
Slowly the sun set on the once great
MSP and we found that we are just
like everyone else. We start hearing
“What’s in it for me?”, “They’re just
going to lay them off in a couple of
months anyway.”, “If we do it now,
they’re just going to hit us up again
later.” and “Well, they will be better
off getting a job someplace else.”
Now we find ourselves at the deadline date and realize that the world
has changed . . . as the movie title
says, “It’s all about the Benjamin’s.”
It seems that a lot of people in the
legislature, the Federal Government,
the public, and even the department
are upset about the injustice that has
now occurred, but who was willing
to stand up and do something about
it? Turns out … NO ONE.
So in closing, I say to the troops
from the 120th and 121st, the members of the thin GREEN line have
spoken. To the tune of almost 2 to
1 (excluding the 120th/121st), money
won out over loyalty and brotherhood. The new battle cry of the MSP
says, “You’re on your own, hump.”
Good luck with wherever life
takes you and I hope you find a law
enforcement family someplace that
will stand for you when times are
hard. I’m sorry I didn’t do more for
you. My silence was my sin and those
of us who stay all now have a cross
to carry. As for me, you can save the
postage on the Trooper Magazine. The
smoke has now cleared and all that is
left are the mirrors. I am embarrassed
by what I see … nothing but a Thin
Green Line. ■
Voters Don’t Want Cops, Schools Cut
Poll reveals Michiganians disagree with lawmakers
on priorities in next year’s budget
By: Karen Bouffard
Detroit News Lansing Bureau
July 9, 2009
(Reprinted with permission.)
Lansing – Michiganians have some
advice for lawmakers hammering out
next year’s budget: Spare schools and
police, slash your expenses.
As the Legislature returns Monday
from its two-week vacation to hash
out competing budget proposals, an
exclusive Detroit News-WXYZ statewide poll finds that most voters also
want to preserve funding for Medi-
caid, roads and job training. Programs or services that voters said
should be targeted for cuts are substance abuse programs, retaining
state workers, prisons and environmental protection.
The EPIC-MRA poll found voters
are at odds with Gov. Jennifer Gran
holm’s proposals to further reduce
the State Police force following 100
trooper layoffs on June 28, 2009, and
to reduce school funding by $59 per
pupil – issues that House Democrats
and Senate Republicans also can’t
agree on.
Budgets passed by the House line
up better with voters’ viewpoints
than those passed by the Senate or
the governor’s recommendations,
according to Bernie Porn of EPICMRA in Lansing. But nobody in
Lansing seems to be nailing voters’
priorities – entrenched differences
over how to fix Michigan’s economy
portend budget battles that could
stretch into the fall.
“It is going to be very difficult
to match up the budgets of the two
(chambers) because they’re at loggerheads,” Porn said.
“Irrespective of party, people are
placing a high priority on preserving
the State Police, Medicaid funding
and support for education.”
The Senate’s budget proposal cuts
$1.2 billion out of the state’s $18.4
billion budget that is expected to be
$1.7 billion in the red for the fiscal
year that begins October 1, 2009. The
House proposed cutting less than
half of that amount. Once the two
chambers come to agreement, federal
recovery cash will be used to erase
the remainder of the deficit.
The chambers have to agree on
the 2009-10 budget before the new
fiscal year starts to avert another
state government shutdown like the
brief closure in 2007, when legislators failed to approve a budget by the
September 30, 2007 deadline.
Voters Recognize Crisis
“I’m really tired of our state Legis
lature not being able to get together
with the executive branch,” said Scott
Gill, 50, of Shelby Township, a survey respondent laid off from General
Motors Corp. in January after more
than 28 years.
“I’d like to see the environment
protected, more job training, more
diversification of our economic base
and fewer people in prison.”
Of 600 voters surveyed statewide
on June 23-25 and June 27-28, 2009,
76 percent said Michigan’s budget is
in a “crisis situation,” although 58
percent said budget cuts haven’t really
affected them yet. Of those who have
been affected, 17 percent said they’ve
felt the impact in education costs or
cuts; 15 percent have felt it in road
disrepair; 12 percent in rising costs;
and 10 percent in unemployment.
Asked to rank state programs in
the order funding should be cut, 69
percent of respondents said funding
for State Police should be the last to
be cut, followed by Medicaid funding at 67 percent, per-pupil funding
for local public schools at 65 percent,
and revenue sharing for local governments to fund police, fire and other
local services at 60 percent.
Asked which one or two department budgets the state should cut
first, the state Legislature was named
more than any other area, with 37
percent saying lawmakers’ budgets
should be the first to go. The environment and prisons each were named
by 8 percent of respondents, followed
by state workers and substance abuse
programs, each named by 6 percent.
Plans Focus on Troopers
“Keep police and education – cut
the state personnel,” said Jing Zhang,
48, of Oxford, who participated in
the poll. “State personnel should (be
cut) by the same rate as the population has gone down.”
“Every time they want to increase tax, they say they want to cut
police and education – this is a political trick,” Zhang said. “If every
home could save $400 per month
on taxes, they could lease a car.”
The state House didn’t approve
a State Police budget before going
on break, and the Senate concurred
with Granholm’s plan to eliminate 66
trooper positions in the next budget
year through attrition, but would use
federal economic recovery funds to
avoid trooper layoffs.
The Senate slashed $110 per
student from school aid and $140
m illion from Granholm’s popular
Promise Grant program, which pays
up to $4,000 for college tuition over
four years.
see VOTERS, page 19
▪ July/August, 2009 ▪ Unit Spotlight...
Pontiac Detail
By: Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Pontiac Detail
(Richmond Post #24)
118th Recruit School
I believe we all understand the
difficult times that MSP has gone
through fiscally over the past few
years, however, even our financial
woes pale in comparison to the city
of Pontiac. Over the past few years,
the Pontiac Police Department has
been severely cut from a once robust
240 officers, to a now bare bones
crew of 40 officers working the road.
In February 2008, at the direction
of the office of the Governor, MSP
created a detail to assist the city of
Pontiac with dedicated patrols in
their city. Initially, the detail con
sisted of Troopers Kuhn, Young,
Gruenwald, Troye, F., Weinrick,
Whitcomb, and myself. The detail
was led by Sergeant Speights and
overseen by Lt. Sturdivant. In
June 2008, the detail was transferred
to Lt. Sims. It is currently led by
Sergeant Budde, and assigned to
the detail are Troopers Byerly,
Couturier, Lentine, Pechman, and
myself. It should also be noted that
a contingency of Detective Ser-
geants from District were as
signed to assist Pontiac’s Detective
Bureau, which includes D/Sgts.
Wilson, Powell, and Price.
Upon arrival into the city, the
detail forged a strong working
relationship with the officers and
command staff of the Pontiac Police
Department. We all understood that
this was not a take over but, instead,
a helping hand until they could
bolster the size of their department
again. It was important to us that
we were able to work well with
Pontiac, as this was their city.
After a two week stint on days to
familiarize ourselves with the city,
the detail began its directed patrols
from 7pm to 5am. The focus was
criminal interdiction and the results
over the next year are detailed in the
chart below.
The Pontiac Detail satisfied over
997 warrants (20% of the city’s open
warrants), incarcerated over 100
felons, and seized 65 firearms in
the course of patrols within the city
of Pontiac. All of these statistics are
from an addition of four State Police
patrol cars . . . and a whole lot of
sweat.
The large number of firearms
that were seized attracted the
attention and help of the Federal
Government. The ATF assigned
agents to work the city of Pontiac who
focused on the numerous amounts of
weapons being seized. During the
ATF’s involvement, numerous cases
have been furthered in efforts to
track the source of the firearms. The
FBI has recently created a taskforce
March ’08 – March ’09
Felony Drug Arrests...........................................................................119
Misdemeanor Drug Arrests................................................................118
Felons Arrested..................................................................................111
Misdemeanants Arrested.................................................................. 376
Felony Fugitive.................................................................................... 39
Fugitives Arrested............................................................................. 481
Warrants Satisfied............................................................................. 997
Guns/Weapons Seized....................................................................... 65
Cash Forfeited............................................................................. 64,487
Vehicles Forfeited................................................................................. 8
Traffic Stops................................................................................... 3,704
Cars Investigated............................................................................3,121
Verbal Warnings............................................................................. 3,617
Cars Assisted.................................................................................... 183
Citations Issued.............................................................................. 1,119
Patrol Originals................................................................................. 949
Other Alcohol Violations................................................................... 120
OWI..................................................................................................... 53
Motor Vehicle Crashes........................................................................ 41
Property Inspections......................................................................... 828
Assist Pontiac PD.............................................................................. 368
Half kilo of crack that was seized during a traffic stop in
Pontiac.
to analyze the large amount of gang
activity within the city. Members of
the MSP are a part of the FBI’s task
force and expect positive, long-term
results. Along with all the arrest
activity, the detail provides numer
ous investigative leads and infor
mation to the various local and
Weapons confiscated during a recent traffic stop in Pontiac.
federal agencies focusing on crime
within the city of Pontiac.
As the detail continues to inves
tigate/arrest felons, and seize guns
and narcotics, we are encouraged by
the numerous citizens who contact
us and thank us for our work. Since
the start of the detail, the city of
Pontiac has rehired 10 officers with
hopes of more in the future.
We believe that the combined
efforts of the detail, Pontiac Police
Department, and all of the Federal
agencies, will help lower the current
levels of violent crimes and narcotic
trafficking within this proud city. ■
▪ July/August, 2009 ▪ Captain Robert H. Robertson
Memorial Scholarship
By: D/Sgt. David Robertson
Metro North Post #21
As many older members of the
Department will recall, my father
was Captain Robert H. Robertson,
Commanding Officer of South East
Criminal Investigation Division.
However, when he was there, it was a
section, not a division. He retired in
1984, then jumped the fence and became the Undersheriff for Montcalm
County for one year. He then worked
with Michigan National Bank for five
years before finally settling down to a
well-deserved retirement.
When my father passed away in
2006, our family wanted to do something special in his honor. A scholarship fund was set up at his alma
mater, Cedar Springs High School.
Cedar Springs is a very nice community just north of Rockford. My
mother and father were high school
sweethearts and married the year following graduation. While growing
up, my father frequently talked about
the “mighty Red Hawks” of Cedar
Springs High School. Therefore, setting up a scholarship program at the
high school, for a student planning to
become a police officer, was a logical
choice.
With assistance from Lucinda
Garnsey at Cedar Springs High
School, the process of selecting a
scholarship recipient began. Appli
cations were received from graduating seniors and emailed to all of
us, including my brothers, Curt and
John, who currently work in Iraq for
DynCorp. My mother, along with
myself and my three brothers, made
a selection. It was a very difficult
choice because all the applicants were
very good; however we had to pick
just one.
The 2009 Robert H. Robertson
Scholarship Award went to Connor White. He is planning to attend
Grand Rapids Community College
majoring in Criminal Justice. According to Connor’s mother, Jonelle
White, he has always shown an interest in the criminal justice field and
is truly excited about attending college in the fall. Last summer, Connor
completed the Metro High School
Police Academy. He is a hockey referee for youth and adult leagues and
helps coach a youth hockey team.
Connor’s father is Christopher White.
He also has two siblings – Bryan, 21
and Devin, 15.
Our family could not be happier
with the selection of Connor for this
year’s award and we look forward to
selecting another young graduate for
next year’s scholarship.
I talked with Lucinda Garnsey
about the growth of the scholarship
fund and she advised that if anyone
wanted to donate money to the fund,
they could send a check to:
Cedar Springs Public School
Attention Accounting Office
204 E. Muskegon St.
Cedar Spring, MI 49319
Be sure to write “RHR Scholarship” in the note section of the check.
This allows the money to attach to
the correct scholarship. Donations
are tax deductible. (I know a lot of
retirees read the Michigan Trooper.)
If you can help in these troubling
times, thank you. If not, keep us in
mind when times get better.
My brother, Curt, recently retired
as the Post Commander of the St.
Ignace Post. My twin brother, John
(the black sheep), retired from the
Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. I am still going strong as the
Detective Sergeant at Metro North,
and my oldest brother, Bob, is still
working for the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Eco
nomic Growth in Lansing.
Best wishes to all, and stay safe. ■
Award being
presented to
Connor White by
David Robertson.
Jonelle White (Connor’s mother), and Connor White.
John Robertson, myself, Connor White, Mother DeEtta
Robertson, and Bob Robertson. (Missing from photograph
is Curt Robertson.)
My Project
To My Family at MSP #71,
The inspiration and process of designing this plaque began after receiving the shell casings from the 21-gun
salute at Blair’s funeral. The whole service was conducted with such honor and reverence and remains a
heartfelt and memorable tribute to him.
This project was truly a labor of love and gratitude. I didn’t use the band saw or the routers but I
personally designed and worked on every detail.
7135 represents Blair’s radio call sign.
It has since been retired from use.
One of Blair’s trademark expressions was
“Out-STAND-ing.” He always said it with a
big smile and with such approval. I know Blair
would have given all of us a wink and a nod for
your contribution to the service and “Outstanding”
tribute to Blair’s life – and yes, that is his signature
laser engraved.
I will always remember the love, support
and dedication you all displayed to me and
“your brother” Blair.
Love,
JoAnn DuVall
▪ July/August, 2009 ▪ Yes I Qualified, But Let’s Be Fair
Sgt. David E. Stokes
Detroit Post #29
First and foremost greetings to all,
especially to those at the undisputed,
hardest working post in the state, the
Detroit Post. To our laid off mem
bers, stay encouraged. Hopefully we
will see you back soon. I decided to
write this in response to the article
“Would You Qualify?” submitted
by D/Sgt. Eberhardt in the May/
June issue. Being recently promoted,
I thought I would bring a little per
spective from the other side of the
issue. Anyone who knows me knows
I am a big proponent of advanced
education, just in general. As we all
know the dangers of this occupation,
not to mention the budget, can put
you in a position where you need to
be able to do something other than
police work.
Contrary to popular belief, a
higher educational component in
the department is not a new concept.
While it is true advanced education is
still not a requirement for enlistment,
there was talk of requiring at least
two years of college when I entered
the department. Every now and then
the topic comes up, so it is probably
just a matter of time before there
is some college requirement. The
exception I take with this issue is
10 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
that there always seems to be the
attitude that the person with the
degree did not “troop” just as hard as
the next person. I would say, in many
instances, they worked harder because
after they took off their uniform,
they picked up a book bag and sat in
a class for an additional three to four
hours a day. There also seems to be
this perception that having higher
education makes you an automatic
lock for an interview or a position. I
can tell you from personal experience
that this is not so. On two occasions,
I was denied positions because of my
pursuit of higher education, and was
told so. In one of those cases, the
person chosen was already scheduled
to leave the department within
months, of which he ultimately did.
On two other occasions, I was denied
interviews for sergeant positions,
despite my education and seniority.
Therefore, education in and of itself,
is not enough.
D/Sgt. Eberhardt’s military idea
is good, but it is not quite applicable.
In my service as a background
investigator, I can tell you the hiring
process to get in the department
is apples and oranges compared to
hiring for a position after enlisting in
the department. However, in keeping
with the military example, I can
compare the educational path to that
of the military path. The same drive,
determination, initiative and focus
are used in both the military and
advanced education. They are just
applied differently. In some cases, the
educational pursuit is at least twice as
long as the military path, particularly
while working full-time. However,
military experience provides the
option to retire early, even though
the department has no basic affinity
to the military. Why? What makes
military experience before enlisting
in the department so special that the
typical troop has to serve twenty-five
years, but the trooper with a military
background does not? Does prior
military experience make a troop
do his job differently during his/her
MSP career than the non-military
troop? I do not say this in any way
to trivialize military service by any
stretch. I say this to bring to mind
that we all, somehow, directly benefit
within the department from skills,
talents and abilities that we brought
to the department; education is no
different. I find it interesting that
no one in the post or department
has a problem benefiting from the
education someone else obtained at
their own expense; however, when it
is time for that person to use that same
education for their own advancement,
it is considered irrelevant.
Since I have been in the department, there have been a number of
selection processes. For those of you
who go back far enough, we had
the batch interviews, then Targeted
Selection, and now this new process
which appears to be like a modified
type of Targeted Selection. None
of these, or any other process for
that matter, will ever be inclusive to
everyone. Why? Because everyone is
different. Using departmental expe
rience solely is not enough. Is there
really that much difference between
how a troop from one post handles
a C.S.C. complaint compared to
another troop from a different
post? Absolutely not! We are not a
collection of officers that all went
to different regional academies and
were taught merely the basics, then
the rest was left up to the hiring
agency. We all went through the same
hiring process, same recruit school,
were taught to do the same things
the same way, to get the same results.
see QUALIFIED, page 24
Recent Arbitration Awards and Decisions
GRIEVANCE
PROPOSED
DISCIPLINE
ARBITRATOR’S
DECISION
DESCRIPTION
Contractual Violation
Not applicable
Granted
MSP violated Article 13
of the contract when it
transferred 8 troopers from
South Haven to Saugatuck
in 2008 without using the
transfer process. Arbitrator
ruled that MSP must forfeit 5
of its transfer exemptions in
2009. Also awarded moving
costs if they were incurred by
any member involved.
Member Discipline
Termination
Upheld
Grievant shot a deer while
on duty and was criminally
charged. Grievant attempted
to conceal his misconduct.
Arbitrator found that griev
ant’s actions were severe and
just cause for termination.
Member Discipline
Termination
Reinstate –
No Discipline
While there may have been
just cause for discipline in
this matter, it did not rise to
termination. MSP must use
progressive discipline.
Member Discipline
30-day suspension
No Discipline
Arbitrator ruled MSP did not
have just cause for discipline
in this instance. Also found
MSP to violate grievant’s
due process rights by having
commander investigate who
was involved in the investi
gation and by grievant not
being afforded his right to
be heard at discipline conference.
Member Discipline
30-day suspension
No Discipline
MSP violated 90-day time
limitation.
Member Discipline
Termination
5-day suspension
Arbitrator ruled that MSP
proposed discipline is too
severe. Comparables for
similar violations are all 5day suspensions. Alleged
misconduct does not rise to
termination.
5-day suspension
Upheld
Allegation of insubordination
when grievant did not sit
when ordered to do so in a
meeting with a supervisor.
Arbitrator found just cause in
this instance.
Member Discipline
(Amended to 30-day
suspension at discipline
conference)
▪ July/August, 2009 ▪ 11
Rothbury 2009
Sgt. John Faccio
Lansing Post #11
On June 30, 2009, troopers and
sergeants from all over the First,
Third, Fifth, Sixth and Seventh Dis
tricts converged on a small village in
west Michigan. We were there for the
2nd Annual Rothbury Music Festival.
Rothbury is a self-described, “new
American celebration where music
and cause join together to stir ideas,
awaken possibilities, and empower
through knowledge.” Rothbury is
also dedicated to running as close
to a zero-waste event as possible.
Everywhere on the property were
trash cans, in sets of three, which
gave you directions where to throw
your waste. The festival brought in
about 35,000 people to the area. This
is where we came into play.
The planning for this year’s festival,
most likely started on the last day of
the 2008 festival. Command staff
from the Sixth District brought in the
troopers and sergeants one day earlier
to help them get acclimated to the
grounds and surrounding area. Once
the festival got underway, we were
assigned to traffic points, grounds
patrol and various complaints that
came up during the event. Command
staff had a command trailer set up
on the grounds and another trailer
affectionately known as the “Pod.”
This is where personnel would go to
type reports and package property.
Although arrests were up from
the previous year, the majority of
the festival participants were grateful
we were there. The Michigan State
Police was well represented and it was
gratifying to see everybody working
as a team. Incident command put
together a well thought out plan and
then gave the troopers and sergeants
the autonomy to carry it out. If you
get the opportunity to work Rothbury, take it. It is a good way to meet
and work with departmental members
from around the state, as well as un
derstand the Rothbury experience. ■
Tpr. Lane Booms (Wayland Post) and his dog, Lex, search a Hummer at the north entrance to the Rothbury festival.
Tpr. Bob Anaya (Rockford Post) poses next to a hearse at the Rothbury Music Festival. The driver was arrested for possession
of marijuana/hash and violation of the medical marijuana law.
Willie Nelson was
one of the performers
at Rothbury.
Dispatcher Sherry Betts and
Sgt. Jeff White (Reed City Post)
seen working out of the
command trailer.
We Are All Called
Chaplain Andrew Jackson
Rockford Post #62
In my family, faith has always been
the thing that has held us together.
It has given us the strength to live,
and the courage to go on when
disappointments come our way.
We were taught that whatever our
vocation was, it would be one that we
were called to do by God.
It was very surprising to all the
family when the oldest grandson,
came home from the Army and joined
the Chicago Police Department,
then a granddaughter followed in his
footsteps. The youngest grandchild,
my brother, became a deputy with
the Pierce County Jail, in Tacoma,
Washington. Currently my nephew,
whom I took care of and helped to
raise from an infant, is completing
twenty-eight years with the Chicago
Police Department. It was assumed
that law enforcement was a part of
our family’s DNA, and we would all
become a part of it in some capacity.
It is appropriate to say that I have
been surrounded by family members
that were and are involved in law
enforcement for most of my life.
There was a quiet resound of shock,
awe and surprise when I decided to
be a public school teacher. I was still
loved, accepted and appreciated, but
in some ways, made to feel that it was
not the right calling for our family.
When I accepted my call to the
ministry, it was one of the vocations
that some family members thought
was more appropriate. Especially
since there were other pastors in the
family. When I became a chaplain with
the MSP, I was given the welcome and
acceptance of the lost son. In the eyes
of some of my family, I had finally
found my calling.
I emphasize my family law en
forcement background to tell the
story of a family member who is a city
police officer. Dick has been in law
enforcement for many years. He has
been a man of faith even longer. He
lives his faith to the best of his ability,
and a part of that is attending worship
on a regular basis. He professes that
his faith not only has sustained him,
but it enabled him to reach out to
others in their times of need and give
them support for their lives.
see WE ARE CALLED, page 19
Adopt-a-Cop
The power of prayer connects law enforcement
with the communities they serve
Tpr. Larry Rothman
Jackson Post #17
I know some of you have not
heard of the Adopt-a-Cop Prayer
Protection Program before. I wanted
to let you know what it is all about
because there is a great chance that
you will be hearing about it from a
church in your local community.
Adopt-a-Cop is a prayer ministry
where local churches, individuals
and even schools adopt a local police
officer to pray for. It is as simple as
that. No strings attached. In times
when we need all the support we can
get, local churches are stepping up
to the plate and letting their officers
know that they care about them.
Since March of 2009, every police
officer in Jackson County has been
adopted in prayer. That covers the
State Police, DNR, County, City and
all the townships. Over 60 churches
in Jackson County have signed up
to pray for Jackson County’s Law
Enforcement. The Adopt-a-Cop
Prayer Protection Program has started
in Jackson, Hillsdale, Ottawa, Kent,
Shiawassee and Marquette counties.
If you would like more information
about Adopt-a-Cop or have any
concerns, please check out the web
site: www.adopt-a-cop.org. ■
Meet the MSP Chaplain Corps
Chaplain David G. Hill
Post #38 – Lapeer/Sandusky
Some may not be aware that the
MSP Family includes a Chaplain
Corps. This article is meant to give
you a brief overview of the Corps
and the services available to members
of the MSP Family.
The Michigan State Police Chaplain
Corps was organized under Official
Order 119 “to provide ethical, moral,
and spiritual support to Michigan
State Police members and their
families.” Our chaplains, all volun
teers, are well-trained, experienced
and active pastors who have graduated
from recognized seminaries and have
had several years of experience in the
pastorate. All have gone through an
application and approval process with
MSP. Currently, there are about 26
active chaplains assigned to various
posts across the state. Chaplains are
not confined to their own posts for
ministry, but may serve anywhere
in the state as requested by MSP
leadership.
Chaplains offer a great variety
of ministries to our MSP members.
They do ride-a-longs with troopers
to get acquainted on a more personal
basis. They are available to encourage,
console, counsel and assist troopers,
other MSP members and their families
in any way possible, whether it is duty
related, personal or family related. Our
MSP Chaplains are on call 24 hours a
day, seven days a week. All posts and
worksites have the telephone, pager,
and other contact numbers where
chaplains can be reached. East Lansing
Operations also maintains a contact
list of all Chaplain Corps members.
The chaplains may be called upon
for almost any reason. They have
training in such areas as marital and
family counseling, critical incident
stress debriefing and diffusing,
death notifications, as well as many
others. Their services are available,
not only to the MSP family, but to
victims of crimes and, at times, to the
perpetrators of crimes. Chaplains are
ready to assist police and the public
at accidents, crime scenes, or other
critical situations when the on-scene
officers request such assistance.
Confidentiality is an absolute must
for chaplains. Department members
can rest assured that, absent threat
of injury or personal safety, they
can discuss almost anything with a
chaplain and know that it will remain
confidential.
Chaplains need your help as well.
In the past, prior to the financial woes
of our state, the Chaplain Corps
had a small budget from the state
to cover travel and other expenses.
That budget no longer exists. The
Chaplain Corps has now been allowed
to ask MSP troopers/members
for donations to help with their
expenses. This can be done by having
a donation automatically deducted
from the member’s bank account
using the services of VANCO. To
donate, simply request the donation
form from the Chaplain Corps at 714
S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI
48823 or from the Chaplain Corps
Treasurer, Chaplain David G. Hill
at email [email protected]. Once the
form is submitted, the amount you
designate will be sent to the Chaplain
Corps each month. Your gifts are
deductible as charitable donations.
Let me close with a personal
word from our Executive Chaplain,
Andrew Jackson. “MSP chaplains
are all volunteers, and some of us
drive a few miles to get to and from
our posts and the calls that we are
asked to make. Others have to drive
hundreds of miles to provide the
same service. We do it because we
are all called to be servants of God,
and believe that we should be there
with you as much as possible, as you
put your lives on the line for others.
We remain undaunted in our desire
to serve and intend to continue to
serve. At this particular time, we
stand in need of your assistance, and
that of everyone who is willing to
help us continue to be of service to
the department. No donation is too
small. We, as chaplains, are also being
asked to contribute to our own cause.
We have made a pledge to be there
for troopers, and we will keep that
pledge. We are only asking you to help
us answer your calls. Thank you.” ■
Members attend
the general session.
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Tpr. Felix Ambris
(White Pigeon
Post).
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Tpr. Mark
Kassuba
(Paw Paw
Post)
is a lucky
raffle winner!
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Chaplain Andrew Jackson (Rockford Post) and wife, Phyllis.
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2009 July Quarterly – Amway Grand Hotel, Grand Rapids, MI
Tpr. Matt Kiser
(2nd District HST)
with son, Reid,
and daughter,
Brooke.
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
(Pontiac Detail) and
sons, Beck and Jay.
Tpr. Jerry Mazurek (8th District Rep./Wakefield Post),
Tpr. Pat Madden (Gladstone Post) and wife, Theresa.
o st
)a
nd
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Tpr. Mike
McCarthy
(Niles Post).
Tpr. Jim Swain (Flint Post),
Tpr. Amy Hofmeister (Caro Post),
Tpr. Harold Terry (Houghton Lake
Post), Tpr. Andy Douville (Battle
Creek Post), and Tpr. Eric Hofmeister
(Lapeer Post).
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if
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Li
sa
Our “Host”
Tpr. Scott Wilber
(6th District Rep./
Rockford Post)
and Jana Nolff.
.
Mitchell Cavanaugh is all smiles
as he collects his raffle winnings!
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ve l a nd P
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or
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Brooke Stevens
looks over the
raffle prizes.
Tprs. Mike
Zarate and Matt
Kiser ... try on
some different
uniform hats!
Tpr. Ray Pechman (2nd District North Rep./
Pontiac Detail) strikes the “crane” pose.
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Tpr. Brad Stimac
(Houghton Lake
Post) and his wife,
Amy, celebrated
their anniversary
with us!
Tpr. Rich Cole (Munising Post)
with wife, Mandy, and children
Madeline, Christian and Gabe.
Tpr. Taylor Bonovetz (Saugatuck)
collects his raffle prize from
Tpr. Scott Wilber and Alex Reinke.
Sixteen Things That Every Trooper
Needs to Know About “Garrity” 1
Lawrence P. Schneider, Esquire
MSPTA General Counsel
Knaggs, Harter, Brake & Schneider, P.C.
1. There is no “Garrity violation” if the government never
uses a Garrity statement (or the fruits of the statement)
in a criminal case against the officer. A constitutional
violation only occurs at the time of trial, when the
statement is improperly used. Chavez v Martinez, 538
US 760 (2003); In re Grand Jury Subpoena, 75 F3d 446
(CA 9, 1996).
2. A Garrity statement must be turned over to the defense
attorney in a criminal prosecution (not involving the
officer who gave the statement) if the statement might
assist the defense or provide impeachment of an officer
who testifies as a witness in the criminal case. The
defense attorney does not need to make a request for
this evidence. This disclosure must be made even if
the prosecutor did not receive or consider that Garrity
statement in bringing charges against a person. US
v Agurs, 427 US 97 (1976); US v Bagley, 473 US 667
(1985).
3. A Garrity statement may be obtained and reviewed by
a prosecutor or grand jury, through subpoena or court
order. Stover v US, 40 F3d 1096 (CA 10, 1994); In re
Grand Jury Subpoena, 75 F3d 446 (CA 9, 1996).
4. Nothing in the constitution or federal law prohibits
a law enforcement employer from giving the Garrity
statements of its officers to the news media or the
public. Only individual state laws (e.g., an exemption
under a local freedom of information act) can afford
such a protection. Herald Co, Inc v Kent County Sheriff’s
Dept, 261 Mich App 32 (2004). Michigan recently
passed such a law in 2006 which limits the ability of
law enforcement employers to disseminate Garrity
statements to the public. Michigan Public Act 563 of
2006.
5. An officer’s Garrity statements may be obtained by a
plaintiff in a civil case who is suing the officer and
used against the officer at trial in the civil case. Chism
v County of San Bernardino, 159 FRD 531 (CD Cal, 1994).
6. If an officer gives an untruthful statement after
having been given an appropriate Garrity warning, the
statement may be used in a prosecution against the
officer for perjury or obstruction of justice (although
it cannot be used against the officer for the underlying
crime that was being investigated when the statement
was given). US v Veal, 153 F3d 1233 (CA 11, 1998).
7. In many states, Garrity protections only apply if the
officer believes that he or she will be fired for refusing
to answer questions from a supervisor and there is a
law that mandates dismissal of public employees who
fail to give an accounting of their job duties upon
the order of a supervisor. See United States v Indorato,
628 F2d 711 (CA 1, 1980). In other states, it is not
necessary that a law be in place providing for discharge
in order for the statement to be protected, so long as
the officer was threatened with discharge or discipline
by the interviewer. See United States v Friedrick, 842
F2d 382 (CA DC, 1988). Michigan’s new Garrity law
prohibits the admission of “involuntary statements”
made by police officers in criminal cases brought
against them.2
8. Officers who write Garrity-type disclaimers on
routine reports (e.g., I am submitting this report only
because I am required to do so and I do not waive
my Fifth Amendment rights, etc.) are not immunizing
their statements against subsequent use in a criminal
proceeding against the officers. Indorato, supra;
Friedrick, supra.
9. Garrity protections cannot merely be assumed by an
officer who is being questioned by supervisors. The
officer must be given a direct order to answer or face
disciplinary action, and must be told that the answers
will not be available for use in a criminal prosecution
for the crime under investigation. Indorato, supra;
Friedrick, supra.
10. Officers who refuse to answer questions that
might implicate themselves by invoking the Fifth
Amendment, and who are never given a Garrity
warning, may be fired if the department can prove
misconduct or criminal acts independent of the
officers’ statements. Harrison v Wille, 132 F3d 679 (CA
11, 1998).
11. Officers who take the Fifth Amendment and remain
silent when questioned about an alleged criminal act,
when they are not in custody, can have their silence
introduced against them at their criminal trial. Jenkins
v Anderson, 447 US 231 (1980).
12. In the prosecution of a police officer whose Garrity
statement has been given to the charging entity (i.e.,
the prosecutor, grand jury, or another law enforcement
agency), the officer may request a Kastigar hearing. In a
Kastigar hearing, the government bears the burden of
proving that none of the evidence it proposes to use in
the prosecution was derived from the officer’s Garrity
statement. Kastigar v US, 406 US 441 (1972); In re Grand
Jury Subpoena, 75 F3d 446 (CA 9,1996).
13. Absent a specific statute, before a law enforcement
agency may discharge an officer for refusing to
answer questions upon a direct order, it must first
advise him that the answers cannot be used against
him in a criminal prosecution. Absent such a warning,
a discharge for refusing to answer questions will not
stand. City of Evanston v Franklin, 384 F3d 838 (CA 7,
2004).
14. An officer who gives a compelled statement under
Garrity cannot be impeached with that statement in a
criminal trial because involuntary statements may not
be used for impeachment. Plaster v City of Houston, 721
SW2d 421 (Tex App, 1986).
15. Reaffirmation of Garrity protections in collective
bargaining agreements is important, and may close
holes that are left open by recent court opinions which
erode Garrity. See McKinley v Mansfield, 404 F3d 418
(CA 6, 2005) (Ohio appellate court reversed conviction
on breach of contract grounds).
16. If an internal affairs investigator provides a Garrity
statement to the prosecutor, and that statement is
improperly used by the prosecutor against the officer
at trial, the officer may successfully sue the internal
affairs investigator under 42 USC §1983 for violation
of the officer’s civil rights. The prosecutor, however,
has immunity, even if he knew the statement was
inadmissible. McKinley v Mansfield, 404 F3d 418 (CA 6,
2005). ■
1. This article does not discuss the effect of Michigan Public Act
563 of 2006 [MCL 15.391 et seq, which became effective on
December 29, 2006], which codifies Garrity protections within
Michigan law.
2. Id.
from VOTERS, page 5
Under the House bill, federal stimulus money would
be used to avoid cuts to school aid and spending for
colleges and universities. The House increased funding for
Promise Grants from $80.5 million to $140 million.
The House and Senate are roughly $500 million apart
on spending for Community Health. The House bill leaves
funding for Medicaid at roughly its current level, while the
Senate bill would shave about $600 million through reductions in Medicaid payments to doctors and hospitals,
increased co-pays for patients and other changes.
“Right now, they are struggling with how to balance the
budget, and there’s two visions of how to do that,” Porn
said. “It will all boil down to cutting areas the public is
willing to accept.”
The poll has a margin of error of 4 percentage points. ■
[email protected]
(517) 371-3660
from WE ARE CALLED, page 14
One day after worship, Dick was on his way out of the
church, when a woman of the congregation approached
him and said, in a very condescending way, “How can you
call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ, when you carry a
gun?” Dick says that he was taken back by such a defensive
question, and felt somewhat lost for words for just a very
quick moment. When the words of faith came to him, he
was sure that they were given to him by God. He said to her,
“Woman, I want you to know that the God I love and serve
has called me into the ministry of law enforcement. I am
called by God to carry the gun to do battle with the forces
of evil in your community and mine, so that your family,
mine and many others might live in peace and harmony.”
He went on to say, “My faith gives me the strength to carry
the gun. If the day ever comes that you or your family need
me and my service, you may be thankful that I carry a gun.
You need to understand that my faith in God helps me
to carry the gun. I pray that I do not have to use it, but
when I must use my gun, I ask God to give me courage
and guidance.”
Dick went home from worship that day, knowing that he
had been able to share his faith and calling with someone.
At the same time, he helped them to have new found
appreciation and respect for the law, the gun, and the men
and women who carry them. I am proud to ride and be
with those who are called to protect and serve and carry
the gun. ■
Tprs. Todd Parsons and Rob Schwalm.
Lt. Chris Kelenski works alon
Lansing Troopers Lend a Hand to Habitat for H
Tpr. Carissa Horan
Lansing Post #11
On July 11, 2009, members of the Lansing Post gathered
with other volunteers at a new home site at 8949 W. Herbison
Road in Wacousta, a small village located in southwest Clinton
County. We were there to assist for the day in the building of
a new home sponsored by Habitat for Humanity (HFH). The
effort was motivated by Tpr. Todd Parsons, who went to the HFH
meetings and organized the volunteer effort and coordination
of post volunteers.
In summary, HFH works in partnership with people in need
to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. The houses
then are sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest
charged. There is a lengthy process involved in applying to
purchase a Habitat home. Volunteers provide most of the
labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and
materials to build Habitat houses. Partner families themselves
invest hundreds of hours of labor – “sweat equity” – into
Lt. Chris Kelenske, HFH volunteer, Tpr. Brian Oleksyk, Sgt. John Faccio,
and MCO Mike Morey take a quick break to pose for the camera.
Habitat for Humanity volunteers incl
ngside other HFH volunteers.
Humanity Project
Tpr. Brian Oleksyk, Sgt. John Faccio and Lt. Chris Kelenske work on the sub-floor.
(Photos courtesy of Tpr. Kellie Summerhays, Wayland Post)
building their homes and the homes of others. Their mortgage
payments go into a revolving fund for Humanity, which are used
to build more houses. The day the Lansing Post volunteered, we
were fortunate to work along side the father of one of the home’s
recipients.
A home project begins when a site is acquired and donations
and funding are secured. A home recipient is identified prior to
the commencement of the project. Besides ordinary volunteers,
i.e. people whose skills extend little beyond swinging a hammer,
the construction is led by volunteer licensed builders.
luding the Lansing Post participants.
The homebuilding effort was definitely a huge success, as
the post was able to assist with the completion of the sub-floor
and the building and erecting of all four walls during the day
of volunteering. Besides being able to assist with this worthy
cause, everyone involved felt a sense of pride and community.
It is all too often that opportunities of this magnitude pass by
the wayside, as we are all busy with our own careers, families,
etc. Yet the hours spent on endeavors such as these, not only
exhibit the department in a positive light, but more importantly,
touch the lives of people in need. That is what this business is
all about: helping those who cannot do it all by themselves. ■
A Blue Goose sits proudly near the Habitat for Humanity worksite.
July 4th Annual Memorial 5K Race
Tpr. Ben Bordner
Coldwater Post #59
Deputy Sarah Haylett-Jones was
struck by a vehicle on October 17,
We were welcomed by Monroe
County Detective Brad Swain who
graciously spent the better part of his
evening showing us around the area.
Retired Trooper King kept me
entertained the rest of the evening/
Tpr. Ben Bordner (Coldwater Post), Wayne Haylett, Kim Haylett, Chris Jones,
Tpr. James King, Sr. (Ret.).
2008, on State Road 45, in Bloom
ington, Indiana. She was directing
traffic at the scene of a crash during
the incident. Deputy Haylett-Jones
succumbed to injuries sustained from
the incident on October 19, 2008.
Deputy Haylett-Jones previously
served as a MSP Explorer in Cold
water, four years with the U.S. Air
Force, 18 months with Montgomery
P.D. in Alabama, then several months
with the Monroe County Sheriff’s
Department. It has been 40 years
since an officer from Monroe County
has died in the line of duty.
On July 3, 2009, retired MSP
Trooper James King, Sr., and I
traveled to Bloomington, Indiana
in preparation for the first Deputy
Sarah Haylett-Jones Memorial 5K
run.
morning by snoring louder than
anyone I’ve heard in my life. It did
manage to cover up the gunshots
outside our “cheap” hotel, located in
the only slum area of Bloomington.
That’s what we get for being cheap.
The following day, July 4, 2009,
Tpr. King and I traveled to the St.
Paul United Methodist Church,
located at 4201 W. 3rd Street, in
Bloomington. The race is scheduled
to take place at this location next July
4th for those interested. The majority
of the participants were made up of
state, county, and local police officers
from the surrounding area.
Over 200 people attended the
race, resulting in approximately
$2,600 being raised for the Deputy
Sarah Haylett-Jones Memorial Fund.
The money from this race, along with
additional funds, is being put towards
a scholarship in Sarah’s name to help
students from Bloomington, Indiana
and Coldwater, Michigan.
The Haylett family has asked
anyone interested in donating money
to send their check to Century Bank
and Trust, 100 W. Chicago Street,
Coldwater, MI 49036. Checks need to
be made out to the BACC CJ Deputy
Sarah Irene Haylett-Jones Memorial
Fund. The recipient this year was
Courtney Knight of Coldwater. She
received a scholarship in the amount
of $1000 and plans to attend Lake
Superior State University. ■
Board of Awards
The following citations were approved by the department’s District
and Division Review Panels and the Board of Awards. The ranks
of the officers are those held at the time of the request for citation.
Bravery Award:
Tpr. Andrew Ambrose (Alpena Post)
and Tpr. John Grimshaw Jr. (Lincoln
Detachment) are receiving the Bravery
Award for knowingly risking their lives
to protect others. On March 18, 2009, the
Alcona County Sheriff’s Department re
Tpr. Andrew
quested assistance at the scene of a barri
Ambrose
caded gunman who had already wounded
three subjects. Two of the wounded victims
and two other uninjured victims had escaped
the residence, leaving two victims, one
severely wounded and one with a debilitating
medical condition, in the residence with the
suspect. The officers on scene were able to
Tpr. John
make contact with the trapped, uninjured
Grimshaw
victim who advised the suspect had access
to handguns and rifles in the residence. Recognizing the
danger to both victims and the need to get medical attention
to the wounded victim, Trooper Ambrose and Trooper
Grimshaw, along with two other officers, immediately
developed a plan to rescue the victims. Without regard for
their own safety, the four officers entered the residence
and located the wounded victim, who had expired. The
uninjured victim was retrieved and carried to safety.
Meritorious Service Award:
D/Sgt. Stephen Harshberger (Alpena
Post) and Tpr. Jamie Bullis (Lincoln
Detachment) are receiving the Meritorious
Service Award for their professionalism, d ili
gence, and perseverance under uncommon
circumstances and for going beyond what is
D/Sgt.
typically expected of most law enforcement
Stephen
Harshberger officers. On March 18, 2009, D/Sergeant
Harshberger and Trooper Bullis were part
of a multi-officer response at the scene of
a barricaded gunman. When a four-person
rescue team decided to enter the residence to
retrieve the victims still inside, D/Sergeant
Harshberger and Trooper Bullis volunteered
Tpr. Jamie
to assist. They stationed themselves on the
Bullis
front porch, providing cover for the rescue
team and helping to carry the victim to safety.
Tpr. Christopher Corriveau is receiving
the Meritorious Service Award for his pro
fessionalism, diligence, and perseverance
under uncommon circumstances and for
going beyond what is typically expected of
most law enforcement officers. Trooper
Tpr.
Corriveau was instrumental in the successful
Christopher
Corriveau
investigation of the brutal assault of an
83-year-old man in his home on October
29, 2008. Thanks to Trooper Corriveau’s diligence and
relentless investigation, two suspects were arrested,
including one who had fled to another state.
Lifesaving Awards:
Tpr. Stephen Miller (White Pigeon Post)
is receiving the Lifesaving Award for ad
ministering first aid to save the life of
another. While patrolling on March 13,
2009, Trooper Miller was flagged down by
several people wearing fishing gear. He was
Tpr. Stephen
directed to a nearby river where a man was
Miller
struggling in the water next to an overturned
boat. The subject had attempted to swim ashore, but
became fatigued in the cold water. Trooper Miller retrieved
his Water Rescue Disk and threw it to the subject. He then
gave verbal commands to keep the subject calm while he
pulled him to safety.
Tpr. Charles Murry (Bridgeport Post)
another. On January 13, 2009, Trooper
Murry was overseeing the video arraignment
of an inmate when the inmate suddenly
Tpr. Charles
clutched his chest and collapsed. Trooper
Murry
Murry determined the inmate was not
breathing and did not have a pulse. He immediately began
administering first aid and soon received help from the
facility medical staff. Thanks to their combined efforts,
the inmate’s pulse returned and he started breathing again.
The inmate was then transported to a hospital cardiac care
unit.
Board of Awards –
continued on next page
Tpr. Steven
Escott
Tpr. Matthew
Korzek
Tpr. Paul
Oster
MC Ofcr. William Beam, Tpr. Steven
Escott, Tpr. Matthew Korzek and Tpr.
Paul Oster (all of the Bridgeport Post),
are receiving the Lifesaving Award for
administering first aid to save the life of
another. On October 8, 2008, MC Officer
Beam was finishing a traffic stop when
another motorist stopped and advised
the passenger in his vehicle was having
a heart attack. MC Officer Beam quickly
determined the passenger had no pulse and
was not breathing. Trooper Korzek arrived
to assist MC Officer Beam administer first
aid. Trooper Escott and Trooper Oster
also responded, bringing with them an
Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
They administered a shock from the AED,
after which the officers were able to detect
a pulse. The subject was then transported
to the hospital where he was admitted into
intensive care.
MC Ofcr. Robert Letchanski and Tpr.
Randy Parros (Detroit Post) are receiving
the Lifesaving Award for administering first
aid to save the life of another. On July 1,
2008, MC Officer Letchanski responded to a
citizen complaint of a possible drunk driver.
Tpr. Randy
He located a vehicle parked on the shoulder
Parros
of the road. The driver was intoxicated
and the passenger was unconscious and not breathing.
MC Officer Letchanski removed the passenger from the
vehicle and began administering first aid. Trooper Parros
arrived and assisted until emergency medical personnel
could respond. The subject later recovered at the hospital.
Tpr. Charlene Green (Metro South Post)
another. On August 31, 2008, Trooper
Green was assisting with a traffic stop
when another vehicle stopped abruptly
Tpr. Charlene
and the driver began yelling that her child
Green
was dying. As she approached the vehicle,
Trooper Green observed an 11-year-old girl with a deep,
six inch long laceration along her inner arm. Trooper
Green immediately applied pressure to the exposed
artery as the girl drifted in and out of consciousness.
When emergency medical personnel arrived, they advised
Trooper Green to continue the pressure on the artery,
as it was keeping the girl alive. The child was then
transported to the hospital for additional care.
Tpr. Gregory Morenko and Tpr. Ben
jamin Sonstrom (both of the Ypsilanti
Post) are receiving the Lifesaving Award
for administering first aid to save the life
of another. On February 3, 2009, Trooper
Morenko and Trooper Sonstrom re
Tpr. Gregory
sponded to a call for assistance involving
Morenko
an unresponsive woman. Upon entering
the residence, the troopers observed the
subject’s son attempting to perform CPR
while receiving instructions over the phone.
Trooper Morenko and Trooper Sonstrom
immediately took over the administration
of first aid and, thanks to their efforts,
Tpr.
Benjamin
the subject’s condition improved by the
Sonstrom
time emergency medical personnel arrived.
Trooper Sonstrom continued to provide first aid until the
subject was transported to the hospital.
Tpr. Stacy Baylis (Hart Post) is receiving
the Lifesaving Award for administering first
aid to save the life of another. On May 4,
2009, Trooper Baylis responded to a report
of a possible heart attack. Upon arrival, she
found an unconscious subject with no pulse
Tpr. Stacy
and sporadic breathing. Trooper Baylis
Baylis
began administering first aid and was soon
assisted by emergency medical personnel. ■
CORRECTION:
In the May/June issue of the Michigan Trooper,
S/Sgt. A.J. Bray was incorrectly identified
as Tpr. A.J. Bray on p. 36.
from QUALIFIED, page 10
It only stands to reason that the basic experiences among
troops will be basically the same across the board. So to
make a hiring decision solely or even predominately on
experience would be short sighted. I am not saying that
one selection process is better than another. They all have
their deficiencies. What I am saying is that no matter what
system is used, we can all think of troops who we believe
would have been better than those who were ultimately
chosen for whatever reason. That should be kept in mind
before we say which qualification system is better than
another. ■
Good Job Troops!
HOMICIDE ARREST: On May
27, 2009, the Brighton Post was
contacted by a Howell resident, who
voiced concerns about a missing
50-year-old Wixom woman. An
extensive investigation, involving
posts from Detroit, West Branch,
Houghton Lake and Brighton, led
investigators to a wooded area in
Crawford County. The body of a
female was located in a shallow grave
in this wooded area. Numerous
search warrants were executed, which
resulted in the development of a crime
scene and suspect. The suspect, a 49year-old Howell man, was arrested in
the city of Detroit on June 6, 2009.
The arrested subject was the alleged
boyfriend of the victim. The suspect
is currently lodged in the Livingston
County Jail pending arraignment.
This investigation also employed
the expertise of the Northville and
Grayling Forensic Labs, First and
Second District Fugitive Teams and
LAWNET. AUTH: D/Sgt. Poulson,
Brighton Post
NORTHERN HEROIN: On
Sunday, May 31, 2009, Tpr. Shane
Smith was very close to his maximum
mileage for the day, when he stopped a
vehicle for speeding. The 29-year-old
male driver from Alpena and his 23year-old female passenger, also from
Alpena, said they had just returned
from the Flint area with their rear seat
passenger, a 23-year-old from Detroit.
The Detroit male had four warrants
for his arrest. Tpr. Smith knew the
area the subjects had visited as a high
narcotic use area from working in
Flint. After arresting the male from
Detroit and finding a small plastic
baggie with marijuana residue inside.
Tpr. Smith received consent to search.
He located a plastic baggie containing
191 packets of heroin and a small
scale stuffed inside a pair of neoprene
fishing waders inside the trunk. The
three individuals knew the heroin was
in the vehicle and was packaged to
sale in the Alpena area. The Detroit
man was lodged on PWID Heroin.
Charges are being sought on the other
two. AUTH: Sgt. Owen, Alpena Post
TASK FORCE SUCCESS: The two
adults arrested in the brutal September
25, 2008 assault and robbery of an
87-year-old woman, in Brownstown
Township, have accepted plea deals
ranging from 8-20 years. Detectives
expect the sentencing to be on the
high end as the senseless violence
captured the attention of all area
communities. The Downriver Major
Crimes Task Force was activated on
October 6, 2008. The Task Force
was led by D/Sgt. Ken Walker and
the Tip Control Officer Trooper
Investigator
Robert
Weimer.
While working together, over a week
long period, the task force was able
to identify, locate and arrest the sus
pects. They were charged with Home
Invasion First Degree, Unlawful Im
prisonment, Unarmed Robbery, and
Assault to Do Great Bodily Harm
Less Than Murder. The task force
was assisted by the Intelligence
and Violent Crimes Unit, over 30
Downriver Detectives, DRANO, and
the Northville Laboratory. AUTH:
Lt. Hughes, Metro South Post
GROW OPERATION: Troopers
Mike Kaatz and Andy Feehan re
sponded to a residence for an assault in
which the suspect departed just prior
to their arrival. A female at the home,
laid down on the living room floor in
an attempt to hide from them as they
approached. She believed she was
wanted for outstanding warrants. A
helpful neighbor directed the troopers
to a window that he said “had a nice
view” into the residence. Tpr. Feehan
peered in through the window to find
an active marijuana grow operation.
Seven plants were seized and charges
are pending. AUTH: Sgt. Rogers,
Sandusky Post
ECSTASY ARREST: On June 2,
2009, BAYANET officers executed
three search warrants in the city of
Midland. During the course of the
investigation, BAYANET officers
recovered over 200 tablets of Ecstasy
and over two pounds of marijuana.
Items seized for forfeiture included
electronics equipment, computers
and $1000.00 in U.S. currency. Two
suspects were arrested and lodged in
the Midland County Jail. The charges
pending include Possession with
Intent to Deliver Ecstasy, Possession
with Intent to Deliver Marijuana
and Felony Warrants for Dangerous
Drugs. The investigation is on-going
and additional arrests are pending.
AUTH: D/F/Lt. Melvin Mathews,
BAYANET
MARIJUANA SEIZURE: While
on patrol on E/B I-94 near Grand
River, in the city of Detroit,
Troopers Bradley Lammi and
Gregory Primeau observed a ve
hicle traveling in the center lane
with an improper registration plate.
A traffic stop was initiated. Upon
contacting the driver, a strong odor
of fresh marijuana was detected
from the passenger compartment of
the vehicle. The driver was asked if
there was marijuana in the vehicle
and he replied, “Yes, in the trash bag.”
In plain view, was a black garbage
bag containing 12 large, clear, plastic
bags of fresh suspected marijuana.
The driver of the vehicle was arrested
and transported to the Detroit Post
for processing. AUTH: Lt. Bennie
F. Bowers Jr., Platoon Commander,
Detroit Post
TASK FORCE SUCCESS: On
Wednesday, June 3, 2009, D/Tpr.
Matthew Jordan of the Saginaw Vio
lent Crimes Task Force completed a
three month long money laundering
investigation, culminating in two
separate search warrants. The target
of the investigation was spending
hundreds of thousands of dollars
at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt.
Pleasant while failing to pay taxes
on the large amounts of winnings.
A search warrant was conducted at
a party store in Saginaw County,
along with a private residence.
Approximately $10,000 in cash and
records were seized from the store.
Subsequent search warrants were
conducted on the suspect’s bank
accounts, freezing the assets valued
at over $100,000. A safety deposit
box containing a large amount of
gold jewelry was also seized. This
investigation was completed with
the assistance of the Michigan Intel
ligence Operations Center (MIOC),
ATF, IRS, BAYANET, and the 3rd
District HST. AUTH: D/Sgt. Scott
Woodard, MIOC 3rd District, Special
Operations Division
PONTIAC DETAIL: While work
ing in the city of Pontiac, Tpr. Eric
Byerly stopped a 2005 Chrysler
300 (painted almost MSP blue) for
disregarding a train signal. Tpr.
Byerly made contact with the driver
and noticed marijuana residue (shake)
on the center council. Pontiac PD
responded as back up. The two occu
pants were removed and a probable
cause search of the vehicle was
conducted. Located in the trunk was
5 heat sealed bricks of marijuana
totaling close to 30 pounds. The two
occupants of the vehicle are known
gang members from the north side
of Flint. The passenger is on parole
for AWIM. More than $1,300 was
forfeited, as well as the MSP blue
Chrysler 300.
While working in Pontiac, in
conjunction with ATF, Tpr. Phillip
Duplessis was informed of nar
cotics being transported in a black
Suburban. Tpr. Duplessis located the
suspect vehicle, which contained four
occupants, and made a traffic stop
for following too close. The driver
was suspended and arrested. He was
also wanted for a FOC warrant. The
rear passenger was known to Tpr.
Duplessis and had a felony warrant
for his arrest. Agents from ATF
provided back up and a probable cause
search of the vehicle was conducted.
Located in the Suburban was a half
kilo of powder cocaine, a vacuum
sealer and vacuum bags. The case
was turned over to ATF for federal
charges. AUTH: Sgt. M. Budde, MSP
Pontiac Detail
POLICE TEAMWORK ENDS
58 MILE VEHICLE PURSUIT
WITH ARRESTS: On June 4,
2009, at approximately 3:05 pm,
troopers from the Bridgman Post
attempted to stop a vehicle for
careless driving on E/B I-94 in Lake
Township. The driver failed to stop
and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit
traveled east on I-94 through Berrien
County and continued north on I196 into Van Buren County. Several
attempts to utilize stop sticks were
made in Berrien and Van Buren
Counties. As the pursuit continued
into Allegan County, troopers from
the Saugatuck Detachment (Wayland
Post) successfully deployed stop sticks
on I-196 in Saugatuck Township. The
suspect vehicle’s front tires deflated,
causing the vehicle to come to a stop.
Both the driver and passenger were
arrested without incident. A bag of
marijuana that the suspects threw
from their vehicle during the pursuit
was recovered. The charges included
Possession with Intent to Deliver
Marijuana, and Fleeing and Elude.
The 23 and 53-year-old men from
Chicago also face parole violations.
The Bridgman Post was assisted
by troopers from the South Haven
Satellite, Paw Paw Post and Saugatuck
Detachment. Other assisting agencies
included the Berrien County Sheriff’s
Department and officers from Lin
coln Twp. PD, Coloma Twp. PD and
South Haven PD. AUTH: Sgt. Steven
Barker, MSP Bridgman
LIFE SAVED THEN ARREST
ED: Early on June 5, 2009, Troopers
Dale Hillier, Kevin Rajala, Keel
Stine, and Mack Schlicht were
investigating a felonious assault
that occurred in a motel room near
Gwinn. The victim was choked out
while having a knife held to her throat
by a suspect threatening to kill her.
The suspect fled prior to troopers
arriving, but was soon located in an
unoccupied dwelling (house trailer).
Upon arrival, it was apparent that
the trailer was on fire. Troopers
called for the fire department and
then entered the trailer with a hand
held fire extinguisher. Troopers had
to crawl through the trailer due to
thick, heavy smoke. The suspect was
found near unconsciousness, hiding
in a rear bedroom closet. The fire was
burning in the middle bedroom and
was extinguished after the suspect
was dragged from the building. The
suspect was transported to the local
hospital and released a short time
later. The suspect was charged with
Felonious Assault, Illegal Unlawful
Entry, with possible Arson charges
yet to come. Two fugitive warrants
were also satisfied. AUTH: F/Lt.
Halpin, MSP Negaunee Post
ASSIST DEA: Troopers Joshua
Reeber and Steve Temelko
assisted the DEA after being given
a tip that a suspect was leaving
Detroit for Wisconsin, in a Black
Ford pickup. Troopers located the
truck and initiated a traffic stop for
speeding, along westbound I-94, in
Washtenaw County. Troopers asked
the driver if he had anything illegal
as a general question, and the driver
said, “Yes, I have a gun.” A consent
search also revealed a 50 pound dog
food bag, concealing 10 pounds of
marijuana, in the bed of the truck.
The suspect has been lodged pending
further investigation by the DEA
and additional charges. AUTH: Sgt.
Pascoe, Ypsilanti Post
CCW ARREST: Tpr. Blake Dilley
stopped a vehicle for speed (89/70)
and arrested two men for CCW,
who were en route from Chicago to
Kalamazoo. Further search of the
vehicle revealed black coats, sweat
shirts, hats, gloves, and bandana.
The subjects, one of which had a
LENGTHY criminal history for
B&E, Armed Robbery, CCW, and
Assault, advised they were on their
way to Kalamazoo to “rough up” a
guy named Phil. The investigation
continues. This was an excellent stop!
AUTH: Sgt. Brower, Bridgman Post
HIDDEN COMPARTMENT: On
June 6, 2009, Troopers Diggs and
Shears, of the 5th District HTST,
made a traffic stop on a vehicle for
following too close on I-94, in Berrien
County. During contact/conversation
with the driver, consent to search
the vehicle was obtained. During
the search of the vehicle, excessive
tooling was observed on bolts near
the rear bumper. Once the bolts were
removed, the troopers were able to
remove the bumper from the vehicle.
This allowed access to the trap.
Troopers removed 10 kilos of cocaine,
wrapped in black electrical tape, from
inside. The Detroit man was arrested
for PWID Cocaine and lodged in the
Berrien County Jail. Troopers were
assisted by DEA Detroit and K9-54.
AUTH: Sgt. Richard Dragomer, 5th
Dist. HTST
BAIL OUT: On June 8, 2009, Tpr.
Richard Pazder attempted to stop
a vehicle for a seatbelt violation in
Kalamazoo County. A chase ensued
with the suspect vehicle entering
a trailer park. Two of the three
occupants “bailed out” of the car, one
of which was observed to be armed
with a handgun. Tpr. Pazder continued
to pursue the vehicle until the driver
also “bailed out” of the moving car.
The driver was apprehended a short
time later. Approximately an hour
later, Tpr. Christopher Douponce
located the passenger and a foot chase
followed. The second suspect was
taken into custody without incident.
The driver was arrested for Fleeing
and Elude and Parole Violation. The
passenger was arrested for R & O and
three outstanding warrants. Assisting
agencies included Kalamazoo County,
Kalamazoo DPS K-9, and Portage
PD. AUTH: Sgt. Bennett, Battle Creek
Post
CSC: At 4:30 p.m., on June 9,
2009, Trooper Lizabeth Hunt
was dispatched to investigate a CSC
complaint. Upon identifying the
suspect, Trooper Hunt obtained
knowledge that the suspect was in
Saginaw buying marijuana. With the
assistance of the Midland County
Sheriff ’s Office, Trooper Hunt was
able to locate the vehicle and conduct
a traffic stop. A consent search
revealed several scales and 2.7 ounces
of marijuana. During the interview,
the 20-year-old suspect admitted to
sexual contact with two 14-year-old
girls. The suspect was lodged at the
Midland County Jail for Possession
with Intent to Deliver. Charges of
CSC 3rd degree are being sought.
AUTH: F/Lt. J. Card, Bay City Post
METH ARRESTS: Tpr. Brad
Hetherington received information
about a subject with a warrant at a
residence in Lyons, Michigan. The
subject was known to be involved
in the production of methampheta
mine and wanted for questioning
in multiple countywide complaints.
D/Sgt. Kate Trietch provided
surveillance as additional officers
responded to the scene. A traffic
stop was conducted after the suspect
was observed leaving the residence
in a vehicle with several other adults
and a 2-year-old child. Open alcohol
and components commonly used in
the manufacturing of methamphe
tamine were located in the vehicle.
The three adult occupants were
arrested on meth related charges and
the child was turned over to DHS.
Also assisting was Troopers Brian
Siemen and Bradley Campbell,
officers from C.M.E.T., and the
Ionia County Sheriff’s Department.
AUTH: F/Lt. Pat Richard, Ionia/
Lakeview Posts
RECOVERED STOLEN VEHI
CLE: On Friday, June 12, 2009, Tpr.
Jeff Lehman (Sheridan Detachment
- Jackson Post) stopped a pickup truck
for excessive speed at Devereaux and
Calhoun Roads, in Calhoun County.
Upon activating the patrol unit’s
emergency lights, the vehicle increased
speed and turned southbound on
Calhoun Road, resulting in the vehicle
running off the roadway into a ditch.
The driver and only occupant, a 29year-old Battle Creek resident, exited
the vehicle, place his hands in the
air and stated that he stole the truck.
He had been sleeping in farm fields
since the time of the theft. He was
running away from an adult foster
care because they had been mean to
him. The truck was reported stolen
to Battle Creek PD on June 11, 2009.
The subject and vehicle were turned
over to Battle Creek PD for further
investigation. AUTH: F/Lt. Jim
Shaw, Jackson Post.
see GOOD JOB TROOPS, page 36
Making the News ...
Body confirmed to be that of missing Wixom woman
D/Sgt. Greg Poulson of the Michigan State Police announces
new details on the body found in Crawford County, confirming
that the identity is that of missing Wixom woman Kelly Marie
Duberg. Poulson also indicated that the cause of death was
strangulation. (Photo by Gillis Benedict/Daily Press & Argus)
Police said Monday they have positively identified a body
found in Crawford County to be that of 50-year-old Wixom
resident, Kelly Marie Duberg. Police have confirmed the
woman died of strangulation.
Meanwhile, police are pursuing first-degree murder
charges against a 49-year-old Howell man in connection
with the disappearance of the woman, but are not releasing
any suspect information pending arraignment either today
or tomorrow.
A May 27 call to police relating concerns about the
missing woman spurred an investigation that led to a
woman’s body in a shallow grave in a wooded area of the
northern Lower Peninsula’s Crawford County, the Brighton
Post of the Michigan State Police said Saturday.
The discovery follows a week in which authorities had
been investigating the disappearance of 50-year-old Wixom
resident, Kelly Marie Duberg, though police on Saturday
would not publicly connect Duberg’s name to the body
discovered in Crawford County.
Police said the Howell man, whom they described as the
victim’s alleged boyfriend, was arrested Saturday in Detroit.
He is being held at the Livingston County Jail pending
arraignment, which is expected Monday, said Detective Sgt.
Greg Poulson of the Brighton Post.
Poulson said police would look to pursue charges of
first-degree murder in the case, though the final decision
rests with the prosecutor’s office.
Duberg was last seen on May 22, 2009, in Plymouth.
Police said last month they were investigating “suspicious
circumstances surrounding” her disappearance, though
they declined to elaborate.
They said they found Duberg’s red four-door 2003
Pontiac Grand Am in the Brightmoore area near Telegraph
Road and Five Mile Road, which is also known as Fenkell
Road, in the Detroit area.
Police said personnel from the state police posts in
Detroit, West Branch, Houghton Lake and Brighton were
involved in the investigation. Also involved in the case were
the Northville and Grayling State Police forensics labs; the
1st and 2nd District State Police fugitive teams; and the
Livingston and Washtenaw Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Police earlier identified the victim as Kelly Marie
Duberg. ■
This article was originally published June 8, 2009. It is reprinted
with permission from the Livingston Daily Press & Argus.
REMINDER:
Michigan Trooper
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.
Magazine Deadlines:
Please send your submissions to:
[email protected]
Sept./Oct. issue................... September 15, 2009
Nov./Dec. 2009 issue.......... November 15, 2009
Jan./Feb. 2010 issue......... December 31, 20009
March/April 2010 issue........ February 28, 2010
May/June 2010 issue.................... April 30, 2010
Making the News ...
State Police allege $2 million embezzled
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY – Three people have been
arrested and detectives from the Michigan State Police
(MSP) say there could be more once an investigation into
the alleged embezzlement of around $2 million from
Boyne City’s Great Lakes Energy electric cooperative is
completed.
MSP Petoskey Post D/Sgt. Gwen White-Erickson said
two suspects, husband and wife, Robin, 46, and Shelley
Stewart, 44, from Gaylord, were arrested last week.
A third person, George Edwin Reed, 67, who currently
resides in Florida, turned himself in to authorities in
Charlevoix County Monday. All three are lodged in the
Charlevoix County Jail while awaiting arraignment on
numerous charges.
Robin Stewart, a former Great Lakes Energy employee
for 18 years, was terminated in September 2008, after
company officials contacted state police regarding an
embezzlement they had uncovered.
The internal investigation reportedly identified Stewart,
the vegetation management specialist at the time, Reed,
a contracted tree trimmer with G&J Tree Inc. as well as
Stewart’s wife, as the suspects in the embezzlements.
The MSP Petoskey Post, with assistance from the MSP
Gaylord Post, then began an eight-month investigation
which culminated last week in arrest warrants for the trio
of suspects through the Charlevoix County Prosecutor’s
Office.
After reviewing Great Lakes Energy documents and
bank documents, detectives allegedly determined Stewart
had authorized fraudulent payment to G&J Tree Inc.
White-Erickson said the payments were based on false
invoices submitted by G&J Tree Inc., for work which had
never been done by the tree trimming company.
Shortly after the investigation began, White-Erickson
said an ORV and a motorcycle belonging to the Stewarts
were seized from their Pine Briar residence in Gaylord as
evidence.
According to White-Erickson, the theft of funds began
in 2006 and continued until September 2008 when they
were discovered by business officials, and Stewart was
terminated from his position with the company.
George Edwin Reed, Shelley Stewart and Robin Stewart
are charged with embezzling $2 million from Great Lakes
Energy.
Following their arrests Thursday and Friday, the Stewarts
were lodged in the Charlevoix County Jail, each on bonds
of $1 million.
The three suspects were arraigned Tuesday in Charlevoix
County’s 90th District Court on multiple counts of
embezzlement over $100,000, conducting a criminal
enterprise and use of a computer to commit a felony.
Since completing their internal investigation, WhiteErickson said Great Lakes Energy officials have cooperated
with the state police and Charlevoix County Prosecutor’s
Office in the case, and company officials report they intend
to seek full restitution from the three defendants.
Great Lakes Energy officials said they retain an
independent auditor to annually review its accounting and
invoicing procedures, and annual audits have consistently
shown the cooperative’s internal controls to be sound and
all member records to be secure.
Great Lakes Energy has stated its co-op member’s
rates and services would not be impacted by the alleged
embezzlement.
The Boyne City electric company is a member-owned
cooperative serving more than 120,000 members in 26
Michigan counties. ■
This article, authored by Michael Jones, was originally published
June 9, 2009. It is reprinted with permission from the Gaylord
Herald Times.
MICHIGAN STATE TROOPERS
ASSISTANCE FUND, INC.
c/o: MSPTA • 1715 Abbey Road, Suite B • East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-336-7782 • Facsimile: 517-336-8997
6th Annual “MSTAF” Charitable Fund Golf Classic
Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund
o Tee Sponsorship
Tee Sponsorships are $100.
o Prize Donation
Please be sure to include
the value of your donation
on the form below.
Deadline for Tee Sponsorships and Prize Donations: September 1, 2009
The Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to
the Assistance Fund are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Money raised will be used to support the MSTAF Graduating
Senior Scholarship Program and to aid in the donation of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Units. Please note that upon receipt
of this form the office will complete the bottom portion and return a copy to you for your records.
Monday, September 14, 2008 • Otsego Club • Gaylord, MI
18 Holes • 4-Person Scramble (Limited to the first 144 golfers)
9:00 a.m. Registration • 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
Includes: Cart • Gift Bags • Prizes • Dinner
Name:
Company Name:
Board of Directors
Chairman
Rich Davis
President
Mark Tamlyn
Vice-President
Scott Wilber
Secretary/Treasurer
Richard Hale
Members
Larry Schneider
Rick Doehring
Herman Brown
Advisors
Michael Moorman
A 501(c)(3)
non-profit
organization
Email Address:
Address:
City / State / Zip:
Phone / Fax:
Name as you would like it to appear on your tee sign:
Donation Description: q Tee Sponsorship q Prize q Gift Bag Item q Cash Donation q Other
Value:
MSPTA Representative:
DO NOT WRITE IN BOX
Date Received:
Check Number:
Received By:
Tee Sponsorship / Prize Value:
Date Receipt Mailed:
Staff Initials:
Tax ID # 38-3113607
A word of thanks
to our golfers, sponsors
and volunteers!
Michigan State Police Troopers Association
1715 Abbey Road, Suite B
East Lansing, MI 48823
6th Annual MSTAF Golf Classic
Please remove this section and return to:
Please take a moment to be sure all
four player’s information is complete
and that the team’s fee is included.
Please contact Pat at the MSPta office
(517) 336-7782 ext. 101
email: [email protected]
or
tpr. Mark tamlyn at the Cheboygan Post
(231) 627-9974
email: [email protected]
Not a golfer?
We also need volunteers
to make this event a success!
696 M-32 East Main Street
Gaylord, MI 49734
(989) 732-5181 • Toll Free: (800) 752-5510
Finding
The
Otsego
Club
(MSTAF Golf Classic – Tribute Course)
The Otsego Club offers a golf experience
comprised of two uniquely-challenging
PGA championship courses –
The Classic and The Tribute, designed by
Rick Robbins and PGA Tour Professional,
Gary Koch. Each course offers scenic beauty
in the form of woodlands, water and wildlife.
696 M-32 East
Gaylord, Michigan 49734
Otsego Club
Monday • September 14, 2009
4-Person Scramble
9:00 a.m. Registration
10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
Charitable
Golf Classic
6th Annual
6th Annual
Golf slots
are limited to
36 teams and
will be on a
first come basis!
REGISTER
TODAY!
Golf the day before or day after!
Classic - $35 / Tribute - $60 w/cart.
Mention the MSTAF Golf Outing
to receive our discounted lodging rate
($70 + taxes) by August 17th!
(989) 732-5181 or (800) 752-5510
Call the Otsego Club to
make your lodging reservation:
~~~~~~~~~~~~
• Door Prizes
• Raffle Prizes
• Putting Contest
• Skins Game
• Prizes for Closest to the Hole
– Men & Women.
• Prizes will be given for the
Longest Drive – Men & Women.
• Prizes will be awarded to the 1st,
2nd, 3rd and Last-Place teams!
• Gift bag for each entrant.
Don’t Miss Out!
Includes: Cart • Gift Bags • Prizes • Dinner
All proceeds
benefit the MSTAF
Graduating Senior
Scholarship Program
and the donation of
Automated External
Defibrillators
(AEDs)
Prizes will be awarded and raffle
drawings will conclude the event.
Following Golf
Dinner
10:00 a.m.
Shotgun Start – Tribute Course
Hot Dogs & Chips at the turn
9:00 a.m.
Registration
Coffee & Donuts
Schedule of Events
Charitable Golf Classic
Email:
Phone:
State:
City:
Mailing Address:
Name:
Email:
Phone:
State:
City:
Mailing Address:
Name:
Email:
Phone:
State:
City:
Mailing Address:
Name:
Email:
Phone:
State:
City:
Mailing Address:
Name:
Zip:
Zip:
Zip:
Zip:
4
3
2
1
Fax:
Fax:
Fax:
Fax:
Mail to:
6th Annual MSTAF Golf Classic
Michigan State Police Troopers Association
1715 Abbey Road, Suite B
East Lansing, MI 48823
Completed form and payment must be received
no later than August 31, 2009.
The entire team must register on the same form,
listing the captain as Player One.
$75 per golfer / $300 per foursome
Registration Form
Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund
This is what MSTAF is really all about!
Otsego High School graduate Cassondra Cramer (center) received a scholarship from the
Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund. Her father, Jeff, and Trooper Tim Permoda
pose with her at the Wayland Michigan State Police Post. (Photo by Dan Pepper)
From the Last Issue
Tpr. Joseph Brodeur
Update from
Houghton Lake ...
Many of you have asked about the
field. Thank you to everyone who
voted time and time again to keep us
“up there” – we ended number 20 and
now our field will get help from Kellogg’s.
We had over 177,000 votes and that assures us that they will help
with the field. It will be late this summer when it will be announced,
as the judges will now go to the top 30 fields and check them out
to see what is needed. Thank you so very much for all of your
help. We couldn’t have gotten there without all of your voting.
I am so happy and proud!
– Lenore Graham Hauch
NATIONAL TROOPERS COALITION PICNIC
HOSTED BY
Delaware State Troopers Association
Thursday
September 10, 2009
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Lums Pond State Park
Newark, Delaware
$60.00 / Person / No Refunds
Payment Received No Later Than Friday, August 28, 2009
No Tickets Sold At The Gate
Active and Retired State Police & Highway Patrol Only
Police ID Required At The Gate
(302) 736-9958
For Further Information Call: Email: [email protected]
Make Checks Payable to:
D.S.T.A., P.O. Box 168, Cheswold, Delaware 19936-0168
Tpr. Kevin M. Marshall
Memorial Golf Outing
WHEN:
WHERE:
TIME:
COST:
FORMAT:
Friday, September 11, 2009
WHITEFISH GOLF COURSE
SHOTGUN START AT 9:00 A.M.
$60.00 PER PERSON ($240.00 PER TEAM)
Includes Catered Dinner and Prize
4-PERSON SCRAMBLE
The seventh Annual “Tpr. Kevin M. Marshall Memorial Golf Outing” will be held on Friday, September 11, 2009,
at Whitefish Golf Course in Pierson, Michigan. The funds raised from this event will be used for the expansion of
“Marshall Memorial Park” located in the city of Newaygo. Whitefish Golf Course is located at 2241 N. Bass Lake Rd.,
Pierson, MI 49339. Take Exit 114 off US 131. Go west on Cannonsville Rd. to Bass Lake Rd., then south to the golf
course. Phone: (616) 636-5260. Toll Free: (888)368-5666.
We ask that you arrive at Whitefish Golf Course no later than 8:15 a.m. on the day of the event. There will be a team
captains’ meeting at 8:30 a.m. and rules and cart keys will be handed out at that time. Dinner will be served at the
conclusion of the golf outing. Awards and door prizes will also be handed out at this time. Remember to sign up early
as we are limited to 120 golfers. Please respond by August 28, 2009 to: Tpr. Larry Andres, 360 Adams, Newaygo,
MI 49337.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - TEAR OFF - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MARSHALL MEMORIAL PARK
TEAM:
Home TX:
Mail Payment to:
(TEAM CAPTAIN)
Work TX:
Michigan State Police
Tpr. Larry Andres
360 Adams
Newaygo, MI 49337
231-652-1661
from GOOD JOB TROOPS, page 27
PURSUIT: On June 16, 2009,
troopers from the Jonesville Post
were advised of a pursuit traveling
toward Hillsdale County from
Calhoun County. Troopers Arthur
McNew, Jereme Miller and Toby
Baker responded in the general area.
Four minutes later, Tpr. McNew
intercepted the pursuit on M-99
involving a Dodge Neon and a Homer
Police officer. Tpr. McNew quickly
caught the pursuit with his Dodge
Charger and was requested by HPD
to become the primary unit. As he
assumed primary position, Troopers
Miller and Baker set up a pair of stop
sticks on the approaching route. After
concluding that driving fast was not
working, the suspect pulled to the
shoulder and ran into the wooded
area. Tpr. McNew quickly caught
him while the HPD officer covered
the suspect vehicle. With assistance
of all three troopers, the driver was
arrested for Homer PD for Flee and
Elude and Possession of Meth. The
female passenger was arrested on a
felony warrant. The total lapsed time
from interception to arrest was four
minutes and four seconds. AUTH:
Sgt. D. Schutter, Jonesville Post
SUICIDAL: On June 16, 2009, Tpr.
Dan Thompson was dispatched to
check a suicidal subject. When Tpr.
Thompson arrived, he observed a
subject who, at first, appeared to be
climbing a 35 foot tower. The subject
was hanging, with one arm on a cross
member, and had a yellow nylon rope
wrapped around his neck. It appeared
he had tried to hang himself. As Tpr.
Thompson got out of the patrol car,
he heard the subject yelling “Help!
Help! I can’t hold on. I don’t want
to die. I don’t want to die.” Tpr.
Thompson ran to the subject and was
able to move the subject’s legs, which
were 6 to 7 feet above the ground, to
a cross member which helped support
his weight. The trooper then climbed
the tower, untied the knot above the
noose, and assisted the subject, who
was having difficulty breathing, to the
ground until the ambulance arrived.
Three suicide notes were found at the
scene. Tpr. Thompson was assisted
by the Huron Sheriff’s Department.
AUTH: Sgt. Eichler, Bad Axe Post
SHOOTING SUSPECT AR
RESTED IN FLINT: While
working a Project Safe Neighborhood Directed Patrol on June 17,
2009, Troopers Charles Barker
and Troy Szukhent responded to
a “subject that had been shot and
then ran over.” As first on scene,
they found a victim that had been
shot in the head. The victim then
drove through an intersection and
was struck broadside by another
vehicle. The troopers provided
first aid, conducted instant field
interviews, determined which yard/
house the suspect shot from, obtained
consent to search the house, and
recovered the suspect weapon, an
AK-47. The troopers also obtained
the license plate of the vehicle the
suspect fled in. They relayed this
information to Troopers Rick Kane
and Scott Nichols (also working
P.S.N.), who went to the registered
owner’s address, obtained consent
to search, and located the 17-yearold suspect hiding in the attic. The
victim apparently died twice during
surgery; however, is recovering as of
this morning. AUTH: Sgt. Moore,
Flint Post.
CHILD
PORN
SUSPECT
TURNED IN BY GIRLFRIEND:
On June 17, 2009, Troopers Brenda
Kiefer and Ben Seal were contacted
at the post by a woman who had a
flash drive containing child pornog
raphy videos that she obtained from
her boyfriend without his knowl
edge. Troopers went to the residence,
awakened the sleeping suspect with a
friendly greeting, then arrested and
brought him to the post. A search
warrant was served at the residence.
It is suspected that additional child
pornography will be recovered from
the multiple computers and equipment
seized. The suspect confessed to
downloading child pornography and
uploading it to his flash drive less
than two hours after the complainant
came to the post. The suspect was
lodged at the Cass County Jail with a
$100,000 bond. AUTH: F/Lt. Brown,
Niles Post
LIFE SAVING: At 3:43pm, on
June 21, 2009, Troopers Matt Djerf
and Dieter Kochan (121st Recruit
School) were called to the scene of
a man down in Calumet Twp. Upon
arrival, they quickly found that the
61-year-old man was not breathing
and had no pulse. Troopers immedi
ately began CPR and attached their
AED. After analyzing the subject,
the AED advised to shock. After
one shock was administered, the
man regained his pulse and started
attempts to breathe on his own.
The troopers stabilized the man and
assisted EMT’s with loading him man
into the ambulance. Tpr. Djerf drove
the ambulance to Aspirus Keweenaw
Hospital while EMT’s gave medical
treatment. Kochan followed in the
patrol car. When the troopers cleared
the hospital, the man was breathing
on his own and had a good pulse and
blood pressure. The family contacted
the post today to say thanks and
advise that their husband/father was
in stable condition. AUTH: Sgt. Barry
Koljonen, Calumet Post
BANK ROBBER PLAYING
ROULETTE: Chesterfield P.D.
contacted the MSP Gaming Section
requesting assistance with checking
the casinos for a Bank Robbery
suspect. D/Spl. Mark Castillo
checked Greektown Casino and
located the suspect at a roulette table.
D/Spls. Darrin Grandison, Will
Dawson and Castillo contacted the
suspect and confirmed his identity.
D/Spls. Grandison and Castillo
escorted the suspect to the interview
room. A search of the suspect revealed
drugs that field tested positive for
cocaine. D/Spl. Castillo turned the
suspect over to Chesterfield P.D.
on their Bank Robbery charges.
Charges are pending on Possession
of Cocaine. AUTH: D/Lt. Hendrix,
– Gaming Section
COCAINE / IMMIGRATION
ARREST: Troopers Robert Scott
and Derrick Myers (121st Recruit
School) were working patrol on
US 127 together due to a patrol car
shortage. They stopped a vehicle for
a loud exhaust. The driver had no
ops, did not have proper citizenship
documentation, and had possession
of a small amount of cocaine. The
subject was arrested and lodged per
the above. The investigation pends
contact with ICE. AUTH: F/Lt
.Douglas Wright, Ithaca Post
STOLEN HEAVY EQUIPMENT
RECOVERED: At the request of
MSP Corunna Post, Tprs. Dana
McKee and Bennie Boyd – MSP
Lansing Post, and Tpr. Mike Philipps
– MSP Corunna, were requested
to assist with a stolen property in
vestigation out of Oakland County.
Troopers made contact at a residence
in southern Shiawassee County.
Further investigation revealed a sto
len Bobcat Skid Steer, John Deere
Gator, Haulmark Trailer, Land Pride
All Terrain vehicle, two sod cutters,
Harley Power rake, and a Ex-Mark
Commercial mower on the property.
Tpr. McKee also obtained a full
confession. Also assisting with the
investigation was NICB - Al Norris
(Retired). AUTH: D/Sgt. Williams,
Lansing Post
3rd DISTRICT HST: On June
25, 2009, Tpr. Eric Wilber, of the
3rd District HST, conducted a traffic
stop on I-75, in Bay County, for
an equipment violation and speed.
While contacting the occupants of
the vehicle, a plastic bag was observed
on the floor which appeared to
have white powder inside. Due to
the suspicious plastic bag and other
indicators observed, a probable cause
search was conducted. The plastic
bag was found to contain one ounce
of powder cocaine. Two occupants of
the vehicle were placed under arrest.
Further investigation led to a search
warrant being issued for a motel room
in the Village of Clare. A search of
the motel room was conducted by
Troopers Tiffany Robbins (Bay
City Post) and Timothy Cruttenden
(Mt. Pleasant Post). A handgun, taser
and additional drug paraphernalia
was seized as evidence. Both subjects
were lodged in the Bay County Jail
on various felony charges. One of the
subjects was found to be a member
of the Flying Wheels Outlaw Motor
cycle Gang. Federal indictment is
currently being sought. AUTH: Sgt.
J. Hunt, 3rd District HST
COUNTERFEIT BILL: Tpr.
Scott Sharrar (MSP Hastings Post)
was dispatched to McDonalds for
a counterfeit 50 dollar bill. The
suspect, who was still on the scene,
stated she had gotten it from her
credit union. She also said she
questioned the teller about the bill
and the teller stated it was okay. A
search of suspect’s apartment found
no other counterfeit bills, but found
almost 30 counterfeit auto insurance
certificates, with hand written names
and VIN’s of “new customers.” The
suspect was charged with Possession/
Sale of Counterfeit Insurance Certi
ficates and Using a Computer to
Commit a Crime. The suspect’s
husband was charged with Possession
of Marijuana, second offense. A third
suspect was charged with Conspiracy,
Possession of Counterfeit Insurance,
and Habitual Offender, for helping
deliver/distribute certificates. Credit
union video tape shows the suspect
did not “question” the teller about the
counterfeit bill. ■
In Memory of Our Retirees
D/Sgt. Donald R. Chambers (Ret.)
60th Recruit School
12/10/1942 – 6/15/2009
S/Sgt. Joseph J. Svoke (Ret.)
17th Recruit School
12/24/1913 – 7/5/2009
Tpr. William F. Meyer (Ret.)
51st Recruit School
6/13/1937 – 7/28/2009
Detective Avery Goodrich (Ret.)
23rd Recruit School
9/19/1918 – 8/8/2009
Register of Deeds
Madeline Kanitz,
born 8-28-08, 1 lb., 5 oz.,
daughter of Lt. Matt Kanitz
(Manistee Post) and wife Sarah Kanitz.
Madeline spent 103 days in the NICU at
DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids
before coming home. She is now
over 12 lbs. and doing well.
Madeline and her parents want to thank
everyone for the cards, gifts, phone calls,
and best wishes.
Tpr Craig MacDonald
(2nd District South Rep./
Detroit Post)
with wife Stephanie.
Craig and Stephanie were
married on May 2, 2009
in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
On hand to help celebrate ... Tpr. Matt Keller (Detroit Post) and wife Jessica, Tpr. Mike Smith (V.C.I.S./F.I.S.T.),
Tpr. Lisa Lucio (2nd Dist. HST), Tpr. Jake Liss (Western Wayne Narcotics) and wife Mary.
Final Call
Trooper Joshua D. Miller – Pennsylvania State Police
Age: 34
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Sunday, June 7, 2009
Trooper Joshua Miller was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a kidnapping suspect.
At 7:45 pm, members of the Nazareth Police Department responded to a report of a protection-from-abuse
order violation involving a weapon. As they arrived, the suspect took a 9-year-old boy from his mother at gunpoint and fled the
location in a vehicle, leading to a 40 mile vehicle pursuit.
The suspect’s vehicle was stopped in Coolbaugh Township (Monroe County) when members of the Pennsylvania State Police utilized the PIT maneuver, causing the vehicle to crash. Following the crash, Trooper Miller and another trooper approached the car in
an attempt to rescue the boy from the suspect, but the suspect opened fire on the troopers striking Trooper Miller in the neck and
leg, and striking his partner in the arm. The troopers were able to return fire, killing the suspect.
When Trooper Miller and his partner were engaged in the gun battle, two other troopers were able to rescue the boy from the
passenger seat of the suspect’s vehicle and carried him to safety.
Trooper Miller was transported to a local hospital where he died from his wounds. His partner was also treated and recovered from
his wound.
Trooper Miller had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for six years and was assigned to the Swiftwater State Police Barracks.
He had previously served with the United States Marine Corps. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
On July 12, 2007, Trooper Miller, along with other members of the Pennsylvania State Police, assisted members of the New York
City Police Department in the capture of two of the men who killed Police Officer Russell Timoshenko and wounded his partner
on July 9, 2007, during a vehicle stop in Brooklyn, New York.
End of Watch: Sunday, June 7, 2009
Sergeant Andrew (Andy)
Tingwall – New Mexico State Police
Age: Not Available
Tour of Duty: Not Available
Cause of Death: Aircraft Accident
Date of Incident: Tuesday, June 9, 2007
Sergeant Andy Tingwall died following a police helicopter crash
on a mountainside near Santa Fe, New Mexico. He and a police
observer had just taken off after rescuing a stranded hiker when
the helicopter struck the mountainside and crashed.
Despite being severely injured, the observer was able to hike
from the area the following morning and was located by a rescue
party. An intense search was initiated but rescuers had difficulty
reaching the crash site due to weather and terrain.
The bodies of Sergeant Tingwall and the
hiker were located two days later when
rescuers were able to reach the site.
End of Watch: Tuesday, June 11, 2009
Trooper Jorge Dimas – Wisconsin State Highway Patrol
Age: 23
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Cause of Death: Automobile Accident
Date of Incident: Saturday, May 9, 2009
Trooper Jorge Dimas succumbed to automobile accident injuries
sustained one month earlier while on patrol on State Highway
35, near Frederic, Wisconsin.
He was turning around to stop a traffic violator when his patrol
car was broadsided by an oncoming pickup truck.
Trooper Dimas had served with the Wisconsin State Patrol for
only one year. He is survived by his fiance and child.
End of Watch: Saturday, June 14, 2009
The Final Word
Ø “We can’t always choose our
circumstances, but we can choose
our response to them.”
– Anonymous
Ø “No man is above the law and no
man is below it: nor do we ask any
man’s permission when we ask him
to obey it.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
(The following three quotes were submitted by
former MSPTA President Richard Darling.)
Ø “No person was ever honored for
what they received. Honor was their
reward for what they gave.”
– former President Calvin Coolidge
Ø “We cannot solve problems by using
the same kind of thinking we used
when we created them.”
– Albert Einstein
Ø “Right is right, even if everyone is
against it, and wrong is wrong, even
if everyone is for it.”
– William Penn
Ø “Cautious, careful people, always
casting about to preserve their
reputations ... can never effect a reform.”
– Susan B. Anthony
Ø “Every man dies. Not every man
really lives.”
Ø “Always do everything you ask of
those you command.”
– George S. Patton
Ø “Of the Marines on Iwo Jima,
uncommon valor was a common
virtue.”
– Chester W. Nimitz
Ø “I get no respect. The way my luck is running, if I was a politician I would be honest.”
– Rodney Dangerfield
Ø “Individual commitment to a group
effort – that is what makes a team
work, a company work, a society
work, a civilization work.”
– Vince Lombardi
Ø “Out of suffering have emerged the
strongest souls; The most massive
characters are seared with scars.”
– Kahlil Gibran
– William Wallace
Submitted by Mrs. Lloyd R. Fayling (retired)
Do you have a favorite quote? Share it with the rest of us by sending it to:
The Michigan Trooper , 1715 Abbey Road • Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823
E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
TROOPER
Michigan State Police
Troopers Association
1715 Abbey Road Suite B
East Lansing MI 48823
Non Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Lansing, MI
Permit #121
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Sine
The badge number on the cover of the Michigan Trooper is in honor
of Tpr. Kevin M. Marshall, badge number 1529. On July 7, 2003, Tpr.
Marshall was shot and killed by a barricaded gunman while engaged
in an Emergency Support Team operation. Tpr. Marshall joined the
Michigan State Police in January 1995 and was a member of the 111th
Recruit School. He was assigned to the Newaygo Post. In 2002, he was
selected for the Department’s Emergency Support Team. Tpr. Marshall
was the 49th Michigan State Police officer killed in the line of duty,
and the first to have been killed in an emergency services operation.
Pari
Call and make your reservation
for the next Quarterly Meeting!
(517) 336-7782 x101
Saturday & Sunday, October 24-25, 2009
Great Wolf Lodge
Traverse City
Registration Deadline is September 20, 2009
Call the office and make your reservation today!!!

MT-July-August-2009-1

Transcription

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