Michigan Trooper

Transcription

Michigan Trooper

President
Vice President
Tpr. Nate Johnson
Secretary/Treasurer
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok
1st District..........................Tpr. Eric Byerly
Post...........................................Representative(s)
Lansing............................. Tpr. James Moots
Brighton...................... Tpr. Joe Pendergraff
Tpr. John Robe
Jackson................Tpr. James “Tony” Weldy
Tpr. James Wojton
Monroe........................Tpr. Herman Brown
Lansing Lab.....................S/Sgt. Mark Goff
Metro District.............. Tpr. Ray Pechman
Metro.....................(d) Tpr. Jay Morningstar
(a) Tpr. Marcus Wise
(m) Tpr. Cary Clark
Northville Lab........ S/Sgt. Kathleen Lewis
Sterling Hts. Lab.........S/Sgt. Tim Ketvirtis
3rd District................. Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh
Tri-City..........................Tpr. Justin Kemerer
Tpr. Donald Pisha
Tpr. Don Reich
West Branch..................Tpr. Jeffrey Devine
Caro......................................Tpr. Lori Meyer
Lapeer.........................Tpr. Eric Hofmeister
Tpr. Chris Tuckey
Flint............................. Tpr. Troy Bonadurer
Tpr. Josh Coulter
Sgt. Pat Roti
Bridgeport Lab............Sgt. Andy Carriveau
5th District..........Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Paw Paw................ Tpr. Michael McDonald
Wayland................. Tpr. Kellie Summerhays
Tpr. Philip McNabnay
Niles....................................Tpr. Jeff Miazga
Tpr. James Janes
Coldwater............................Tpr. Jim McRae
Tpr. Jereme Miller
6th District............... Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh
Rockford...................Tpr. Chris Bommarito
Tpr. Hugh Welsh
Hart..................................Tpr. Dan Thomas
Mt. Pleasant.....................Tpr. Eric Sumpter
Lakeview.............................. Tpr. Jim Yeager
Tpr. Rob Metivier
Grand Rapids Lab.......S/Sgt. Shawn Baker
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
7th District..........................Tpr. Paul Stone
Cadillac............................. Tpr. Rick Pearson
Tpr. Kat Wicker
Houghton Lake..............Tpr. Bert Richards
Gaylord......................... Tpr. John Ferguson
Tpr. DeLynn Rice
Alpena..........................Tpr. Chris Wicklund
Grayling Lab.......................................Vacant
8th District.................... Tpr. David Cowen
Negaunee.................... Tpr. Jonah Bonovetz
Sault Ste. Marie............. Sgt. Kristyn Poliski
St. Ignace.............................................Vacant
Gladstone........................... Tpr. Joe Racicot
Iron Mountain................. Tpr. Brad Lammi
Wakefield............................ Tpr. Joe Renaud
Calumet........................... Tpr. Steve Lanctot
Marquette Lab.............. S/Sgt. Jay Peterson
Region 1 Uniform Sergeant Sgt. Frank Williams
Region 2 Uniform Sergeant Sgt. Lorne Hartwig
Know your rights . . .
protect your rights!
Region 1 D/Sergeant D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
Region 2 D/Sergeant D/Sgt. Andrew Longuski
2014 Committee Appointments
Associate Membership
(Retiree Committee)
Diane Garrison (Ret.)*
John Boggs (Ret.)
Gordon Gotts (Ret.)
Alan Shaw (Ret.)
Roger Warner (Ret.)
Matthew Wesaw (Ret.)
Sgt. Lorne Hartwig
Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Mr. Larry Schneider, Esq.
Constitution & Bylaws
Tpr. Ray Pechman*
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
D/Sgt. Andrew Longuski
Discipline Advocates
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok*
Tpr. Eric Byerly Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh Tpr. David Cowen
Tpr. Nate Johnson Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh D/Sgt. Andrew Longuski
Tpr. Ray Pechman
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens Sgt. Frank Williams
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh*
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Elections
Sgt. Frank Williams*
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Tpr. Bert Richards
Emergency Telephone
Service Committee
(State 911)
Finance
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens*
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh**
Tpr. Dave Cowen
Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh
D/Sgt. Andrew Longuski
Grievance
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt**
S/Sgt. Allan Avery
Sgt. Joe Brodeur
Tpr. Herman Brown
Tpr. Rich Fell Sgt. Dennis Harris
Tpr. Amy Hofmeister
Tpr. Jay Kurowski
Tpr. Jim McRae
Tpr. Jay Morningstar Tpr. Nate Horan
D/Sgt. Jay Poupard
Tpr. Trevor Radke Tpr. Paul Stone
Tpr. Kellie Summerhays
D/Tpr. Bob Tomassi
D/Sgt. Sally Wolter
MSTAF
Tpr. Joe Rowley*
Tpr. Rick Doehring
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Tpr. Ray Pechman
Tpr. Rob Schwalm
Tpr. Wes Smith D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
Sgt. Mark Tamlyn
MCOLES
Tpr. Nate Johnson
MSP Retirement Board
Publications
Sgt. John Faccio Editor in Chief
Sgt. Yvonne Brantley
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Tpr. Carissa Horan Tpr. Nate Horan Tpr. Lisa Lucio
Safety
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh*
Tpr. David Cowen
Sergeants-At-Arms
Tpr. Rick Doehring Sgt. John Grimshaw Tpr. Hugh Welsh
Training
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Sgt. John Faccio
Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Tpr. Joe Pendergraff Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Legal
General Counsel
Lawrence P. Schneider, Esq.
Labor Counsel
Ms. Kathleen Boyle, Esq.
White, Schneider, Young
& Chiodini, P.C.
Office Staff
Administrative Assistant
Karyn Centofanti
Marketing Director
Pat Strzalkowski
Transfer Review Board
D/Sgt. Andrew Longuski* Tpr. Adam Starkweather Sgt. Frank Williams
Uniform Equipment
Tpr. Adam Starkweather*
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Tpr. Paul Stone
* Denotes Chair or Co-Chair ** Denotes Vice Chair
MICHIGAN TROOPER • 1715 Abbey Road, Suite B • East Lansing, MI 48823
1 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
Telephone:
(517) 336-7782 • Facsimile: (517) 336-8997 • Website: www.mspta.net
MAGAZINE
Published by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association
Summer 2014
On the Cover
Graduates of the 126th Trooper Recruit School pose on the steps of the State Capitol. (Photo courtesy of Ray Holt/MSP Media Center)
In this Issue
14
48
Features
17
28
32
Departments
From the President’s Desk................................................................2
Vice President’s View.........................................................................3
Counsel’s Corner.................................................................................5
Board of Awards...............................................................................19
Good Job Troops..............................................................................43
In Memory of Our Retirees............................................................47
Register of Deeds.............................................................................47
Final Call............................................................................................60
End of Watch.......................................................Inside Back Cover
Editor in Chief.....................................................Sgt. John Faccio
Layout/Typesetting............................................Pat Strzalkowski
Cover Design................ Cherie Morehouse/Morehouse Media
Submission E-mail............................ [email protected]
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; as subject to the Michigan Trooper’s
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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.
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Troopers Association.
For information about securing permission to reprint Michigan Trooper articles,
please address inquiries to the Editor.
Michigan State Police Retirement System Update – By: D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens........................................................... 7
Trooper Paul K. Butterfield II By: Sgt. Andrew Ambrose........................................................... 11
Bring Your Child to Work Day By: Tpr. Eric Byerly..................................................................... 12
ES Team 11th Basic School By: The Members of the 11th Basic School.................................... 14
A Blue Goose and his Purple Heart By: Andrea Weinrick................................................................... 16
EMAC Exercise By: Sgt. John Faccio..................................................................... 18
Survival Spanish Training By: D/Sgt. Fabian Suarez...........................................................22
MSPTA 2014 April Quarterly........................................................24
MSP Law Enforcement Torch Run By: Sgt. Eric Wilber....................................................................27
National Police Unity Tour Challenge Ride 2014 By: Tpr. Jack Taeff......................................................................28
100 Year Anniversary MSP Project ’57 By: Sgt. Del Zimmerman (Ret.)................................................... 32
Gaylord Alpenfest: MSP Hot Dog Giveaway By: Tpr. DeLynn Rice................................................................. 35
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix 2014 By: Tpr. Lisa Lucio.....................................................................36
Detroit T.E.A.M. Teach-In By: Sgt. Duane Zook................................................................... 38
MSPTA 2014 July Quarterly...........................................................40
Remembering Why You Started By: Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue........................................................ 41
2014 Captain Robert H. Robertson Scholarship By: D/Sgt. David Robertson........................................................ 42
11th Annual MSTAF Charitable Golf Classic.............................48
MSTAF: It Needs Your Help By: Lawrence P. Schneider........................................................... 52
Honoring ... Sgt. Scott Johnson and Tpr. Gabriel Rich By: Tpr. Mike Bunk...............................................................54 Master Trooper Renee Chelsea Richard By: Sgt. Amy Dehner.............................................................. 55 Tpr. Christopher Skinner By: Tpr. Mike Bunk...............................................................56
19th Annual Fall Color Run........................................................... 57
Associate Membership/Renewal Information............................ 58
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 1
From the President’s Desk
risk pool for the individual
market. The fee for 2013 is
$63 per member per year,
prorated for every month
a group extends into 2014
and ending in 2016.
2. Health Insurer Fee – this fee subsidizes PPACA costs. It is based on a percentage
of premiums and is expected
to be between 2% - 4% in
2014 and 2015.
Trooper Nate Johnson
With the announcement of open
enrollment came the sticker shock of
new premium rates that are effective
October 2015. For those that didn’t
have the opportunity to read the Presi
dent’s Blog on the MSPTA website, I
am again taking the opportunity to
explain some of the increases and
variables between plans. For members
who accessed the new MSPTA web
site, I hope you found the Blog and
information posted on the web to
be helpful during open enrollment. I
plan to continue using the website as a
tool to assist members and keep them
informed on issues.
First, these changes in insurance
premiums are not to be confused
with current contract negotiation.
These changes are a result of several
things including: higher prices for
medical service, defensive medicine,
and the NEW Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that
provides for a number of new taxes
and fees starting in 2014.
The PPACA has had a huge impact
on the new rates. These fees include
but are not limited to:
1. Transitional Reinsurance
Fee – this is a fee charged
for each member that will
fund reinsurance entities
that will administer a high-
3. Patient-Centered Research
Institute (PCORI) Fee –
the research will evaluate
and compare health
outcomes of two or more
medical treatments and/or
services. This fee is charged
per member per year.
So, what do these fees mean to our
members? It means an additional 1.1
million dollars annually that must be
factored into our premium rates. In
addition, these fees were not factored
into our rates or collected for the
2014 fiscal year. This shortfall results
in approximately $800,000 in back
fees that also need to be factored into
the new premiums.
Earlier this year the other state
unions bargained together and a
contract was settled in impasse. With
this contract came changes in the
State Health Plan, as reported by the
Lansing State Journal, nearly doubling
out-of-pocket medical.
The MSPTA controls the plan
design for C.O.P.S. Trust. Members
have spoken and are comfortable with
the level of benefit the plan provides.
With increases like the PPACA fees
the only way to keep premiums
from increasing would be to cut
benefits that effect member services.
Examples would include: Increasing
office visit copays, increasing pre
scription fees, and mandating large
Vice President’s View
deductibles. Although these cuts
would save money in biweekly pre
miums, subscribers could easily make
up the difference with increased outof-pocket expenses with each doctor
visit.
I like to compare it to car insurance.
If you have full coverage with a low
deductible your monthly rates are
high but you have very little out-ofpocket expenses and don’t hesitate
to use the insurance to have repairs
made. Now if you switch to No-Fault
your monthly premium drops but so
does your level of coverage. This also
significantly increases out-of-pocket
expenses.
Having provided some background
on the factors that influence insurance
rates, here are the impacts it will have
on open enrollment. C.O.P.S. Trust
announced a 15% increase compared
to the State Health Plan PPO at 8%.
This results in a biweekly deduction
INCREASE for C.O.P.S. Trust mem
bers at $21.84 for an individual and
$60.30 for a full family. Just to clarify,
these deductions are in addition to the
current premium members are already
paying. No changes were made to the
C.O.P.S. Trust plan so all increases
were absorbed in premium rates.
Even with the variable in premium
increases between plans, you will
still find C.O.P.S. Trust biweekly
deduction to be somewhat less than
the State Health Plan.
CHANGES MADE TO THE
STATE BENEFIT PLAN THAT
IMPACT PREMIUM RATES.
THESE CHANGES CURRENTLY
DO NOT AFFECT TROOPERS
AND SERGEANTS.
1. Several changes were made
to State Health Plan PPO.
a. Over a 30% increase in
office visit co-payments.
see PRESIDENT, page 4
The Bargaining Team heads into
meetings with the department and
the Office of the State Employer
this month to begin the task of
negotiating a successor agreement.
I thought this would be a good time
to briefly discuss the current trends
in the area of collective bargaining
around the nation. The discussion
of current trends doesn’t necessarily
impact or direct our current negoti
ations but they are worthy of taking
note. All negotiations begin with the
expectation we will move forward,
especially in the area of economics,
but there are no guarantees in bar
gaining. The economic recession we
have endured has shown bargaining
expectations can sometimes be a long
way from the reality of where the
process ends up. For any bargaining
team expectations of the membership
can be tough to manage. With that
said let’s take a very brief look at
what has been happening around the
nation with labor contracts in 2014.
With the wage and benefit cuts
experienced by many entities around
the nation, it is not difficult to see
how tough it has been for public
employees over the last few years. In
the past we have seen a trend of little
to no wage increases coupled with
benefit cuts or across the board wage
cuts. The good news is 2014 seems to
be changing that trend as it appears
to be somewhat subsiding, at least it
is in general, but not everywhere, and
not all the time. The general trend
has seen increases in pay but there
are exceptions. The average range
of the increases seen is right around 2 to 3%. Those increases are usually
coupled with some benefit reductions.
Down in Indiana they do not have
a statewide law requiring collective
bargaining and binding arbitration.
Instead it is left up to the individual
governmental entities to decide. In
Fort Wayne the fire fighters have
good and bad news. The city has
settled a two-year contract with them
that included a 2% across the board
raise for each year, which is the good
news. Coupled with the raises though
is the bad news; the city implemented
a right to work rule. Members can
now completely opt out of the union,
enjoying the fruits of the union with
out any requirement to pay their fair
share of the costs of the union’s
efforts.
In St. Paul, Minnesota they reached
a 3-year contract through binding
arbitration. The award contained
the management proposal, which
was two raises, a 3.5% raise that is
retroactive from 2013, and a 2.75%
raise for 2014, totaling a little over 6%
for the last two years of the contract.
Their association was not happy with
management’s proposal but it was a
raise.
In Ohio the process is a little bit
different than here. There is a step
between collective bargaining and
binding arbitration they call “fact
finding.” The neutral fact finder
makes recommendations for both
sides to accept. If either side rejects
the recommendations then the pro
cess moves to arbitration. In the
case of the Summit County Sheriff ’s
Office both sides accepted the fact
finders recommendations and across
the board raises of 1.5% for 2014, 2% for 2015 and 2.25% for 2016 are
now in place.
Syracuse, New York was one of
the hardest hit cities by the economic
recession. The recent five-year con
tract settlement for the police depart
ment is for the years 2011 thru 2015.
For 2011 and 2012 there is no raise, for
the remainder of the agreement there
are 2% raises for each year. These are
the first pay raises for the officers of
Syracuse P.D. in many, many years.
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok
The settlement also includes an in
crease in the health care premium
share and increases in the out-ofpocket expenses. For 2014 there will
also be a rise in the premium from
about $60 a month to about $130 a
month, eventually the premium share
will rise to about $200 a month for a
full family plan.
Vallejo, California has recently
been the poster child for municipal
bankr uptcy. The city was successful in
completing bankruptcy, which hasn’t
solved all of their economic problems.
In California most jurisdictions do
not have binding arbitration so the
employer can unilaterally impose the
last offer. The city did just that to the
police officers and fire fighters; they
unilaterally imposed their last offer,
a six-month contract. For the last six
years they have experienced large cuts
and that trend continues for them
with a 5% reduction in pay effective
January 2014 along with further cuts
in their benefits. There are many areas
hard hit and Vallejo is one of them,
an example of an exception to the
national trend of about 2% pay raises.
In Washington, D.C. both the fire
department and police department
have completed arbitrations. The fire
fighters went back to 2008 because
see VICE PRESIDENT, page 6
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 3
Counsel’s Corner
from PRESIDENT, page 2
b. $2,000.00 increase in
out-of-pocket max.
c. Over a 30% increase in
deductibles.
d. Up to 50% increase for
prescriptions.
2. Several changes were made
to the State Health Plan
HMO:
a. Office visit co-payments
doubled.
b. $250.00 increase in
family deductibles.
c. $4,000.00 increase in
out-of-pocket max.
In our last contract we saw cuts
to our insurance plan mimicking
the other state employees. If history
repeats itself, it is probable that we
will see these additional cuts proposed
at the bargaining table.
INVESTING IN MICHIGAN
Governor Snyder and the current
administration continue to show
their support with a stable budget for
the Michigan State Police in FY15.
I had the opportunity to meet with
Governor Snyder and he expressed
his appreciation for the great work
troopers are doing in all areas of the
state. We will see a new helicopter
being deployed in Detroit allowing
the current helicopter to provide
assistance in the Flint and Saginaw
areas. You will also see a new Marshall
Post in June and another Trooper
Recruit School starting in February
of 2015.
Speaking of Recruit Schools, I
would like to congratulate the 82
graduating members of the 126th
Trooper Recruit School. Duane and I
had the privilege of speaking to our
newest members before they reported
to their posts to serve the citizens
of this great state. Good luck to the
recruits of the 127th Recruit School
as their intense training continues to
accelerate. The field looks forward
to your much needed addition as we
continue to work towards recovering
from historically low staffing levels. I
encourage you to follow the progress
of the recruits at msprecruits.word press.com.
I had the opportunity to participate
on the departments 18 month
strategic review and Phase II planning
committees. In September the new
plan will be announced at a training
session all members will be required
to participate in. Without going into
specifics, I suspect you will see an
increase in Community Outreach.
I also anticipate additional patrol
visibility and the expansion of the
Regional Policing Plan with an increase
in the Assigned Vehicle Program.
Expectations will also continue when
it comes to maintaining impressive
clearance rates. Nice work members
of the MSPTA, you continue to prove
troopers are an excellent investment
for the State of Michigan.
BARGAINING
Thank you for those who took
the time to complete the Bargaining
Survey. In regard to member
participation, the survey was a success.
The bargaining team met in July taking
time to discuss the survey and review
all of the comments. This information
will prove invaluable during the
bargaining process. By the time this
magazine hits your mailbox, we will
be in the process of negotiations with
several dates scheduled for August. It
is still too early to tell if we will settle
a reasonable contract or decide to
pursue arbitration.
In closing, it was good seeing
everyone at the last tour of district
meetings and the July Quarterly. I
always appreciate feedback from
the field. See you at the October
Quarterly, until then be safe! ■
Contribute to the Michigan Trooper!
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Please provide captions for images when possible, including names of those pictured, and name/details of the event. Deadline is November 1st for the Fall issue.
Michigan Court of Appeals
Dramatically Slashes Garrity Protections
Lawrence P. Schneider
MSPTA General Counsel
On July 15, 2014, a panel of the
Michigan Court of Appeals issued
a monumental published decision
which overrules prior Michigan case
law and makes Garrity statements
potentially available for use in certain
criminal cases against police officers.
A published decision becomes binding
on all other State Courts unless and
until it is overruled by the Michigan
Supreme Court. As is so often the
case, bad facts lead to bad law.
Three officers from the Detroit
Police Department encountered an
individual named Lamar at a gas
station. Officer 1 was accused of
questioning Lamar, pulling him out
of his car by the collar, slamming
him against the car, and searching
him. Officer 1 then allegedly pushed
Lamar toward officers 2 and 3.
Finally, Officer 1 was accused of
punching Lamar with an open hand
to the throat, pushing Lamar to the
ground, picking him up by the collar
several times, slamming him into
the car again, and pushing him back
toward Officers 2 and 3. Lamar said
that Officers 2 and 3 had watched the
assault but did not participate in the
assault or stop Officer 1.
Lamar was arrested and his car
was searched. He was then ticketed
for failing to wear a seatbelt, no
registration, and no proof of in
surance. Lamar sought medical atten
tion and another police officer was
called to take a statement. The tickets
were all dismissed.
Officers 1, 2 and 3 were all inter
viewed by the department’s internal
affairs unit. They were given Garrity
warnings and told if they did not
answer the questions posed to
them, they would be fired. Officer 1
admitted that he pulled Lamar from
his car, but denied any other physical
contact with Lamar. Officers 2 and
3 said that Officer 1 did not touch
Lamar except to perform a pat down
search. The investigation was closed
and no charges were brought against
the officers.
Lamar hired a lawyer and sued the
officers. The lawyer obtained a video
recording from the gas station which
had captured the entire incident. The
video recording was played in court.
It was damning to the police officers
and revealed that they had lied during
their Garrity interviews.
The prosecutor charged Officer
1 with felony misconduct in office,
assault and battery, and felony ob
struction of justice. Officers 2 and 3
were charged with felony obstruction
of justice. At the Preliminary Exams
for the officers, the District Judge
dismissed all of the obstruction of
justice charges since the charges
were based upon the protected
Garrity statements. If the statements
could not be used as evidence, the
obstruction of justice charges could
not be proven. The Circuit Court
also agreed that the charges should be
dismissed.
The Court of Appeals, however,
did not agree. It analyzed several
federal cases decided after Garrity
and concluded that the Michigan case
of People v Allen, 15 Mich App 387
(1968) was no longer good law. The
Court drew this distinction: Garrity
protections extend to statements
about crimes which have occurred
in the past, but not to crimes that are
committed after a Garrity warning
is given. False statements given
in response to a Garrity warning
which would “obstruct justice” are
therefore not protected by the Fifth
Amendment, since they occur after
the warning is given.
The Court then looked at the
Michigan Garrity statute passed in 2006. It said that the definition of
a Garrity statement protects “infor
mation” provided by a law enforce
ment officer. The Court concluded
that information must be truthful;
otherwise it is “misinformation.”
Misinformation, it reasoned, is not
protected and may be used against
an officer in a criminal case. One of
the three judges dissented from this
finding, but urged the Legislature to
amend the Garrity statute to remove
the statutory protection from false
statements.
The MSPTA has always taken
the position that its members must
always be truthful when giving a
statement after having been given
a Garrity Warning. But the reality
for any police officer who lies after
being given a Garrity Warning is that
loss of employment is no longer
the worst thing that can happen
for lying after being given a Garrity
warning. A felony conviction (which
automatically results in revocation of
MCOLES certification) becomes a
very real possibility. ■
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 5
Michigan State Police
Retirement System Update
from VICE PRESIDENT, page 3
they were trying to catch up. The
result of the arbitration was no wage
increase for 2008, 2009, 2010 and
2011. They got 3% for 2012, 3.5%
for 2013 and 3.5% for 2014. This is
the first pay raise for the fire fighters
in Washington, D.C. since 2006. The
police officers arbitration award con
tained a 4% pay increase that was
retroactive to 2013, no pay increase
for 2014 and for 2015, 2016 and 2017
the award is 3% per year. One of
the employer’s proposals that moved
the negotiations into arbitration was
to limit arbitrator’s authority over
discipline cases of police officers. The
city was unsuccessful in a change to
that process.
Making
the News ...
Hanna Brodeur,
oldest daughter
of Sergeant Joe
Brodeur of the
Brighton Post,
graduated from
the Michigan State
Police-Kiwanis
Clubs of Michigan
Law Enforcement
Career Academy on
July 18, 2014. She
is pictured with
Sergeant Winter,
School Commander.
The state of Illinois has been ex
periencing considerable budget chal
lenges in the last several years as noted
in the news media. Despite those
challenges a July 2014 arbitrator’s
award gave the Illinois State Police
Troopers 2% raises for 2013 and
2014. The raises awarded by the
arbitrator were the only substantial
economic changes covered in the
dispute. The arbitrator compared
the wages, hours and conditions
of employment of the employees
involved using public employment
in comparable communities and in
private employment in comparable
communities along with consideration
to the increase in cost of living.
There are many more recent
settlements around the nation if you
research the topic. The feeling you get
as you look into them is that things are
turning around at least economically
and the effects of the recession are
beginning to dissipate in the public
safety labor arena. The settlements
and awards I have covered in this
article are not intended to create any
expectation of what the outcome will
be for our bargaining team, it is more
an illustration of what I perceive as
a welcome turn around long overdue.
Hope to see you soon at a District
or Quarterly meeting! ■
By: D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
7 th District TSU
MSPTA Secretary/Treasurer
108th Recruit School
This article began as an email to a
retired member to address concerns
regarding the retirement system and
evolved into an article based on the
scope and complexity of the subject. I
apologize in advance for my rambling,
but those who know me, know that I
speak in abrupt, sometimes unintelligible, grunts and sentences and tend
to write excessively. If you want the
short answer start at the conclusion.
One of the biggest questions
that comes up regarding the Michigan State Police Retirement System
(MSPRS) is in regard to the fiscal
health and solvency of the pension
fund. There is also a growing concern
on the future retirement benefits of
those retired as well as those currently vested. People often wonder how
the funding percentage of the system
continues to decline while financial
markets are posting gains. What exactly is this “smoothing” they keep
hearing about? The answer to this
question can be found in the overall
funding scheme of the pension system. The MSPRS, and most other
public pensions, operate on relatively
the same basis. This scheme relies on
both actuarial and market assumptions, and they are inversely related.
I am by no means an actuary or investment banker, but I will attempt
to explain this complicated scenario
in layman’s terms from information
gained through my experience on the
MSPRS board, contract negotiations
and recent seminars that I’ve attended. Keep in mind that there are many
moving parts within the retirement
funding scheme and my brief explanation doesn’t address this in its entire complexity.
Actuarial Assumptions
The pension fund solvency is calculated with an assumed return on
long-term investments of 8% in addition to employer contributions. Employer contributions are expressed as
a percentage of payroll. This percentage is based on a 20-25 year period
whereupon the pension will theoretically be 100% funded. This is not always a fixed number and the fund is
re-evaluated on a regular basis due to
new employees/retirees entering and
exiting the system, along with varying market returns and employee/
retiree demographics. Due to the fact
that the third party actuary is hired by
the State of Michigan, there is some
skepticism regarding the integrity of
this process. To this notion, I would
advise that the firm is a large professional firm that would lose a large
amount of credibility and standing if
it were not accurately portraying the
condition of the MSPRS.
Market Performance
The MSPRS is invested in the market in order to earn returns that will
defray contribution costs and provide
stability to the fund. In the 1980’s and
1990’s the market experienced rapid
expansion and the returns most likely
surpassed the 8% target that actuaries
use to formulate fund solvency and
contribution levels. Unfortunately,
the past two and a half decades has
experienced at least two or three major market corrections that affected
the fund. The dot.com bubble, September 11, and, more recently, the financial industry/housing melt-down
of 2008, contributed greatly to the
observed decline in the MSPRS funding levels. Recent foreign financial crises, whether as a reaction to the US
market or internally caused, have also
delayed recovery.
The Office of Retirement Services
pools money from the State’s different retirement systems and invests
it together to reduce investment expenses and allow smaller retirement
systems access to investment vehicles
that would not be available due to
their scale. Although the actuary uses
an 8% assumption to calculate retirement solvency and contributions, it is
the responsibility of ORS to achieve
that mark.
Basic Smoothing 101
When financial returns fail to meet
the actuarial target of 8%, the fund
suffers a loss. In order to maintain its
funding level, the fund would have
to earn back the past year’s loss and
expected return as well as the current
year’s expected return. For example, a
25% short-term loss would require a
subsequent gain of 41% (disregarding
any compounded returns) to return
the fund to the same level the following fiscal year. Rather than carry
this loss on the corresponding fiscal
year, actuaries use a method known
see MSPRS UPDATE, page 8
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 7
from MSPRS UPDATE, page 7
as smoothing. Smoothing spreads this
loss over successive years and relies
on the cyclical nature of the market
to assist the fund in recovering. The
actuaries use a five year smoothing
period when calculating the losses
and adjusting contribution rates. This
is a complicated formula that is a little out of my reach, but returning to
the example, one would assume that
the investment for the successive five
years would theoretically have to average a 13% return – absent an increase
in employer contribution rate.
MSPRS Board Meetings /
Actuary Reports
I’ve had the opportunity to attend
two board meetings where the agenda
included reports from the independent actuary. The actuary team presented their findings and were asked
several questions. The reports covered in these meetings were the 2012,
2013, and five year review and they
are generally presented during the
July meetings of the MSPRS Board.
Employer Contributions
At the first meeting, the actuary
was directly questioned regarding the
necessary employer contributions.
The actuary replied that the employer is meeting the employer contributions. At the latter meeting, it was
pointed out that the financial reports
indicated that the actuarial calculated
annual required contribution (ARC)
did not mirror the actual contributions. If one looks at the tables in
the financial reports regarding annual required contributions and actual
contributions, they could easily be
disturbed. It appears that there is a
deficiency that has developed due to
market incidents occurring over the
past two decades. The actuary stated
that the annual required contributions
are released after the State’s budget
cycle is already set and that there is a
built-in lag to the numbers. Logically,
if markets meet or exceed expected
returns this is not detrimental. However, in a declining market, low returns can cause deficiencies that may
compound upon one another.
The five year review takes into
account changing active and retired
employee demographics that effect
the actuarial assumptions, the effect
of contribution amounts and market
returns over the review period, and
many other factors. The actuary likened the five year review to a reconciliation. The actuary explained that
the review allowed the employer to
account for the lag between annual
required contributions and the actual
contributions. At this point, the employer has essentially two choices if
there are deficiencies in market performance or contributions. First, the
employer could provide funding to
alleviate any shortcomings and maintain the fund at its current solvency
percentage. The alternative would be
to shift this deficiency to the overall liability and negatively affect the
fund’s solvency percentage. It appears that, for quite some time, the
employer has chosen to add to the
fund’s overall liabilities. These new liabilities are what the employer refers
to as “legacy costs”. In our last contract negotiations, the employer cited
extremely high pension contributions
when figured as a percentage of payroll. This figure is due to adding the
legacy costs to the normal cost of the
current employees. I would liken it to
rolling your closing costs into your
new mortgage when you refinance
your home. As a result, employees
have been asked to contribute to the
current benefit package.
Employee Contributions
In our last round of successful contract negotiations, the employer stated
that they intended on fulfilling their
current retirement obligations, but
required structural changes to the retirement system in order to accurately
plan for and fulfill these obligations.
This was the impetus behind current members contributing to salary/
pension benefits and the re-structuring of the new-hire pension/retiree
health savings benefits. It was a hard
pill for our members to swallow, but
this concession allowed for the hiring
of new troopers and growth of the
agency. However, as many bargaining
unit members can attest, natural attrition has hampered any substantial
growth in the number of troopers.
Hopefully in time, this gap between
those drawing from the system and
those contributing to the system can
be narrowed. When addressing the
fund solvency contribution amount,
the actuary stated that these figures
were in-part due to the fact that the
agency is down in numbers. The ratio
between active employees and retirees
has increased dramatically on the side
of the retirees. However, the actuary
stated that even at a sub-70% funding
level, the MSPRS system was, in his
opinion, in better shape than the Detroit Police pension that was funded
at over 90%. He elaborated that this
was due to the fact that MSP is still
hiring employees and appears to be
committed to continuing this practice
over the long term.
Deferred Retirement Option
(DROP)
The question arose on the feasibility of the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) in regard to the
MSPRS funding. The actuary stated
that in terms of the MSPRS, DROP
was beneficial because of two factors.
One, employees entering DROP do
not incur any additional liabilities to
the system. In essence, their benefit
level is frozen. Second, the money
that would be paid out of the system
if the employee simply retired remains
in the system and can be used to enhance investment returns. During
discussions with the actuary at the
MSPRS Board meeting, there was a
misconceived perception on the part
of the non-enlisted members of the
MSPRS board that the DROP program was so called “double dipping”.
The actuary explained that the DROP
funds were already a benefit designated for distribution to any retiree electing to retire. No additional liabilities
are incurred through the DROP program other than a nominal percentage
of investment earnings. Without this
additional capital in the MSPRS fund,
the earning potential of the portfolio
would be diminished. The MSP director has stated that DROP assists the
agency, through decreased budgetary
costs and retention of employees. It
has been recognized that there is a
growing recruitment and retention
problem for law enforcement officers
nationally. Hopefully, MSPRS board
members, legislators and the public
can draw the conclusion that this is
a scenario that mutually benefits the
MSPRS, the agency, and the employee.
Retiree Healthcare
Healthcare benefits are provided
by the employer whether the employee is retired, or actively working
(including DROP). Although DROP
healthcare benefits are shifted to the
MSPRS, this liability is accounted for
separately from the pension/salary
benefits and funding. Employees in
DROP still pay a share of the health
care premiums. The employer has
traditionally failed to pre-fund the
retiree healthcare benefits with these
costs ultimately being paid though the
State’s general fund. If one looked at a
MSPRS fiscal report (CAFR) prior to
the current governor’s administration
they would see that the pre-funding
of retiree health care funding was at
0%. It appears that Governor Snyder
is addressing this issue by pre-funding
some of these costs.
Conclusion
In summary, I would describe the
status of the MSPRS as stable, but
still in recovery. As for the future, we
are currently poised to enter new contract negotiations for our collective
bargaining agreement which expires
this October. To digress briefly from
the topic of the MSPRS, I would add
the following regarding collective
bargaining. The bargaining team was
told that concessions made in the last
round of negotiations would fix the
structural defects of the MSPRS and
the bargaining unit could move forward in the upcoming contract. The
bargaining team presented the last
contract to its membership on this
premise. The membership of the
bargaining unit adopted a team approach with the employer and overwhelmingly voted for an unattractive
agreement based on the economic realities of that time. The enlisted employees of the Michigan State Police
are now shouldering a portion of the
retirement costs. Recent media stories
and press releases have touted that
the State of Michigan is on the right
path and making strides in recovering
economically to the point of budgetary surpluses. Conversely, there are
many stories in the media regarding
the poor condition, management and
perceived excess of public pensions.
Public employees have been repeatedly demonized as the private sector
has been struggling as of late. The
truth and veracity of these news releases and employer statements will
be found in the proposed contractual language when/if a new tentative
agreement is brought to the membership for ratification.
There is also a growing concern
among current retirees that economic
conditions may soon affect existing
benefit arrangements. Traditionally
there was a wage disparity between
public and private sectors which was
balanced through employment stability and benefits packages in the
public sector. Since the private sector
has been struggling recently, there has
been a political movement to alter the
stability and reduce public employees
wages and benefits to regain parity.
Over the past two contracts, we have
observed negligible, arguably negative,
wage increases for active employees
when structural reforms to benefits
and cost of living are factored in. We
have yet to see our retired employees
affected other than changing benefit
schedules and co-payments with regard to retiree health care. Compared
to some of the experiences that I
have heard coming out of the private
sector, I believe we did the best we
could in the current economy. Unfortunately, I don’t think the movement
to achieve balance would be pursued
if the private sector recovers and corporate employees receive meaningful
compensation and benefits again.
There is a bright spot that lends hope
to maintaining current retiree benefits. Bankruptcy proceedings for the
city of Detroit have indicated there
does exist somewhat of a public social conscience regarding employer
obligations. These proceedings have
allowed the Detroit retirees to keep
their retirements with limited changes
– even in a very daunting economic
climate. I would still caution members
to manage their expectations of collective bargaining and keep a watchful
eye on public policy issues and legislation.
In closing, I would venture to say
the elephant in the room is the fund
solvency percentage. The percentage
has declined over the past two
decades from poor market conditions
and the accumulation of legacy
costs. The current administration,
in cooperation with the MSPTA,
has taken steps to deal with the
current legacy costs. Even so, with
an advancing market, the funding
percentage will not recover overnight.
Rather, it will recover slowly barring
any extreme market events. I will
reiterate that although the funding
level of the pension is not ideal, the
system has been declared sound in
practice by actuarial standards. In
addition to the independent actuarial
evaluation, the system was audited by see MSPRS UPDATE, page 10
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 9
concluded from MSPRS UPDATE, page 9
the Attorney General to ensure
that the MSPRS complies with legal
and acceptable national accounting
standards. The MSPRS passed the
Attorney General Audit. Please take
the time to keep abreast of public
pension issues and do not rely solely
on the retirement system to provide
you with their information alone.
For active members reading this
article, work hard, stay safe, and
contribute profusely to your deferred
compensation plan and health care
savings accounts for a rainy day. For
those retired, thanks for your service,
enjoy your retirement, and avoid those
rainy days. ■
Trooper Paul K. Butterf ield II, EOW 9/9/2013
Mitchell Stevens serves as the MSPTA
representative on the Michigan State
Police Retirement System board.
Making the News ...
(L to R): Trooper David Skorka, Hart
Post, Lisa Luttrull, wife of Trooper
James Luttrull, Hart Post, and Beki
Cook, girlfriend of David Skorka.
Michigan State Police participate in the
2014 St. Johns Mint Festival parade.
September 9, 2014 marked the one year anniversary of the death
of Paul Butterfield. Many things have happened this past year at the Hart Post. We have a new post commander, people have
transferred out and in, people have had additions to their families,
and the list goes on. The one consistent thing that has continued
through the year is that we all still miss Paul. Odd things will
trigger a memory or a funny story and many of us find comfort in sharing the stories we recall.
Life goes on, memories fade, but we will never forget Paul.
Sgt. Adam Clement,
carrying flower and
Sgt. Charles Hockanson,
both of the Hart Post,
planting a mum
at the cross made by
Trooper Steve Arendt,
Cadillac Post.
– Sgt. Andrew Ambrose
Hart Post
Trooper Skorka
signing the cross
on Custer Road.
Troopers Nicholas Darlington
and John Looney (Lansing
Post, Motor Unit) enjoy
watching as a clown
entertains some festival
attendees.
Follow the MSPTA
on Facebook!
A note from the Publications Committee:
A bindery mishap at the printer caused some copies of
the March /April edition of the Michigan Trooper to have
some missing and duplicate pages. If you would like
a replacement copy because this is true of the one you
received, please call the MSPTA office or send your request
by email to [email protected].
A group of Manistee and Mason County Deputies,
along with troopers and sergeants from the Hart Post, and spouses,
arrived at the memorial on Custer Road to remember Paul.
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 11
Bring Your Child to Work Day
By: D/Tpr. Eric Byerly
First District Fugitive Team
117 th Recruit School
On April 24, 2014, the MSP
Training Academy hosted “Bring
Your Child to Work Day” for
members of the MSP and their
children. This great event allowed
children and family members to get
an inside look at some of the things
troopers and other MSP employees
get to do every day.
I took my boys and my two nieces
to check it out. My youngest son re
ceived some jealous looks as he told
his classmates why he was leaving
school early. Activities included a tour
of the Training Academy guided by a
member of the Training staff. Visitors
got to examine the Academy Range,
the Training Tank, the Gym and
other areas rarely seen by members of
the general public. It was great seeing
all the kids walking around wide eyed
as they received open access to the
Academy.
Sgt. Randy Parros of the Under
water Recovery Unit was set up in
the Training Tank with the Unit’s
underwater rover. Kids that wanted to
could remotely control the rover in the
Tank and view the camera feed of the
submerged vehicle rescue mock up.
control cars and I finally had to tell
them it was time to move on.
We stopped and checked out the
MSP Historical Fleet parked in the
circle near the Trooper Memorial. All
of the cars looked fantastic. Last but
not least, and definitely most talked
about on the way home, were the laps
around the track in the Blue Goose.
This whole event was a great idea
and was very well put together by
Sgt. M ichelle Robinson and all of the
staff from the Academy. A big thanks
to everyone from the Academy and
specialty teams who took time out
of their busy schedules to make this
happen. Suggestion for next year:
Helo rides. I’m just sayin’ . . . ■
Outside, we examined the Fallen
Trooper Memorial. Nearby, the ES
Team had their Bearcat armored
vehicle set up. Tpr. Rudi Nitschmann
of the ES Team gave an overview of
the vehicle and allowed the kids to
climb inside for a close look and a
view from the turret.
Not to be outdone by the Under
water Recovery Unit, S/Sgt. Tim
Ketvertis and crew from the MSP
Bomb Squad had their large and
small robots set up for the kids to
take for a spin. These were judged to
be more fun than my boys’ remote
(Photos courtesy of Sgt. Michelle Robinson, Training Division.)
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 13
Emergency Support Team
Members of the 11th Emergency
Support Team Basic School:
11th Basic School
By: Tpr. Daniel Lubelan | Tri-City Post | 121 RS
and the Members of the 11th ES Team Basic School
st
On March 3, 2014, fifteen troopers
from around the state met in the lobby
of the academy to start the 11th Basic
School for the Emergency Support
Team (ES Team). We all knew this
was going to be a very challenging
school mentally and physically, but
we didn’t count on Mother Nature
also having input with below freezing
temps and snow storms for much of
the nine week school.
As in previous basic schools much
of the training was done at Camp
Grayling. We also trained in Utica,
Battle Creek, Oscoda, Traverse City,
Dundee and Muskegon. Much like
recruit school you can tell someone
about what it was like, but unless
you have gone through it, it’s hard to
comprehend. In some aspects you do
feel like you’re a cub all over again, but
nothing truly worth doing is just given
to you. You have to earn it and earn
the respect of the senior members.
The current and retired members of
the team trained us during the school,
and to say the least, the knowledge
and experience they shared with us
was second to none.
During week one we went through
methamphetamine lab responder
training /certification with retired
team member John Porter. In the
weeks to follow the pace was turned
up and we soon learned all the neat
equipment that was issued to us
was also a challenge to organize and
maintain. In weeks two through nine
we would go through day and night
scenarios, shield work on building
entries, rappelling and woods work
that included man-tracking. We also
worked with MSP K9 and Bomb
Squads and did ship boarding sce
narios, just to give you an overview.
This year the ES Team celebrates
40 years of service to you, the trooper,
MSP, and the people of the State of
Michigan. You hear members of the
ES Team refer to it as “The Team,” but
like this agency being family oriented,
the team is also extremely family
first and your teammate is also your
family. This is maybe the single most
important point that is driven home
during our basic school. Without your
teammate you will not make it; either
work together as one team or fail as
individuals. A wise instructor and
team member made it very clear, you
take care of your teammate first, your
gear second and yourself last. That
shield you carry into that house is not
for you, it’s for your teammate.
On May 2, 2014, fifteen brothers
met in the lobby of the academy to
celebrate their graduation from the
11th Basic School. (Mother Nature
showed up too!) It was a great ex
perience and one we will never forget.
Thank you to all the team members
and their families who gave of their
time to help us during our Basic
School. We greatly appreciate the
knowledge and experience you shared.
We would all like to thank our team
mates at our posts that stepped up and took on extra work while we were
gone. We look forward to being back
at our posts and working with our
brothers and sisters again. ■
Tpr. Douglas Baumann Houghton Lake Post
Tpr. Jason Bledsoe Tri-City Post
Tpr. David Bluhm Brighton Post
Tpr. Robert Bow Monroe Post
Tpr. Steven Chenet Paw Paw Post
Tpr. Ryan Codde Niles Post
Tpr. Thomas Fick III Lakeview Post
Tpr. Richard Kearns III Tri-City Post
Tpr. Daniel Lubelan Tri-City Post
Tpr. Nicholas Peters Wayland Post
Tpr. Thomas Pinkerton Flint Post
Tpr. Michael Rowe Negaunee Post
Tpr. Frank Siemienski Metro Post
Tpr. Alex Zamarron Lakeview Post
Tpr. Edward Zawada Calumet Post
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 15
A Blue Goose and his Purple Heart
Retiring the Badge
T
rooper. It is a distinctive title.
When someone says he or she is a
Michigan State Police Trooper, the
title alone commands respect. It em
bodies the integrity and values of the
position you hold, and the morals
you have as an individual. You are
not a cop, deputy, or an officer – you
are a Trooper. In a way, it becomes
your identity. An integral part of who
you are. You spend months at The
Academy training for it and while
your physical badge is external, your
real badge is internal. For most of
you, being a Trooper is so ingrained
in who you are, you can’t see yourself
as anything else. But at some point,
you will all retire. You will hang up
your holster and retire your badge,
moving on to a new chapter in your
life.
Trooper Platt Weinrick joined the
MSP in 2000 as part of the 119th
Trooper Recruit School, and he has
been assigned to the Flint Post for
the last 14 years. In June of 2012,
while on deployment in Afghanistan,
Platt was seriously injured in an
attack on his outpost, resulting in a
traumatic brain injury and loss of his
left eye. After two years of treatment
and recovery, Platt is finally ready
to return to work. Unfortunately, all
good things must come to an end,
and due to his injuries, his career as
a Michigan State Police Trooper is
one of them. So, on August 23, 2014,
I hosted a retirement party for my husband and Trooper, Platt Weinrick.
This party was unique in that we were
celebrating not only his retirement
from the military after 20 years of
service, but also his retirement from
the Michigan State Police.
How do you sum up two careers
in a few short sentences? How do
you thank someone who has done
so much for not only his country,
but also for the citizens of this state?
Trooper Platt Weinrick
Thank you just doesn’t seem quite
adequate.
Like any good Trooper, Platt does
his job to the best of his abilities.
He always gives 110% and expects
nothing less from anyone else. But
behind the rough exterior, there is
a humble and dedicated man who
always puts family first. Sometimes
family first means he skips a deploy
ment to Iraq so he can be there for
the birth of his youngest daughter.
Sometimes family first means he has
to circumvent orders from an officer
in order to obtain the necessary safety
equipment to protect his soldiers.
Somet imes family first means calling
off a chase because it’s just too
dangerous and what’s important is
everyone going home safe at the end
of the shift.
“Thank you just
doesn’t seem quite adequate.”
Platt has impacted so many people
throughout both his careers. Al
though he dislikes being referred to
as one, he is a hero. In my view, a hero
is not someone who steps up to the
plate and does the right thing when
they are asked. A hero is someone
who steps up without being asked
and does the right thing every time.
Platt’s self-less service and tireless
dedication to those around him are
second to none. He is a true hero.
Platt may not carry the title of
Trooper anymore, but he will always
be a Trooper at heart. Now he is
moving on to a new chapter with the
Michigan State Police as a civilian.
While his career as a Trooper may be
coming to a close, the internal badge
he wears will always be there and the
hero that he is will never change.
I’d like to take a moment and
thank a few people who have stood
out during Platt’s career with the
MSP. For the Troopers that kept my
husband safe all those years on the
streets of Flint, thank you. Because
of you, he was able to come home
each night and is present to raise
his three children. Trooper Aaron
Weinrick, thank you for being there
when I could not. I was able to
sleep those few nights knowing you
were by his side, half a world away.
Trooper Dan Lubelan, thank you for
being Platt’s partner on the road and
taking charge when I was exhausted
and couldn’t answer any more phone
calls. Always being there for us when
we need you means more than you’ll
ever know. Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue,
thank you for keeping your promise. I am so thankful for the dedication
you have given to this department and
our family in particular. It means the
world to us that Platt can continue to
serve with the Michigan State Police
as a civilian and continue to serve the
great State of Michigan. To the rest
of the Michigan State Police family,
thank you for all you do in keeping
the citizens of this state safe. You are
rarely recognized for your sacrifices
and heroism, however, my family can
sleep at night because you are keeping
watch. Stay safe and God Bless.
– Andrea Weinrick
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 17
EMAC Exercise
Board of Awards
By: Sgt. John Faccio
Lansing Post
The Michigan State Police has a
long history of in-state deployments
to help keep the peace during natural
disasters and times of civil unrest.
This ability to mobilize, in short order
with a single goal, is one of the things
that makes our department unique.
In our recent past we have deployed
to the states of Louisiana and New
Jersey after devastating hurricanes
decimated large areas of those states.
These out-of-state deployments are
made possible through the Emer
gency Management Assistance Com
pact (EMAC). In basic terms, and for
our purposes, the EMAC allows state
agencies, like Louisiana, to request
and receive assistance from states like
Michigan.
On April 3rd of this year a message
(Photos courtesy of Ray Holt/MSP Media Center.)
went out to every district, with the
exception of the Eighth, to put to
gether squads for an EMAC request
from the State of Indiana. Although it
was an exercise only, the squads were
to report to the Training Academy on
April 5th with enough supplies for a
16-day deployment to Indiana. The
scenario was that an earthquake had
struck the state and we were to deploy
to the area to assist.
All personnel responded to the
Training Academy and after a short
briefing we all responded to “Indi
ana” which was actually the Collins
Road facility. Once there we received
further instructions and were told
what would happen if the mobili
zation was a real deployment. The
department offers a wide range of
programs and assistance to the de
ployed personnel and their families
in an effort to make it as seamless as
possible. As I mentioned before, our
department is unique in our ability to
mobilize for these types of situations.
Mobilizations like Louisiana and New
Jersey will undoubtedly happen again,
and our department will be ready
when called upon. ■
The following citations were approved by the department’s District
and Division Review Panels and the Board of Awards Committee.
The ranks of the officers are those held at the time of the request for
citation.
MSP Official Bulletin: June 26, 2014
Lifesaving Award
Tpr. Richard Kearns III and Tpr.
Timothy Larrison are receiving the Life
saving Award for saving the life of another.
On June 30, 2013, Troopers Kearns and
Larrison were assigned to directed patrols
for the Saginaw Secure Cities Partnership
Tpr. Richard
when they responded to an intoxicated
Kearns III
subject who had injured himself punching
through a window. The troopers found
the subject lying unresponsive in a yard,
bleeding from his right arm. Trooper
Larrison applied pressure, elevation, and
performed a field dressing, while Trooper
Tpr. Timothy
Kearns applied a tourniquet to the subject’s
Larrison
arm. Troopers Kearns and Larrison worked
together to tighten and secure the tourniquet to the man’s
arm. If not for the quick actions of Trooper Kearns and
Trooper Larrison, it is likely the man would have bled to
death.
Tpr. Jack Taeff is receiving the Lifesaving
Award for saving the life of another.
On August 20, 2013, Trooper Taeff was
waiting to testify when an unknown person
entered the courtroom requesting help in
the hallway. Trooper Taeff approached the
Tpr. Jack
scene to see an unresponsive subject lying
Taeff
on the ground. Trooper Taeff was unable
to find a pulse and the subject was still not breathing.
Trooper Taeff and Wayne County Sheriff’s Office deputies
rotated performing CPR and chest compressions while an
automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied. The
AED advised to continue CPR while emergency medical
personnel prepared to transfer the subject onto a stretcher.
Trooper Taeff administered rescue breaths while a deputy
performed chest compressions from the seventh floor to
the ambulance outside. Trooper Taeff continued to deliver
breaths with one hand and chest compressions with the
other until the ambulance was prepared to head to the
hospital. Thanks to Trooper Taeff’s knowledge of first aid,
the subject survived.
Spl/Sgt. Allan Avery is receiving the Life
saving Award for saving the life of a child.
On September 28, 2013, Spl/Sgt. Allan
Avery and Sgt. Dave Stamler were eating at
a restaurant when they heard a mother in
distress yell out, “Oh God! He’s choking!”
Spl/Sgt. Allan
As Spl/Sergeant Avery and Sergeant
Avery
Stamler approached the table the mother
said, “Please help him!” The boy was conscious, but not
breathing. Spl/Sergeant Avery flipped the child over and
delivered three back blows. On the third back blow, a piece
of toast was dislodged from the child’s throat. Spl/Sergeant
Avery made sure nothing else was in the boy’s mouth and
handed him back to his mother. Thanks to the quick and
effective action of Spl/Sergeant Avery, the child survived.
Tpr. Casey Trucks is receiving the Life
On October 22, 2013, Trooper Trucks was
attending court when a man approached
him exclaiming, “Get in there!” Trooper
Trucks entered the courtroom to find a
Tpr. Casey
deputy standing next to an unresponsive
Trucks
judge. Trooper Trucks discovered that the
judge’s eyes were rolled back and he was having a medical
emergency. Trooper Trucks and the deputy worked
together to remove the judge from his chair onto the floor
and attempted to find a pulse. An AED was applied and
showed the judge was having a cardiac arrhythmia and a
shock was delivered. Emergency medical personnel arrived
and began performing CPR. Trooper Trucks assisted
by monitoring and rotating the individuals giving chest
compressions to avoid fatigue and to ensure quality chest
compressions were given. The response team continued
chest compressions, rescue breaths via a breathing bag,
and multiple injections for several minutes until a pulse
was detected. The individual was taken to the hospital
via ambulance. The judge survived thanks to the first aid
knowledge and actions of Trooper Trucks and all other
responding individuals.
Tpr. Jonah
Bonovetz
Tpr. Jonah Bonovetz is receiving the Life
On December 14, 2013, troopers and ser
geants were attending the post’s holiday
party at a restaurant in Marquette. A group
from the Marquette Chamber Choral
was also in attendance at the restaurant.
A member of the choral group began to
see AWARDS, page 20
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 19
from AWARDS, page 19
choke, was struggling to breathe, and could not clear her
own airway. One of the other choral members began the
Heimlich maneuver in an attempt to remove the lodged
food. The woman was still conscious, but her skin was
turning blue. Trooper Bonovetz, sitting at a nearby table,
stepped in and also attempted the Heimlich maneuver.
Trooper Bonovetz then delivered two or three back blows
to the woman until the airway was clear and she could
breathe on her own. The quick and effective action of the
assisting choral member and Trooper Bonovetz saved the
woman’s life.
Tpr. Matthew Shook is receiving the Life
On December 31, 2013, Trooper Shook
was headed home after his shift when he
observed a structure fire. The building on
fire was adjacent to a residence. Trooper
Tpr. Matthew
Shook stopped near the residence and
Shook
called 911. As the flames were beginning to
burn the residence, Trooper Shook entered to determine
if there was anyone inside. Trooper Shook found an
elderly woman unaware of the fire and unable to exit the
residence without her walker. Trooper Shook and a Grand
Blanc Police Department officer carried the woman out
of her residence to safety. It was determined, based on the
speed and intensity of the fire, the woman would not have
survived without the quick and heroic actions of Trooper
Shook.
Tpr. Robert Tournaud is receiving the Life
On February 5, 2014, Trooper Tournaud
was on patrol when he came across a dis
abled vehicle with the driver appearing to
be asleep. Upon checking on the driver,
Tpr. Robert
Trooper Tournaud discovered the driver
Tournaud
was drooling blood, not breathing, and had
a weak pulse. Trooper Tournaud performed the head tilt/
chin lift allowing the victim to breathe until an ambulance
arrived. Once at the hospital, the victim was treated for
a drug overdose and would not have survived if not for
Trooper Tournaud finding him and taking action.
Tpr. Justin
Mazur
Tpr. Justin Mazur and Tpr. Patrick
Sliger are receiving the Lifesaving Award
for saving the life of another. On February
10, 2014, Troopers Mazur and Sliger
responded to a medical emergency of a
male subject who was not breathing and
was without a pulse. Troopers Mazur and
Sliger arrived to the scene and applied an
AED, which advised that no shock was
needed and to administer CPR. A faint
pulse was found, but the individual was
not breathing. Trooper Sliger began rescue
breaths as Trooper Mazur performed chest
Tpr. Patrick
compressions until paramedics arrived.
Sliger
The subject was transported to the hospital
where it was determined the victim suffered a cardiac event
or severe hypoglycemia that caused him to stop breathing.
Thanks to Troopers Mazur and Sliger, the man survived.
Tpr. Matthew Kalakay and Tpr. Sean
Thomas are receiving the Lifesaving
Award for saving the life of another. On
March 20, 2014, Troopers Kalakay and
Thomas were on patrol in the city of Flint
when they responded to a house fire with a
Tpr. Matthew
person trapped inside. As they approached
Kalakay
the scene, the roof was in flames while
the house was filled with smoke. With no
other emergency personnel on scene and
the subject yelling for help from inside the
house, the troopers entered the home with
no protective gear or fire equipment. Once
Tpr. Sean
inside, Trooper Kalakay discovered a man
Thomas
on the floor unable to move and quickly
began to pull him toward the door, while Trooper Thomas
guided them through the smoke-filled house to safety.
The man was taken to the hospital and treated for firerelated injuries. The man would not have survived the fire
without the brave and heroic efforts of Troopers Kalakay
and Thomas.
D/Sgt. James Young is receiving the Life
While vacationing in Mexico, D/Sergeant
Young entered the hotel restroom to find a
man lying on the floor. D/Sergeant Young
discovered the man was not breathing and
D/Sgt. James
did not have a pulse. D/Sergeant Young
Young
repositioned the man to open his airway
and, as there was no AED available, began striking him in
his chest. The man began to breathe and regained a pulse.
D/Sergeant Young ensured the man’s airway stayed clear
and moved him out of the restroom. D/Sergeant Young
stayed with the individual and confirmed the gentleman
was taken to the local hospital for further treatment. The
man was released that same day and was found to have
likely suffered a significant cardiac issue, which resulted
in a loss of consciousness. The quick efforts performed by D/Sergeant Young likely saved the man’s life.
Meritorious Service Award
D/Sgt. Fabian Suarez is receiving the
Meritorious Award for his persistent deter
mination in solving the double homicide of
John and Carolyn Tarwacki that took place
in Niles, Michigan, on February 5, 2010. D/Sergeant Suarez led a diligent investiga
D/Sgt. Fabian
tion for three months; however, a concrete
Suarez
suspect was never identified. After the task
force was relieved, D/Sergeant Suarez continued for the
next three years, dedicating every moment of his extra time
to this unsolved homicide. D/Sergeant Suarez continuously
updated the family on his progress and promised he would
“never give up” until the killer was identified. D/Sergeant
Suarez continued to review tip information and conduct
every possible interview. After one year, information was
developed on a possible suspect who had lived in Niles
and fled to Tennessee after the homicide. The case began
to consist of multiple search warrants and interviews
across three separate states along with several investigative
subpoenas with the Attorney General’s office. D/Sergeant
Suarez worked with informants to attain information
regarding the investigation and the suspect. Over this
three-year investigation, D/Sergeant Suarez administered
the investigation of 747 tips and 392 separate interviews.
The grit, willpower, and conviction of D/Sergeant Suarez
throughout the entire timeframe resulted in the suspect
being charged for open murder and ultimately convicted
in a jury trial for first degree premeditated murder and
sentenced to life in prison. This case would not have been
solved without the drive, fortitude, and extra time that D/Sergeant Suarez dedicated.
MSP Official Bulletin: July 22, 2014
Bravery Award
Tpr. Jeffrey Short is receiving the Bravery
Award for his heroic actions on October 10, 2013. Trooper Short was on directed
patrol in the city of Saginaw as part of the
Saginaw Secure Cities Partnership. Saginaw
Central Dispatch sent out a broadcast that
Tpr. Jeffrey
a shooting had occurred and numerous
Short
subjects were fighting in the street. Several
patrol units responded and a brief description of a subject
who had shot at an intended victim was given. Trooper
Short and his partner, Tpr. Justin Kemerer, split up and
began searching for the suspect on foot. Trooper Short
observed a subject matching the description of the shooter
walking down the sidewalk. Trooper Short declared himself
as a Michigan State Police trooper and commanded the
subject to stop. The subject disregarded the command and
continued to walk down the sidewalk toward a residence.
When Trooper Short reached the residence, he determined
the house was vacant and the suspect was cornered
inside. The residence was extremely dark with the only
light coming from Trooper Short’s flashlight. As he was
providing dispatch with a location, the suspect appeared
from the back of the house coming toward Trooper Short.
Trooper Short ordered the suspect to stop, show his hands,
and get to the ground. The suspect immediately pulled a
handgun and began firing at Trooper Short. One of the
suspect’s shots struck Trooper Short in the chest; however,
Trooper Short maintained his composure, continued to
illuminate the suspect, and returned fire. Trooper Short
was shot again in the lower leg, but continued to stay in
the fight. Trooper Short shot the suspect and the suspect
dropped to the ground and continued shooting at Trooper
Short. Trooper Short returned fire until it was determined
the suspect was no longer a threat. The suspect was turned
over to arriving officers. In awarding the department’s
Bravery Award, the Board of Awards recognizes the brave
and decisive actions of Trooper Short in risking his life to
bring this dangerous situation to an end.
Lifesaving Award
Tpr. Jason Sweet is receiving the Lifesaving
February 2, 2014, Trooper Sweet responded
to an attempted homicide of a victim
who had his throat slashed with a knife.
Upon arrival, Trooper Sweet found the
Tpr. Jason
victim seated at the kitchen table bleeding
Sweet
profusely from the neck area. Trooper
Sweet immediately began applying direct pressure to the
neck region and continued providing medical attention
until emergency medical personnel arrived. Without the
swift action of Trooper Sweet, it is likely the victim would
not have survived the attack.
Tpr. Tyler Roots is receiving the Lifesaving
March 21, 2014, Trooper Roots and Tpr.
Christopher Shoemaker heard a broadcast
that an officer in Barry County was in pursuit
of a vehicle refusing to stop. The suspect
Tpr. Tyler
plunged his vehicle into a field severely
Roots
flooded from river overflow and fled on
foot. Troopers Roots and Shoemaker, a Barry County
officer, and a canine unit set up a perimeter in an attempt
to locate the subject. The suspect was spotted clinging to
a tree partially submerged in water. It was determined the
suspect had already been exposed to the frigid water and
had been enduring the elements for over an hour. The
see AWARDS, page 46
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 21
Survival Spanish Training
Christensen met the other future instructors, Sgt. Ben “Joven” Hoster of
Scottsdale P.D., Ofc. Isaac “El Mero,
Mero” Ortega of Mesa P.D. and Ofc.
John “Juanito” Savona of University
of Florida Campus P.D. No matter
how far you travel and whenever you
meet a fellow police officer; it is an instant bond. During our first week
we learned the instructional techniques offered by Jose Alentado.
During the second week of training,
all the instructors combined to teach
a four day class to several local officers. During this training we instructed the class on the basics of the alphabet, DUI arrest, traffic arrests and
criminal investigation interviewing
while using the Spanish language. The
students ranged from knowing and
understanding limited Spanish to not
knowing any of the Spanish language
prior to this class. By the end of the
week they were all able to complete
the required tasks.
By: D/Sgt. Fabian Suarez
Niles Post
I recently had the opportunity to
travel to Mesa, Arizona, for a training opportunity, along with my boss
D/F/Lt. Chuck Christensen. We attended the Spanish Instructor School
hosted by Partners in Training; our
instructor was Jose Alentado. Many
of our current members may have
attended the Spanish Survival class
which Jose teaches. Never a dull moment when Jose Alentado is your instructor! Approximately one year ago
Chuck asked if I would be interested
in assisting teaching Spanish survival
at the MSP academy to select troopers. The troopers would be ones that
would be likely to encounter Spanish
speaking individuals in their assigned
post areas. Along with MSP Academy
command staff the plan began to take
effect. Step one was to attend Spanish
Instructor School, which we did on
July 14-25. The school was conducted at the Mesa Police & Fire Training
Complex.
Upon arrival the local temperatures made us realize we weren’t in
Michigan anymore! During our stay
the temperatures reached 117 degrees,
but as they say, “its a dry heat”. Hot
is hot! On the first day of training,
I (Jefe) along with Chuck “Patron”
L-R; D/Sgt.
Fabian Suarez
MSP Niles,
D/F/Lt. Chuck
Christensen,
Paw Paw HQ,
Ofc. John
Savona, Univ. of
Florida Campus
Police. The
mountain in
the background
awaiting us.
The top of the climb was marked with
an American flag . . . selfie time!
At this point in time we are working with MSP Academy command
staff to work out the details of who
will be chosen to attend our three day
training session and when we can begin to take this out into the field. Make
no mistake, I can honestly tell you, I
was not looking forward to this trip. I
don’t like to leave my home and family for too long, especially not for two
weeks in the desert! However, in the
end I was grateful to my boss, Chuck,
for taking me along for the ride. We
made some friends for life and even
We left this walking stick behind for other climbers
to use and to mark our adventure!
climbed Usery Mountain in 105 degree weather! Memories were made
which will not be forgotten. I brought
back so many stories from climbing a
mountain to exploring the lava cave in
Flagstaff. The best story was the lava
cave exploration ... Chuck decided we
just had to do this so I will follow my
leader into the depths of the cave.
Lava caves are one mile in length,
the temps drop to about 38 degrees
and are pitch black . . . zero light. We are dressed in our tourist clothes
but luckily for Chuck he had his
“Yooper hiking boots”. We all know
these as flip-flops! As other explorers
descended into the cave with helmets,
headlamps and walking sticks, we ventured in with our cell phone flashlight
app!! MSP always finds a way! It was
an adventure in itself!
I thank my chain of command for making this trip and training possi
ble, and I know I speak for D/F/Lt.
Chuck Christensen when I say, we
look forward to getting started with
the Spanish training for the chosen
few. ■
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 23
April Quarterly ...
The 2014 April Quarterly, actually held May 2-4 at the Great Wolf Lodge
in Traverse City, was extremely well attended, making it very difficult to
narrow down all the photos! We appreciate having had Chaplain Fred Lab
and his family join us. In addition to the usual business meetings, attendees
had plenty of opportunity to enjoy family time in the water park and visit
with friends at the hospitality room. ■ (Additional photos on page 26.)
Great Wolf Lodge – Traverse City
(Photos courtesy of
Tpr. Lisa Lucio, 2nd District
Special Enforcement Unit.)
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 25
April Quarterly ...
MSP Law Enforcement Torch Run
for Special Olympics
By: Sgt. Eric Wilber
3rd North Saginaw Team
For the tenth year, the Michigan State Police held a fundraiser at the
Outback Steakhouse in Kochville Township benefitting athletes of the
Special Olympics of Michigan. Our gratitude to the owner and staff of
the Outback Steakhouse cannot be put into words. Meals are donated and
the staff volunteers to come in and work the event. An average of 200-250
people attend each year. For a $20 donation, attendees receive lunch and
are treated to a look at an array of MSP’s crime fighting assets. This year’s
displays included the bomb squad, K9 unit, crime laboratory and Emergency
Support Team. The MSP helicopter was also on hand to participate in the
tenth anniversary of this fundraising effort. Approximately $60,000 has
been raised to support Special Olympics over the last decade. ■
Athlete Randall Ford enjoys the
MSP helicopter. At right, Tpr. Rudi Nitschmann
gives Randall a tour of the Emergency Support
Team Bearcat.
Detective Sergeant
Eric Wilber, left, is
presented with a
$1,000 check from
Trooper Joe Rowley
of the Michigan
State Troopers
Assistance Fund
(MSTAF) for the
10th annual Law
Enforcement
Torch Run.
“MSTAF is
proud to
help support
the Special
Olympics.”
– Tpr. Joe Rowley
A retired
Michigan
State Police
lieutenant stands by
the MSP
helicopter
during the
10th annual
Law Enforcement
Torch Run
fundraiser at
Outback Steakhouse
in Kochville Township.
Marissa Wilber
sits in the MSP
helicopter
during the
10th annual
MSP/Outback
Steakhouse
fundraiser
for Special
Olympics.
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 27
National Police Unity Tour
Challenge Ride 2014
The Ride
Day 1 – May 9th: We left East Han
over, New Jersey, with 600 other riders,
arriving in Somerset, New Jersey, that
afternoon. Every city we entered had
kids lining the streets holding up PUT
flags and residents coming out their
homes and businesses to cheer on all
of the riders.
By: Tpr. Jack Taeff
Metro Post
The History
In 1997, the Police Unity Tour was
organized with the hope of bringing
awareness of Law Enforcement Off
icers who have died in the line of duty
and to honor their sacrifice. The Police
Unity Tour (PUT) began with just
18 riders on a four day fund-raising
bicycle ride from Florham Park, N.J.
to the National Law Enforcement
Officers Memorial in Washington,
D.C. (NLEOM) and raised $18,000
that first year.
This year, 2014, there were over
1800 members nationwide who made
the trip and donated $1.91 million
to the National Law Enforcement
Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).
PUT is the largest donor of the
NLEOMF and has collectively raised
over $15 million since 2006.
Lt. Julie Busch and I both rode in
the PUT Challenge Ride in honor of
Trooper Paul Butterfield II, EOW
9/9/13, and I also rode in honor of
Trooper Jeffrey Werda, EOW 4/6/11.
We are believed to be the only MSP to ride in the Police Unity tour to
date. We both were required to raise
at least $1750 to be able to participate
in the ride.
Day 2 – May 10th: We departed early
in the morning from Somerset, New
Jersey, and arrived in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, later this day. We began
riding with the Southern California
PUT and were escorted by 25
Motors from the Los Angeles Police
Department. We saw heavy rain, sleet,
hail and sideways winds on this day of
the ride.
Day 3 – May 11th: We left the historic
city of Philadelphia this morning and
next arrived in Baltimore, Maryland.
Upon leaving Philadelphia, we took
a quick break to view the Liberty
Bell. We rode over 100 miles this day.
Symbolically, Julie observed a street
named Butterfield Lane when leaving
North East Isles, Maryland.
Day 4 – May 12th: We departed
Baltimore, Maryland, and arrived in
Washington, D.C.
Before we reached our destination,
PUT riders from all of the various
national chapters met up to ride
their bicycles together through the
NLEOM. Riding into the memorial
surrounded by families, and sup
porters of law enforcement is truly an unforgettable sight and experience.
Julie and I both got an opportunity
to present a memorial bracelet to the
surviving family members present at
the PUT arrival ceremony. Jennifer
Sielski (fiancée of Trooper Paul
Butterfield II) and her brother were
there to accept the memorial bracelets
Julie and I wore during our fourday journey. I also wore a memorial
bracelet for Trooper Jeffrey Werda
since no other MSP had participated
in the PUT in his honor in the past.
Being at Police Week and getting a
first-hand look at what the surviving
family must endure was a very eyeopening experience. It’s heartbreak
ing to read letter upon letter from
children to their fallen hero on the
walls of the memorial.
The Monument
The NLEOM currently contains
the names of 20,267 fallen law
enforcement officers from across the
nation. These heroes have died in the
line of duty throughout US history
dating back to 1791.
This year the names of 286 fallen
officers were added to the NLEOM
wall. Of these names, 100 were killed
in the line of duty in 2013 alone.
The other 186 names added this
year were identified as being killed in
the line of duty in the years prior to
the memorial’s existence.
The Candlelight Vigil
PUT riders leaving on Day 1.
Jersey with MSP patch.
Lt. Julie Busch and Tpr. Jack Taeff getting ready
to leave on the first day of riding to honor
Tpr. Butterfield and Tpr. Werda.
“To always remember and cherish those who
have fallen, those who have been left behind,
and those who continue to serve.”
– Craig Floyd, CEO NLEOMF
“In VALOR there is HOPE.”
– Tacitus
On the evening of May 13th,
Julie and I attended the 26th an
nual NLEOM candlelight vigil.
Over 20,000 people attended this
vigil, holding candles to the sky to
remember the fallen officers. The
“Thin Blue Line” lit up the night sky,
serving as a reminder of all the men
and women who made the ultimate
sacrifice in the line of duty.
In closing, I would like to say
THANK YOU to everyone that
donated and supported Julie and I.
Without your generous donations
our participation in the ride would
not have been possible. I am honored
and humbled that I was able to
represent the Michigan State Police
in remembering my fallen brothers in
blue, Trooper Paul Butterfield II and
Trooper Jeffrey Werda. ■
PUT Day 4, Lt. Busch and
Jennifer Sielski with supporters
from Hart, Michigan.
Pausing to honor Officer Dan Faulkner
of the Philadelphia Police Department,
EOW 12/9/1981.
see POLICE UNITY TOUR, page 30
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 29
from POLICE UNITY TOUR, page 29
Lt. Julie Busch and Tpr. Jack Taeff with Jennifer Sielski.
PUT memorial bracelets.
PUT Chapter 1 after lunch on Day 2.
PUT arrival in Washington, D.C.
Tpr. Taeff and Jennifer Sielski
share a hug at the conclusion
of the Police Unity Tour.
MSP at Police Week.
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 31
100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
MSP PROJECT ’57
By: Sgt. Del Zimmerman (Ret.)
This number is very important for past and present
members of the Michigan Department of State Police. In
2017 the department will celebrate its’ 100th anniversary
and you can be a part of it.
I invite you to become a partner in gifting the depart
ment with a State Police replica 1957 Ford patrol car. The
MSPTA will be assisting in maintaining and overseeing
donations from contributors for this project.
Why a 1957 Ford? Well, it’s hard to find a 100 year old
horse to refurbish! The ’57 Ford has the distinction of
being the last year before the department switched to a
rotating overhead light in mid year. The ’57 was also one of the early models that changed over to the Mack Truck
Blue paint scheme which is used today.
Now comes the time and need for your partnership.
This is basically a call to arms for both active and retired
members to give back to the department in celebration
of the 100th anniversary. Estimated cost of the project is
$25,000 (costs may be less due to in-kind contributions).
Donations can be made through the “Project ’57” fund. All money directed to this account will be used strictly for
the project and donations are tax deductible.
Beyond financial support, there is another important
component to this project and that is you. Many of our
active and retired members have some background in
refurbishing old cars. Experienced or not, you can still be
involved . . . we need your muscle! There will be people
who can direct you in disassembly to assembly, sanding,
body work, painting, wiring, etc. We have three and a half
years to get this project done, which will be dictated by
both manpower and money.
I have already talked with some active and retired
members who are excited about the project. The Saginaw
Career Complex has generously agreed to the use of its’
facilities and some equipment for refurbishing the ’57 Ford.
The SCC Auto Body Class has also agreed to assist with
some of the work. All small tools used for the project will
be provided by the Project ’57 group. Project ’57 accepts
all costs of refurbishing the vehicle with no cost to be
incurred by the Career Complex.
I can be contacted via email at [email protected]
and I will set up a schedule to work on the vehicle. This
work schedule will be coordinated with the school and will
include times/names of those scheduled to work prior to
coming on campus.
Now it is up to you. “As in any endeavor success
always depends on you.” Please sign up to help or
make a donation. Any amount will be graciously accepted.
On behalf of Project ’57, thank you in advance for your
consideration in becoming a partner in this endeavor! ■
About Project ’57
• Project ’57 is the rebuilding of a 1957 Ford Custom
300 into a replica Michigan State Police car for the State
Police’s 100th anniversary in 2017. The effort is going
to be a grounds-up, frame-off restoration by active
and retired members of the MSP. A trailer will also be
purchased for transporting the vehicle to special events.
• Project ’57 has been approved by the Michigan State
Police 100th Anniversary Committee. Project chairman Del Zimmerman meets monthly with the committee to
provide updates on the project’s activities and schedule.
• Completion of the project is expected in the spring of
2015. MSP is planning five events to be held throughout
Michigan from January 2017 leading up to the main
celebration in the summer of 2017.
• The 51 troopers killed in the line of duty will also be
honored and displayed on the car.
• The replica 1957 Ford Custom 300 will be titled back to
the state police and used for various festivities planned
by the state police.
Project ’57 Sponsorship Opportunities
• Sponsorship donations offer many opportunities for
businesses and private individuals to be a part of the
MSP 100th Anniversary celebration. See the form on
page 34 for more information.
• Donations may be made online at www.mspta.net
Please visit the MSTAF option on the home page and
refer to the “Project ’57” tab in the drop down menu. A photo gallery will be periodically updated.
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 33
100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
MSP PROJECT ’57
SPONSORSHIP FORM
(Donations can be made online at: www.mspta.net)
Gaylord Alpenfest: MSP Hot Dog Giveaway
By: Tpr. DeLynn Rice
Gaylord Post
The city of Gaylord celebrated the
start of the 50th annual Alpenfest on
July 15th. The State Police Gaylord
Post carried on the 27-year tradition
that began in 1988 of serving free hot
dogs, chips and a few door prizes to
over 640 people. The Post had a record turnout of post personnel and
their families. The weather was cold,
but the atmosphere was great for all
in attendance. We once again had the
privilege of sharing our stories with
the public, retirees and each other.
Attached are a few photos from
the event. Until next year!!! ■
The Michigan Department of State Police will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017 (1917- 2017).
Retired and active members are in the process of refurbishing a 1957 Ford Custom 300 as a MSP patrol
vehicle replica. A trailer will also be purchased to transport the vehicle to special events. Sponsorship
donations offer many opportunities for businesses and private individuals to be a part of the MSP 100th
Anniversary celebration.
Platinum Sponsor Level Donation / $1000
• Includes business/person name displayed on trailer and
show board, vehicle parked in front of business (5 days),
framed picture of vehicle, letter of thanks from 100th
Anniversary Committee.
Gold Sponsor Level Donation / $500
show board, vehicle parked in front of business (3 days),
Silver Sponsor Level Donation / $250
show board, vehicle parked in front of business (1 day),
Bronze Sponsor Level Donation / $125
show board, letter of thanks from 100th Anniversary
Committee.
The line starts to form 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
Private Collection Level Donation / $25
• Includes name listed on show board, letter of thanks
from 100th Anniversary Committee.
Trooper Daniel Werner of the 124th Recruit School
gets in the spirit of the event.
In-Kind Donation
• Depends on the amount/value of contribution, includes
name listed on show board, letter of thanks from 100th
All donations to Project ’57 will be
used specifically for this project
and donations are tax deductible.
Please print your business information below.
Trooper “Grill Masters” Marvin Carlson
and Michael Ealy cook to perfection.
D/Sgt. David Hart, Tpr. Corey Hebner
and Tpr. James Leonard hard at work.
The families pitch in and help.
Gaylord City Police Chief Brett McVannel stops by
to say thanks for making the citizens happy.
It makes his job easier.
Business/Individual Name:
Contact Name:
Address:
City / State / Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Make checks payable to: MSTAF/ PROJECT ’57
Mail form with payment to: MSTAF/ PROJECT ’57, 1715 Abbey Road, Suite B, East Lansing, MI 48823
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 35
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix 2014
By: Tpr. Lisa Lucio
2nd District Special Enforcement Unit
The weekend of May 30 through
June 1, 2014, marked the first year the
Michigan State Police had a primary
role over the Detroit Belle Isle Grand
Prix after its recent adoption as a state
park. MSP’s major responsibility was
to coordinate the security plan with
local, state and federal agencies. With
over 100,000 people in attendance
during the Grand Prix, the event ran
smoothly. Grand Prix officials advised
our command they were extremely
impressed with how well the Michigan
State Police handled the details. There
was also a huge amount of support
for the MSP from those attending the
event. I cannot tell you how many
people came up to me, shook my
hand, thanking the MSP for doing
such a great job on the island. That
Sunday, as the Grand Prix came to a
close, a gentleman working the event
walked up to me and let me know this
was the safest he had ever felt on the
island. That was the best compliment
I’d heard all weekend, and definitely a
proud accomplishment for the MSP. ■
MSP follow a line of Corvettes around the course.
(Photos courtesy of Tpr. Lisa Lucio,
2nd District Special Enforcement Unit.)
The view from inside the car.
The Grand Prix course on Belle Isle.
Location instructions are verified.
MSP troopers greet visitors as they arrive on Belle Isle for the Grand Prix.
MSP troopers stand watch as crowds leaving the Grand Prix
are shuttled to Detroit area parking lots.
MSP’s command center.
Team Penske photo op with MSP!
Governor Rick Snyder visited the Grand Prix, greeting law enforcement, race officials, and drivers.
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 37
Detroit T.E.A.M. Teach-In
By: Sgt. Duane Zook
Grants and Community
Services Division
Prevention Services Unit
In 1998, T.E.A.M. (Teaching, Edu-
cating, And, Mentoring) was developed by the Michigan State Police
(MSP), with then Sgt. Kriste Kibbey
Etue as the lead. The curriculum
was created in collaboration with
public and private school curriculum
experts, as well as Central Michigan
University. Michigan Model, the most
widely implemented school health
education curriculum, was used as
the basic foundation to create the
T.E.A.M. School Liaison Program.
The T.E.A.M. School Liaison Pro
gram’s goal is to unite educators,
students and law enforcement to
play an integral part in preventing
crime. The philosophy is that while
working together as a team, we can
create relationships and be united in
protecting children from becoming
victims of crime. In 2013, Com
munity Service Troopers (CSTs)
presented T.E.A.M. lessons to over
94,000 kindergarten through twelfth
grade students.
On April 28, 2014, CSTs arrived
in Detroit to take part in the Detroit
T.E.A.M. “Teach-In.” Twenty-four
CSTs participated in this two-day
event, and came from as far as Iron
Mountain and Sault Ste. Marie to
teach nearly 2,500 students from
kindergarten through fifth grade.
During the Detroit T.E.A.M.
“Teach-In,” CSTs taught valuable
lessons to students attending six
Detroit Education Achievement Au
thority (EAA) schools. Lessons in
cluded: “The Big 5 Safety Rules,”
“Gun Safety,” and “Why We Have
Rules and Laws.”
The MSP has a longstanding
history of working with families,
schools, faith-based organizations,
and community agencies in an effort
to help youth become responsible
adults. To that end, I encourage all
MSP members to become more
involved in prevention efforts and
community policing. The possibilities
Troopers arrive at Brenda Scott
Elementary/Middle School on
April 28, 2014 for the Detroit
T.E.A.M. press conference.
are endless and the rewards are over
whelming. We welcome all members
who have been trained in T.E.A.M.
to assist Prevention Services with
future events such as the Detroit
T.E.A.M. “Teach-In.” If you would
like to become T.E.A.M. trained,
please contact Sgt. Mark Pravato at:
[email protected].
I would like to thank Trooper Sarah
Whitman (former CST, Flint Post) for
paving the way for our first T.E.A.M.
“Teach-In” in Flint (May, 2013), and
a special thank you to Troopers Mark
Kellar and Walt Crider (Metro Post
CSTs) for planning and organizing
the Detroit T.E.A.M. “Teach-In.” ■
Trooper Andy Foster (Wayland Post)
teaching fifth grade students,
“Why We Have Rules and Laws.”
2
Colonel Etue and troopers watch a performance from the Mumford High School
Band as part of the kick off to the two-day T.E.A.M. “Teach-In” event.
Colonel Etue with members of Mumford High School’s choir and band.
1
Sergeant Duane Zook (Headquarters)
fields questions from kindergarten
students on “The Big 5 Safety Rules.”
Trooper Mark Kellar (Metro Post)
teaching students at Brenda Scott
Elementary/Middle School.
Trooper
Ailene
Bitnar
(Sault Ste.
Marie Post)
shares time
with some
students.
Colonel Etue and Trooper Dale Hongisto (Gladstone Post)
sharing “Junior Trooper” stickers with the children.
Trooper Marco Jones (Lansing Post)
eats lunch with the students –
a highlight of their day with more time
for asking questions and sharing stories.
Trooper Marty Miller (Rockford Post)
instructing kindergarten students the
importance of “Stranger Danger.”
3
(At right, 1 & 2):
Trooper Corey Hebner (Gaylord Post)
and (3 & 4) Tpr. Rob Herbstreith
(Niles Post) teach students
many ways to stay safe.
Trooper Dan Bowman (Jackson Post)
poses with some students.
4
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 39
July Quarterly ...
Remembering Why You Started ...
Colonel’s Blog, June 4, 2014 (reprinted with permission) (Photos courtesy of Kim Dowling/MSP Photo Lab)
Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue
The 2014 July Quarterly was held July 21-23 at the
Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie. Chaplain Steve Cowen
(brother of Tpr. Dave Cowen, Gladstone Post and MSPTA’s
8th District Representative) joined us. As evidenced by
all the smiling faces, another successful meeting is in the
books. ■
It is always inspirational to at
tend MSP graduation ceremonies. As
Director, I have the honor of addres
sing the class and personally giving
each new trooper, motor carrier
officer, or state properties security
officer their department badge.
Last Friday was no different, as
the 126th Trooper Recruit School
assembled at the Lansing Center for
their graduation ceremony.
Under the training direction
of Capt. Kari Kusmierz, 82
recruits were ready to officially
begin their MSP careers. It
was a packed venue filled with
family and friends; current
department members, both
enforcement and civilian;
retirees; our counterparts
from the West Virginia State
Police, Ohio Highway Patrol,
and Ontario Provincial Police; local
law enforcement officers; Governor
Rick Snyder; and many others.
This class has energy. Throughout
their 21 weeks of training, there was
always something they had to adjust
to or overcome. It started with one of
the worst winters and was followed
by an above average drop-out rate
and injuries among recruits. For sure,
this class showed stamina to prevail
as troopers. I want to thank Sgt.
Barry Schrader, Sgt. David Sosinski,
and all of the Training Division and
temporary staff for their leadership
and hard work.
The selected class orator was Tpr.
Steven Schutter, a second
generation MSP member,
whose father is Sgt. Doug
Schutter of the Coldwater
Post. As I listened to one of
our newest members speak, it
struck me how well the next
generation of troopers are
not only trained, but how
they clearly understand the
connection to family and
service.
We should all pause this week to
remember why we joined the MSP.
Regardless of the number of months
or years you have worked for this
department, don’t forget why you
started. Our culture is based upon
providing ‘Service with a Purpose’
and we are a family united. I could
listen to our department song, “Blue
Diamonds,” a million times and I
always feel the pride of why the MSP
is different; our culture is memorable,
traditional, and unique – but we gain a
fresh-look at every graduation!
My best wishes to the graduates of
the 126th Trooper Recruit School –
go out and make us proud! ■
Kewadin Casino Hotel – Sault Ste. Marie
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 41
2014 Captain Robert H. Robertson
Memorial Scholarship Award
By: Sgt. David Robertson
Metro Post
That time of year has rolled around
again; the time when my brothers
and I awarded a scholarship to a
graduating senior from our father’s
high school. This year was especially
meaningful to us as it was the first
year we have awarded the scholarship
after our mother passed away follow
ing a short illness.
The selection process took it’s
normal route. My oldest brother,
Bob, received the applications from
the counselor at Cedar Springs High
School. He then shared
the applications with us
for our review and vote.
This year the recipient
was a unanimous choice.
My brothers, Robert H.
Robertson Jr., Curtis
Robertson (Retired F/Lt.), and twin brother, John,
(Retired Deputy from the
Oakland County Sheriff ’s
Department) ***As al
ways, we still talk to him,
we just use small words,
and talk slow.*** My
brothers could not attend
the awards ceremony; my
wife and I attended, and I presented
the scholarship.
This was the first time my bride of
33 years attended this event, and she
was very impressed. I always tell the
story of how my parents met while
attending Cedar Springs High School.
After graduating, they got married in
1952. In 1955 my father started his
career with the State Police graduating
from the 39th Recruit School in
November 1955. My older brothers
were already here, and my twin
brother and I were born in 1958. As
a Department Brat, we moved every
2-3 years back then – much different
than now.
The recipient of the Scholarship
this year was Sean Herp. Sean plans to
attending Ferris State University and
obtain a degree in Criminal Justice.
He hopes to one day become a police
officer in the western part of the state
near where he lives now. Of course I
pitched MSP to him!
Attending the awards ceremony
with Sean was his brother Justin (21),
and his parents Mark and Shelly. Sean
is very active in his community with
coaching Flag Football, and with the
West Michigan Explorers.
Sean has also worked at the Half
way Restaurant, located near where
my parents and grandparents lived
for many years. Sean is very in tune
with his community and shows a true
desire to become a police officer.
Sean’s parents said that this is what
he has always wanted to be, and they
have supported him in any direction
he has gone.
Perhaps one day Sean Herp will
become a member of the Michigan
State Police after he learns what our
department has to offer, which is why
many of us joined the Michigan State
Police.
This was the 6th year the scholar
ship has been offered at Cedar
Springs High School, and we hope it
continues for years to come. If anyone
wants to donate to the scholarship,
they can contact Daphne Cattenhead.
Guidance Counselor at Cedar Springs
High School, at (616) 696-1200 ext.
1411, or email daphne.cattenhead@
csredhawks.org.
Stay safe, and go home at the end
of your shift. ■
Good Job Troops!
DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEE: Tpr.
Bill Strouse responded to the Lightning
Quick Gas Station in the Village of
Deerfield, in Lenawee County, for a
breaking and entering complaint. The
owner of the store discovered that the
business had been entered during the
course of the night; however, there were
no signs of forced entry. Over $400 in
cash was missing, as well as cartons of
cigarettes. From information gathered,
Tpr. Strouse developed a suspect, who
was a recently fired employee of the
store. Upon inventorying keys to the
store, the owner discovered a key was
missing. Tpr. Strouse located the exemployee/suspect and conducted an
interview. He obtained a full confession
from the suspect and recovered the stolen
property. The suspect also provided the
name of a friend who was an accomplice
to the crime. AUTH: F/Lt. Tony Cuevas,
Post Commander, Monroe Post
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Tpr.
Arthur McNew stopped a vehicle in
Wright Twp., Hillsdale County, for a
moving violation. The vehicle came to an
abrupt stop and the driver ran from the
vehicle, crossing both lanes of US-127
into a bean field. Tpr. McNew pursued
the suspect on foot. After running
about 75 yards through the field, the
suspect turned and ran into the wood
line south of the field. As Tpr. McNew
came through the wood line, he could
no longer see the suspect. Tpr. McNew
began checking the south side of the
wood line and requested a K-9 unit. As
Tpr. McNew back-tracked towards the
roadway, he located the suspect lying in
the tall weeds on the south side of the
wood line. The suspect complied with
Tpr. McNew’s verbal commands at that
time, and it was learned the suspect
had three no bond probation violation
warrants for B&E and Dangerous Drugs.
The suspect was further charged with
R&O, DWLS, and speeding. AUTH: Lt.
Jamie Corona, Jackson Post
K9 SUCCESS: Tpr. Rudi Nitschmann
located a suspect vehicle involved in
an earlier retail fraud reported by the
Bay County Sheriff ’s Department.
The vehicle attempted to elude Tpr.
Nitschmann. The two vehicle occupants
fled into a wooded area. Troopers
Donald Reich, Mark Burch, Stephen
Dehmel and Ruth Osborne established
a perimeter with assistance from the Bay
County Sheriff ’s Department and Bay
City Police Department. Tpr. Denis
Mcguckin and his partner, K9-32, Jax,
were requested to respond. While waiting
for Tpr. Mcguckin, Tpr. Osborne located
and arrested one of the suspects near her
perimeter point. Jax tracked and located
the second suspect with the assistance of
Troopers Daniel Lubelan and Richard
Kearns. Both suspects were turned over
to the Bay County Sheriff ’s Department
and the stolen property was recovered.
Excellent effort by all involved. AUTH:
Sgt. Richard Casanova, Tri-City Post
DETROIT SECURE CITY PART
NERSHIP: A BOL was placed by the
Detroit Police Department (DPD) for
three vehicles involved in a carjacking
spree. During the car jackings, a pistol
was presented and one person had been
pistol whipped. DPD Commercial Auto
Theft (CAT) observed two of the three
vehicles in a gas station parking lot
and our troopers responded to assist.
Troopers and DPD officers converged
on the lot, trapping the occupants in the
vehicles. Tpr. Travis Hop recovered a
pistol in the shoe of a female passenger
of one of the vehicles. Several suspects
were arrested and lodged for DPD. CAT
continues to investigate. AUTH: Sgt. Bret
Smith, Metro Post, Detroit Secure City
Partnership
6th DISTRICT TOBACCO TAX: The
team received a tip, naming an individual
and a company that was reportedly selling
cigars out of a storage unit. Surveillance
and records checks revealed the company
was selling (untaxed) cigars, without a
license in Michigan. A search warrant for
the storage unit was obtained and over
3,300 boxes of cigars were seized. Total
wholesale value of cigars seized was over
$490,000. Total amount in unpaid taxes
for the seized cigars is $37,000. During
the same week, a call was received from a
federal agency about a sales rep for a local
wholesaler who was creating fraudulent
invoices for cigarettes. He would create an
invoice, charge the cigarettes to one of his
legitimate accounts then sell the cigarettes
on the street. This had gone on for several
years before the account manager at the
grocery store realized they were paying
for three cigarette shipments a week and
only receiving two. Members of the team
intercepted the sales rep and obtained a
written confession while he was walking
out of the victim grocery store, bogus
invoice in hand. Approximately $400,000
was embezzled over six years. Both cases
have been forwarded to the AG’s Office
for charges. AUTH: D/Sgt. Karl Schmitz,
6th District Tobacco Tax Enforcement
Team
INTERVIEW LEADS TO SEARCH
WARRANT: Tpr. Carlos Fossati was
dispatched to the Meijer store in Otsego
Township for a retail fraud. A traffic
stop was conducted on the suspect
vehicle which revealed 16 stolen Texas
Instruments brand calculators, valued at approximately $180 each. The suspect
admitted to stealing these calculators and
selling them on eBay, even though the
security strips were still on them. While
conducting further interviews at Meijer,
the suspect’s fiancée arrived on scene.
Through interviews with the suspect and
his fiancée, a search warrant was drafted
for a residence in Battle Creek. Additional
stolen property and eBay account records
were seized. Further search warrants will
be executed for the computers used to
sell the stolen property, as well as the eBay
and PayPal accounts used in this incident.
Interviews and money transaction logs
revealed that some of the money was
being funneled into the prison system for
a family member who is incarcerated in
Ohio. Assisting in this investigation was
Sgt. Phil Vanette, Tpr. Mitch Dyer,
Tpr. Ray Hoffman, and the Otsego
Police Department. AUTH: Lt. Rick
Pazder, Wayland Post
MMMA/GUN CHARGE ARREST:
Troopers Peter Melvin and Jason
Sylvester were dispatched to a “shots
see GOOD JOB TROOPS, page 44
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 43
from GOOD JOB TROOPS, page 43
fired” in a residential trailer in St Joseph
County. The 55-year-old resident was
intoxicated and fired a long gun while
inside his trailer. After a short verbal
standoff, the subject was arrested for
Discharging a Firearm in an Occupied
Dwelling and Possession of a Firearm
While Intoxicated. Due to the odor of
Marijuana from/near the residence, a
subsequent search warrant execution
was conducted. Outside the residence a
three-sided, wooden enclosure with no
roof, contained four six foot marijuana
plants growing. Additional charges of
Manufacturing Marijuana and Felony
Firearm were added when troopers
located the weapons and a Marijuana
Grow Operation. The suspect possessed
a Michigan Medical Marijuana card;
however, it expired in 2013. The suspect
was lodged on the Felony Charges
at the St. Joseph County Jail pending
arraignment. AUTH: Sgt. Michael Kraj
niak, Coldwater Post
MET ACTIVITY: Officers from MET,
assisted by WEMET, MSP Aviation,
MSP EST, Grand Rapids Vice, DEA and
Grandville Police Department executed a
successful reverse buy operation. A MET
detective in an undercover role set up
a delivery of five kilos of cocaine. The
operation was put together to make the
exchange of money for the drugs at two
separate locations. At one location, the
money would be delivered to undercover
officers by suspect #1 and the drugs
would be exchanged by undercover
officers and suspect #2 at the other
location. Tact teams were assembled for
both locations. Once the suspects arrived
at both locations and the exchanges
were made, both suspects were arrested
and taken into custody. They were then
transported to Grandville Police De
partment for questioning. During the
questioning, enough information was
gathered to obtain search warrants for
four different locations, the suspect’s
residence, business, storage unit and
another house the suspect owned. The
following items were seized and forfeited:
$93,894, a Ford F150, a Dodge Cara
van, and an assortment of watches and
jewelry. Also, seized were a Taser, the
DVR portion of the security system and
digital scales. Both subjects were lodged
at the Kent County Sheriff ’s Department.
AUTH: D/F/Lt. Steven D Rau, MET
CHIEF ACTIVITY: Officers from the
CHIEF Team arrested four subjects for
PWID cocaine. The subjects, all from
New York, were under surveillance for
two days. Officers observed one of the
subjects hide a plastic bag in the woods
near the hotel. A couple hours later the
subjects went into the woods to retrieve
the bag at which time officers made
contact with the subjects. Seized was a
kilo of suspected cocaine. Investigation
continues. AUTH: D/Lt. David Wiegand,
Second District DRANO/CHIEF Team
FLINT SAFE CITIES MAJOR CASE
UNIT: Tpr. Jeffrey Rodgers was sent
to an address on Evergreen Parkway
reference a domestic assault/shooting. It
was alleged that the victim was shot by his
girlfriend of 16 years, after an argument
regarding the purchase of tennis shoes
by the victim the previous afternoon. A
physical altercation ensued after a heated
argument during which time the suspect
physically assaulted the victim. During
the argument, the victim pushed the sus
pect away from him. The suspect then
armed herself with a gun. It was learned
that the suspect was a valid CPL holder.
The suspect then proceeded to shoot the
victim. Preliminary investigation indicates
it may not be self-defense. There were
four juveniles in the home who witnessed
the assault. The suspect was taken into
custody and lodged and did not want
to speak to police. The weapon used in
the shooting was recovered. A search
warrant was obtained and executed at the
home after the suspect denied consent.
There were small amounts of narcotics/
money/scales/bags/etc. located which
indicated narcotics sales. Warrants are
being sought for Assault with Intent to
Murder/Domestic Violence/Felony Fire
arm. AUTH: Lt. Patrick Young, Flint Post
MOBILE FINGERPRINT ID SUC
CESS: Troopers made a traffic stop in
Muskegon Heights. The driver was found
to be DWLS. While interviewing the
driver and the passenger, it was found
that the passenger provided a false name.
The Mobile Fingerprint ID device was
used and the passenger’s real identity
was determined. The Mobile ID results
showed both an FBI and MSP hit within three minutes of entry. The passenger had
four criminal bench warrants for failure
to appear, as well as a probation violation
for receiving/concealing. The troopers
also located a bag of 30 individually
wrapped, one gram baggies of marijuana
under the passenger’s seat, which he was
trying to have the driver hide or “stuff ”
while being pulled over. This is another
great job by the Rockford Post utilizing
the useful biometric tool. AUTH: Scott
Blanchard, Biometrics and Identification
Division
SWET ACTIVITY: SWET detectives
arranged a controlled purchase of crack
cocaine from a suspect in Battle Creek.
The purchase was arranged through an
unwitting male who was also a suspect
in the same investigation. SWET de
tectives, while conducting surveillance,
observed the unwitting suspect meet
with the primary suspect to conduct the
transaction. After the transaction was
complete and the suspects traveled in
different directions, traffic stops were
initiated on both suspect vehicles. The
primary suspect was stopped without
incident. The other vehicle did not stop
and led officers on a vehicle pursuit
through the city of Battle Creek. The
second vehicle eventually stopped and it
was discovered crack cocaine had been
thrown from the vehicle during the
pursuit. The pursuit path was retraced
and packaged crack cocaine was located
and seized. The primary suspect, who is
on parole, cooperated with detectives.
Approximately eight ounces of crack
cocaine was seized from his residence.
The primary suspect also provided in
formation pertaining to his source for
the crack cocaine. SWET detectives were
assisted by Battle Creek SIU, the Battle
Creek Police Department, the Michigan
State Police Coldwater Post, and the
Calhoun County Sheriff Department.
Authority: D/Lt. Saucedo, SWET Unit
Commander
HOUGHTON LAKE POST / COM
PUTER CRIMES ACTIVITY: Tpr.
Ryan Zamarron of the Houghton Lake
Post was dispatched to Houghton Lake
High School to investigate a complaint
that inappropriate pictures were being
distributed among the Lacrosse Club
Facebook group. A concerned parent had
contacted school administrators after she
discovered nude pictures her daughter
and her daughter’s friends were being
distributed. Tpr. Zamarron contacted the
Computer Crimes Unit and requested
assistance with initial interviews and
digital evidence seizure. After an excel
lent five month investigation by Tpr.
Zamarron, the Roscommon County Pro
secutor issued arrest petitions/warrants
for four juveniles and two 17-year-old
adults. Between Tpr. Zamarron and CCU
detectives, 45 people were investigated,
multiple search warrants were executed,
and 14 pieces of digital evidence were
analyzed. The charges ranged from pos
session of the images, distribution of the
images, and child sexually abusive activity.
AUTH: D/Sgt. Wes Smith, Computer
Crimes Unit
INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION:
A Blackman Township Public Safety
Officer, Thomas Brower, was assaulted
at a Meijer store in Jackson, Michigan.
PSO Brower was attempting to arrest a
suspect for retail fraud and on several
warrants. The suspect resisted arrest and
attempted to disarm PSO Brower. PSO
Brower was able to retain his weapon,
but the suspect broke free and violently
assaulted a Meijer Loss Prevention em
ployee. The suspect fled the store and
escaped in a nearby vehicle. It was later
learned that the suspect had recently
escaped from JNET by fleeing into a
feces-filled storm drain and wading/
crawling/swimming away. MSP Jackson,
Blackman Township Public Safety, the
Jackson County Sheriff ’s Office, JNET,
and the 1st District Fugitive Team all
responded. JNET put an “eye” (Deputy
Bretz) on the suspect’s home. Deputy
Bretz observed the suspect sneak into
his home sometime later. Approximately
20 officers from all of the above-listed
agencies responded to the residence. Pro
bationary Tpr. Steven Moore ordered
the suspect to surrender over the patrolcar PA. The suspect surrendered without
incident. Tpr. Matthew Roberts lodged
the suspect at the Jackson County Jail
on a felony fraud warrant out of MSP
Jackson as well as three local warrants.
Excellent work was done by all agencies.
JNET located the suspect, the fugitive
team provided much needed support
and expertise, the sheriff ’s department
utilized local connections to expedite
the arrest, and Blackman Township
detectives provided investigative support.
This was truly a team effort that defused
a potentially dangerous situation. AUTH:
Sgt. Michael Church, Jackson Post
GROW OPERATION: BAYANET and MSP/FBI SAFE Streets Detectives exe
cuted search warrants in the city of
Saginaw and Saginaw Township at mari
juana grow operation sites seizing over
100 plants, thousands of dollars in grow
equipment, three handguns, four long
guns, cell phones, and approx. $5,000 in
cash. Over 17,000 cell phone texts and
3500 pictures from the suspect’s phone
as well as his Facebook account was
viewed and additional persons involved
with the marijuana grow operations and
where additional firearms were being
stored were identified. A search warrant
was obtained for a residence on the west
side of the city of Saginaw. The search
warrant was executed with the assistance
of the MSP ES Team and the Tri-City
Post. Detectives seized marijuana plants,
processed marijuana, a handgun, six AR
platform style assault rifles, and am
munition. BAYANET is working with
the Saginaw County Prosecutors Office
with the seizure of real estate in both
Saginaw and Gladwin Counties as part of
this criminal enterprise. Arrest warrants
have not been issued at this time as the
investigation is ongoing. AUTH: D/Lt.
Matt Rice, BAYANET
ACTING ON A TIP: Sgt. Todd Price
received information on suspected drug
activity. The caller had provided previous
information to Sgt. Price that a vehicle
would arrive at a residence in Coldwater;
a female would walk into the house with
a briefcase, stay a short period of time
and then leave. Sgt. Price located the
suspect vehicle after leaving the residence
and conducted a traffic stop for a traffic
violation. The driver admitted to having
marijuana in the vehicle and selling mari
juana to a subject in Coldwater. Sgt. Price
seized 4 oz. of marijuana and $2,450
from a briefcase located in the vehicle.
The driver is a medical marijuana caregiver; however, the person she delivered
her “overages” to was not her patient. She
admitted to selling her overages to this
person because the dispensary would not
take them. The passenger, her husband,
is also currently on federal probation.
The driver admitted to driving from
Stanton to Coldwater 1-2 times a month
to deliver marijuana. The driver was
arrested and lodged in the Branch County
Jail. Sgt. Price then conducted a search
warrant at the residence in Coldwater
and obtained an additional 12 ounces of
marijuana. The suspect at the residence
had an expired medical marijuana card
and admitted to purchasing a pound of
marijuana earlier for $2,450. He was also
lodged at the Branch County Jail. CMET
detectives assisted with a search warrant
in Stanton. AUTH: D/Sgt. Heather John
ston, Coldwater Post
EXCELLENT JOB BY ALL: The
Saginaw City Police Department was
dispatched to a fatal shooting. The MSP
Major Case Unit was summoned to the
scene and began their investigation. The
20-year-old suspect, who turned out to
be the brother of the 15-year-old victim,
fled the scene prior to officer’s arrival.
The initial information from the scene
was turned over to MSP Safe Streets
Task Force who began attempting to
locate the suspect. The Safe Streets
team located the suspect at an address
as he attempted to flee but was caught.
A witness to the homicide was also
detained and subsequently turned over
to MCU detectives. Safe Streets obtained
information regarding a possible location
of the gun used in the homicide. After
searching several abandon homes, the 40
cal. pistol was recovered. Total time from
shooting to the suspect being in custody
and the recovery of the gun used was
four hours. This is an excellent example
of the cooperation between different
units (Troopers, MCU, Saginaw PD, and
Safe Streets) and departments who are
cooperatively making Saginaw a better
place. AUTH: F/Lt. David Simon, TriCity Post
CSC
ABSCONDER
CAUGHT:
Troop
ers Brant Downing and John
Miller were contacted by Investigator
Harrington and Spiegel requesting our
see GOOD JOB TROOPS, page 46
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 45
from GOOD JOB TROOPS, page 45
assistance in locating Antwan Clark on
a CSC Absconder warrant out of the
Lansing Tether Unit. Sgt. Steve Barker
accompanied Tpr. Downing and Tpr.
Miller to Colonial Street in Benton Twp.
While exiting the patrol vehicles, the
suspect fled into a wooded area behind
the residence. Tpr. Miller gave chase
and the suspect later tripped in the thick
brush. Tpr. Downing came in from
another direction and assisted with tak
ing the suspect into custody. The suspect
was lodged in the Berrien County Jail
for R&O and the Absconder warrant.
AUTH: Sgt. Steve Barker, Niles Post
3 OUIDS – 1 TRAFFIC STOP: Tpr.
Jim Janes, a Drug Recognition Expert
(DRE) and Tpr. Cameron Sweet stop
ped a vehicle in the city of Benton
Harbor for illegal window tint. The driver
was found to be OUID and was arrested.
While on the stop, the driver’s girlfriend
and her mother arrived on scene. Upon
making contact with the girlfriend,
troopers determined she was OUID as
well and she was arrested. The female’s
mother became extremely agitated and
decided she wanted to leave. She climbed
into the driver’s seat and attempted to
drive away. Troopers were able to stop her
and determine that she, too, was OUID.
After DRE evaluations and blood draws
at the hospital, all three were lodged at
Berrien County Jail. AUTH: Sgt. Ryan
Schoonveld, Niles Post
ASSIST TO HURON TOWNSHIP
POLICE
DEPARTMENT:
The Huron Township Police Department
developed two suspects and a suspect
vehicle in two attempted home inva
sions. Their investigation led to a possible
location in Southwest Detroit. Chief
Robins requested assistance in locating
the suspects and suspect vehicle. Along
with Chief Robins, DRANO officers set
up surveillance on the suspect vehicle.
The female suspect was observed leaving
a residence in the suspect vehicle. Tpr.
Joshua Henry and Tpr. David Jefferies,
from the Metro Post, assisted as uniform
presence and conducted a traffic stop. The
suspect was arrested without incident and
along with the suspect vehicle, turned over
to the Huron Township Police Depart
ment. The female suspect confessed to
the crime and implicated her father as
a second suspect. Prior to the suspect
leaving the residence, another female was
observed, later identified as the suspect’s
sister who may be utilized by DRANO to further the investigation. AUTH:
D/F/Lt. Mary Kapp, DRANO ■
concluded from AWARDS, page 21
troopers could hear the suspect pleading “help me.” The
fire department was requested, but their arrival time was
unknown. After 15 minutes of waiting, Trooper Roots
feared the suspect was in danger of falling in the water and
possibly drowning or becoming hypothermic. Trooper
Roots began to navigate his way through the icy waters
to the stranded suspect. Trooper Roots encountered water
levels over his head, but was able to locate two stumps to
climb upon and reach the suspect whom was still saying
“help me, please help me.” Trooper Roots was able to
help him to higher ground and then to shore. The suspect
was turned over to emergency medical personnel and
admitted he had been drinking. The suspect was admitted
to the hospital intensive care unit for hypothermia. It was
discovered the suspect’s core temperature was 86 degrees
and had it went below 80 degrees, it would have been lifethreatening. The courageous and self-less act displayed by
Trooper Roots saved the suspect’s life.
Spl/Sgt. Kevin Lucidi is receiving the
Lifesaving Award for saving the life of
another. On March 30, 2014, Spl/Sgt. Kevin Lucidi and Spl/Tpr. Chad Lindstrom
were investigating an accident on south
bound I-75 in the city of Detroit when a
Spl/Sgt. Kevin
second crash occurred on the northbound
Lucidi
side. They arrived to find a lone female
driver pinned in the vehicle. Spl/Trooper Lindstrom
broke the driver side rear window and Spl/Sergeant Lucidi
entered and found the driver not breathing and without a
pulse. Spl/Sergeant Lucidi stabilized the driver’s neck and
head, allowing the victim to begin breathing on her own.
Spl/Sergeant Lucidi continued neck and head stability
until emergency medical personnel arrived. Thanks to the
expert response of Spl/Sergeant Lucidi, the victim made a
full recovery. ■
Tpr. Edward M. Samson (Ret.)
53rd Recruit School
2/13/1936 – 4/16/2014
D/Sgt. Kenneth E. Voet (Ret.)
43rd Recruit School
12/16/1933 – 6/6/2014
F/Lt. Carl Hulander (Ret.)
39th Recruit School 7/25/1927 – 7/25/2014
D/Lt. Paul “Moose” Radashaw (Ret.)
29th Recruit School
6/13/1926 – 4/21/2014
Tpr. Byron A. Cluckey, Jr. (Ret.)
45th Recruit School
5/8/1930 – 6/7/2014
Sgt. Derald Saltzgaber (Ret.)
41st Recruit School 2/5/1931 – 8/2/2014
D/Sgt. William Shideler (Ret.)
31st Recruit School
12/19/1927 – 4/28/2014
Capt. Lawrence N. Hofmann (Ret.)
D/Sgt. Walter M. Davenport (Ret.)
F/Lt. Russell B. Beamish (Ret.)
41st Recruit School
8/31/1932 – 5/2/2014
F/Lt. Harold D. Parks (Ret.)
Sgt. Leonard Rish (Ret.)
Lt. John E. Lohrstorfer (Ret.)
25th Recruit School
2/13/1925 – 5/5/2014
Tpr. David Atkins (Ret.)
Tpr. Michael E. Gaspar (Ret.)
Spl/Sgt. Paul T. Butterfield (Ret.)
79th Recruit School
9/5/1946 – 5/16/2014
Sgt. Norman Schoenmaker (Ret.)
42nd Recruit School 7/16/1928 – 7/7/2014
F/Lt. Thomas J. Hebert (Ret.)
D/Sgt. Glenn M. Burke (Ret.)
Lt. Thomas Grasel (Ret.)
41st Recruit School 1/29/1934 – 7/17/2014
Lt. Donald J. Linn (Ret.)
32nd Recruit School 1/29/1929 – 8/30/2014
Register of Deeds
Tpr. James Koveck (Lapeer Post,
Port Huron Detachment)
married Jessica Beels on June 28, 2014
in Deckerville, Michigan.
Follow the MSPTA on Twitter:
President:
Vice President:
Legal Counsel:
Nate Johnson
Duane Hickok
Larry Schneider
@MSPTApresident@MSPTA_VP@msptalaw
In Memory of Our Retirees
MSPTA Office:
@MSPTAoffice
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 47
11th Annual MSTAF Charitable Golf Classic
Treetops Resort, Monday, August 11, 2014
Golfers:
Thank You to our
major sponsors:
US Health and Life
Dan Gorczyca | Lisa Duncan
COPS Trust
Tom Schneider
MSPTA Retirees
F/Lt. Diane Garrison (Ret.)
Chair, MSPTA Retirees
Committee
Come on ... you can do it ... make this putt!
Rick Doehring
Mark Tamlyn
Tim Cook
Gary Megge
Phil Himes
Nick Hussein
Doug Kelsey
Heather French
Dan Gorczyca
Lisa Duncan
Joe Duncan
Eric Smith
Greg Kilbourn
Paul Cohen
Jerry Gunthrop
Jake Haynes
Nate Johnson
Paul Stone
Shelley Izzard
Sarah Whitman
Jay Rider
Derrick Libstaff
Brian Gustaw
Bill Masching
Melanie Doehring
Amber Holmgren
Nikki Holmgren
Ray Pechman
Dan Diekema
Al Fouty
Ron Taylor
Casey Taylor
Mike McEwan
Anthony Montie
Jennifer Phillips
Kym Otremba
George Bundy
Mike Reed
Leon LaBrecque
Brian Bundy
Matt Wesaw
Gloria Wesaw
Dave Cook
Laura Cook
Scott Bates
Phil Ackley
Kevin Ackley
David Stauffer
Greg Mellor
Burt Poland
Don Blamer
Rick Binkowski
Jay Morningstar
Julie DeFilippo
John Maliszewski
Beth Maliszewski
Pat Wyman
Todd Woods
Perry Terrian
Darby Darrow
Tom Greene
Pete Hupcik
Ed Coller
Harold Randolph
Harvey Hill
Diane VanEck
Laura Dancsok
Jim Steffas
Joe White
A.J. White
DeLynn Rice
Rich Rule
Ken Polhemus
Corey Hebner
An awesome array of raffle prizes await the lucky winners!
Hole Sponsors:
An added bonus ...
many golfers
saw deer on the
course this year!
Tpr. Mike McEwan (West
Branch Post) takes a shot
while teammate, Kym
Otremba, looks on.
Who won the push-up challenge?
Nate Johnson, MSPTA President
Duane Hickok, MSPTA Vice President
Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, Director, Michigan State Police
Michigan State Police Executive Council
Joe Cavanaugh, MSPTA 3rd District Representative
Bill Eberhardt, MSPTA Region 1 D/Sgt. Representative
Frank Williams. MSPTA Region 1 Sgt. Rep.
Paul Stone, MSPTA 7th District Representative
Lorne & Tamie Hartwig,
MSPTA Region 2 Uniform Sgt. Rep.
MSP Tri-City Post #31
MSP 5th District
MSP Cadillac Post #71
MSP Houghton Lake Post #72
127th Trooper Recruit School / Training Academy
MSP Precision Driving Unit
MSPTA Retirees Association
Corrigan Oil Company
Crowne Plaza Lansing West
Feeny Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Gaylord
Brian Gustaw – Nike Swoosh Staff
T. Hartwig Consulting USA & Assoc., LLC
LJPR, LLC
Specializing in retirement & estate planning needs for
Michigan Law Enforcement Agencies
Marketing Resource Group (MRG)
Prize Donations:
Michigan Association of Police
Theut Brothers Attorney’s at Law
Phoenix, Arizona / Home Town – St. Ignace, MI
Police & Fire Insurance Association
“We are here when you need us the most.”
Tony Weldy (810) 614-5194
State Senator Patrick Colbeck – 7th District
State Representative Scott Dianda – 110th District
Vincent Gregory for State Senate – 11th District
State Representative Joel Johnson – 97th District
State Representative Tim Kelly – 94th District
State Representative Eileen Kowall – 44th District
State Representative Lisa Posthumus Lyons – 86th District
State Senator Arlan B. Meekhof – 30th District
State Senator Mike Nofs – 19th District
Tonya Schuitmaker for State Senate – 20th District
Following golf, participants enjoyed a chicken and rib banquet.
Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit
Bay Mills Resort & Casinos
Blue Cross Blue Shield
DoubleTree by Hilton Holland
Grand Hotel / The Jewel Golf Course
Greater Lansing Convention
& Visitors Bureau
Brian Gustaw
Hyatt Place / Suburban Collection
Showplace
Innovative Sound Solutions (Rockford)
Kewadin Casinos
Motor City Casino-Hotel
Maple Hill Golf (Grandville)
Odawa Casino
Shanty Creek Resorts
Sheraton Detroit-Metro Airport Hotel
Treetops Resort
West Bay Beach (Traverse City)
Volunteers:
Jade Adams • Rick Doehring
Debra Donely • Joe Rowley
Larry Schneider • Mitch Stevens
Pat Strzalkowski
see MSTAF GOLF OUTING, page 50
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 49
concluded from MSTAF GOLF OUTING, page 49
Special Contests:
Adding a little extra
excitement to the day,
special contests were
held with prizes being
awarded for the Longest
Drive – Man and
Woman, Longest Putt –
Man and Woman, and
Longest Putt Overall.
Each year, the special
contests create just a
bit more competition
amongst the golfers!
Congratulations
to the Winning Teams ...
First Place Team: Jerry Gunthrop, Greg
Kilbourn (MSP Ret.), Jake Haynes, and Paul Cohen.
Quite simply, it was just a
beautiful day to play golf!
Second Place Team: Sgt. Scott Bates (Cadillac Post),
David Stauffer, Phil Ackley (MSP Ret.),
and Kevin Ackley.
Whether or not it helped
his golf game, Tpr. Rick
Doehring (Flint Post), was
certainly the best dressed
golfer on the course!
Third Place Team: Bill Masching, Sgt. Jay Rider
(Metro Post), Tpr. Derrick Libstaff (Metro Post),
and Brian Gustaw.
Plan to join us next year!
Top to Bottom: Tpr. Joe
Row
ley (West Branch
Post), Tpr. Rick Doehring
(Flint Post), and D/Sgt.
Mitch Ste
vens (7th Dis
trict TSU), shared the
duties of hosting, emcee,
and running the raffle.
A special note of thanks
to Tpr. Doehring for all
his help planning and
orchestrating this event!
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 51
MSTAF: It Needs Your Help
1715 Abbey Road, Suite B
East Lansing, MI 48823
(517) 336-7782
http://mspta.net/mstaf/about-mstaf
Challenging Times for Fundraising
By: Lawrence P. Schneider, MSPTA General Counsel
The Michigan State Troopers
Assistance Fund (MSTAF) needs
your help. Otherwise, it will not be
there when you need it.
Some of you may not even know
what MSTAF is, so first, some history.
In 1994, MSTAF was created as a
charitable non-profit corporation.
MSTAF is a separate entity within
the MSPTA. Early goals were to
enhance public awareness of law
enforcement issues, and supporting
other 501(c)(3) charities. The “Fallen
Trooper Memorial Fund” and the
“Len Depression Fund” are also
maintained under MSTAF, each with
its own account, mission, and funding
sources.
Over the years, in accordance with
available funding, MSTAF has had
to reevaluate its priorities. Just a few
short years ago MSTAF awarded
scholarships to high school seniors
and a uniformed State Police trooper
was allowed to present the award to
the student at the schools’ awards
ceremonies. This created extremely
good will between the Michigan State
Police and the schools. Many schools
have stopped allowing any ‘outside
persons’ to make such presentations.
At the same time, MSTAF’s funds
began dwindling to critically low levels.
The MSTAF Board, unfortunately,
was forced to discontinue the senior
scholarship awards. In reviewing
its mission it was decided that
MSTAF’s first priority should be a
quick source of financial assistance
to MSP and other law enforcement
members in need stemming from
duty-related tragedies and extreme
emergencies. This seemed to be a
better way for smaller amounts of
money to serve a greater purpose.
MSTAF rarely has funds in excess
of $5,000-$10,000 these days. Most of
that money is raised at the annual golf
outing. For the last few years, with
the current economy, participation at
the golf outing has been down, thus
profits have been small. That leaves
very little cash reserves to fulfill
MSTAF’s mission.
MSTAF is determined not to
duplicate the work of other agencies
and/or funds available (insurances,
etc.) that help our members should
tragedy strike. When an officer is killed
or injured in the line of duty, various
financial resources are available to the
family. But sometimes those benefits
are not readily available in other
cases. Sometimes the family needs
immediate assistance. For example,
MSTAF has helped pay for hotel
bills and travel expenses incurred by
trooper’s loved ones following onduty injuries.
Please understand some things: (1)
MSTAF follows all rules dictated by
its IRS 501(c)(3) status and Michigan
tax laws. (2) For privacy reasons, it is
not possible to list each contribution
MSTAF has made to or on behalf of
MSP’s members. (3) In the instance
of emergency fund requests, financial
need is of paramount importance
to the decision to make a donation.
(4) The MSTAF Board is completely
voluntary; none of its members re
ceive any compensation for their time
or service to this cause.
On August 1, 2014, we had
1,548 troopers and sergeants in the
Department of State Police. If every
trooper and sergeant signed up to
make a contribution of only $5 per
pay period, MSTAF would have
nearly $200,000 in available funds
each year. In turn, members would
receive a taxable deduction of $130.
Put another way, the actual out of
pocket cost to each member, after
taxes are considered, would only be
about $100 per year.
As MSPTA general counsel, I will
never receive a dime from MSTAF.
But I am proud to contribute by
way of payroll deduction $5 per
pay period (in addition to larger
contributions during the course of
the year). I urge every member of our
Association to match me. Five dollars
a pay period; $130 per year. I promise,
you will never miss this amount. But
if you ever have a tragedy or personal
emergency that no other entity can
assist you with, you will be glad you
did. ■
TO DONATE:
Anyone can easily make
donations to MSTAF!
A simple form authorizing
ACH payments directly from
your personal bank account to
MSTAF is now posted on the
MSPTA’s website. Donations
can be recurring, or one-time
payments. Unlike the previous
payroll deduction method
through the HRMN system,
receipts can be generated for
tax purposes for those electing
to make an ACH contribution.
(In fact, if you were making
a payroll deduction, we
encourage you to switch to the
ACH process.) Forms will also
be available at District Meetings
and Quarterlies.
Thank you for
your consideration
and support.
The Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund (MSTAF) was formed by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association in
1993 as a non-profit charitable organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. MSTAF provides assistance
to families affected by law enforcement tragedies and supports other 501(c)(3) charities and charitable causes throughout
Michigan. Donations to MSTAF are tax deductible charitable contributions.
I would like to donate to the Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund in the following manner:
ANNUAL LUMP SUM
$500
$250
$100
$75
OTHER $ ______________
OR
BI-WEEKLY CONTRIBUTION
$20
$15
$10
$5
OTHER $ _____________
OR
ONE-TIME GIFT
$500
$250
$100
$75
OTHER $ ______________
Annual lump sum and bi-weekly contributions are recurring donations.
AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FOR DIRECT PAYMENTS (ACH DEBITS)
I hereby authorize the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, Inc., hereinafter called COMPANY to initiate debit
entries to my account indicated below at the depository financial institution named below, hereafter called
DEPOSITORY, and to debit the same to such account. I acknowledge that the origination of ACH transactions to my
account must comply with the provisions of U.S. law.
Depository Name __________________________
Branch____________________________________
City _____________________________________
State ___________________ Zip ______________
Routing Number ___________________________
Account Number ____________________________
Checking Account
Savings Account (Select One)
This authorization is to remain in full force and effect until COMPANY has received a signed, written notification by
mail or electronic facsimile from me (or my estate) of its termination in such time and in such manner as to afford
COMPANY and DEPOSITORY a reasonable opportunity to act on it.
Name ________________________________________
(Please Print)
Date ________________________
SSN Last Four Digits XXX-XX- ____________
Signature __________________________________________________
~PLEASE ATTACH A VOIDED CHECK OR DEPOSIT SLIP FOR ACCURATE PROCESSING~
NOTE: DEBIT AUTHORIZATIONS MUST PROVIDE THAT THE RECEIVER MAY REVOKE THE AUTHORIZATION ONLY
BY NOTIFYING THE ORIGINATOR IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED IN THE AUTHORIZATION.
Please provide the following information to receive a tax year-end receipt of charitable MSTAF donations.
One-time donors will receive a receipt shortly after funds are transferred.
Email __________________________________________________
Mailing Address:
The Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization
governed and operated by volunteers from the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, Inc.
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 53
East
Honoring ...
Honoring ...
Sergeant Scott Johnson
and Trooper Gabriel Rich
Alaska State Troopers • EOW May 1, 2014
By: Tpr. Mike Bunk
Metro Post
On May 10, 2014, Tpr. Tim Doyen
(Cadillac Post) and I were given the
high honor of representing the de
partment at the memorial service for
Sergeant Scott Johnson and Trooper
Gabriel Rich of the Alaska State
Troopers (AST) in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Sergeant Johnson and Trooper
Rich were shot and killed on May
1, 2014, in the village of Tanana,
Alaska, approximately 130 miles
west of Fairbanks. They had flown
there to arrest a village resident after
he pointed a rifle at a village safety
officer.
While conducting their investi
gation the troopers encountered the
suspect. The subject tried to enter
his home and a struggle ensued. The
suspect’s son emerged with an assault
rifle and fired seven shots into the
backs of the troopers, according to
investigators. The shooter was later
arrested by the village safety officer.
Troopers from the Special Emergency
Response Team flew into the village
and arrested the original suspect the
next day.
Sgt. Johnson was born in Fairbanks and grew up in Tok, Alaska. He
worked for two other police departments before enlisting with the Alaska State Troopers in 1993. During his career he worked as a patrol trooper, investigator, was a K-9 officer,
instructor and K-9 unit supervisor,
was the assistant team leader of the
Northern Special Emergency Re-
action Team and finally rural unit
sergeant. He is survived by his wife,
Brandy, daughters Hayly, Hana, and
Halene, and his parents and siblings.
Sgt. Scott Johnson
Tpr. Gabriel Rich
Trooper Rich was born in Sayre,
Pennsylvania, and moved to Fairbanks shortly after birth. He worked
for the North Pole Police Department before enlisting with the Alaska
State Troopers in 2011. He worked
in Fairbanks patrol for most of his
time as a trooper before moving to
the Rural Unit in November 2013. He
is survived by his fiancé Angie, sons
Lenox and Malakai, and his parents.
The memorial service was held
on a beautiful spring Saturday at the
Carlson Center in Fairbanks.
Over 4,000 law enforcement officers and civilians attended. Troopers
from as far away as Pennsylvania,
Florida and Texas were in attendance.
Everywhere you went in town there
were banners, signs and yellow ribbons in support of the troopers. The
roadway into the service was lined
with civilians holding flags and paying
their respects. The service began with
posting of the colors, followed by
the processional bearing the troopers
which was accompanied by the Seattle
Pipe and Drum band.
Various speakers spoke of two
highly respected men who gave their
lives to protect the citizens of Alaska.
One of the most profound moments
came when a teenage Hayly Johnson
spoke of the love her father had for
his family and his fellow troopers.
The poise and maturity shown by
this young woman as she spoke was
incredible and had a profound effect
on many of the hardened troopers in
attendance.
The memorial service ended with
“last call” broadcast by the Fairbanks
dispatch center. The presentation of
flags to the families was then made
followed by Taps and a 21 gun salute.
The hospitality and camaraderie shown to us by the AST was incredible. Two young Alaska troopers
outside the memorial remembered
speaking to me at the funeral service
for our own Tpr. Paul Butterfield.
They were appreciative that Tpr.
Doyen and I had made the trip. The
night before the service and the evening after we were able to spend several hours with the Alaska troopers
and troopers from different states at
a local establishment along the banks
of the Tanana River. We heard many
stories of the professionalism and
strong work ethic of Sgt. Johnson and
Trooper Rich.
In closing I would like to thank
the MSPTA with a special thank you
to Tpr. Craig Macdonald, F/Lt. Phil
Menna, Capt. Monica Yesh and MSP
Command Staff for allowing me the
honor of representing our department at the memorial service. ■
Master Trooper Renee Chelsea Richard
Florida Highway Patrol • EOW May 3, 2014
By: Sgt. Amy Dehner
Office of the Director
120st Recruit School
On May 8, 2014, I had the honor
of representing the Michigan State
Police at the funeral of Trooper
Chelsea Richard of the Florida
Highway Patrol (FHP). Trooper
Richard, a 9-year veteran of FHP,
was killed while investigating a traffic
crash on I-75 in the early afternoon
hours of May 3, 2014 near her district
station in Ocala, Florida.
While the circumstances in the
death of any police officer are
always tragic, the events of Trooper
Richard’s death reach far beyond what
many of us would come to expect as
being typical in a traffic crash related
duty death. The incident began as the
result of a somewhat minor fenderbender caused when a younger driver
hydroplaned on the wet asphalt and
sideswiped her vehicle against a
guardrail on the northbound side of
I-75 near mile marker 341. The initial
call was direct dispatched to another
of Trooper Richard’s post-mates,
ironically a cub whom she had trained
on FTO and that she had authorized
for solo patrol only a week earlier.
As happens hundreds of times a
day in police work, Trooper Richard
answered up, taking the call from
dispatch as she was closer to the crash
scene than her former cub.
On scene, Trooper Richard met
with tow truck driver John Duggan,
and George Phillips, the father of the
girl involved in the traffic accident.
After being contacted by his daughter
about her crash, Phillips had called
Duggan, a long-time family friend
Tpr. Chelsea Richard
with a tow truck business and asked
him to assist. The vehicle had been
moved to the shoulder, where Trooper
Richards, Duggan and Phillips were
outside of their vehicles standing
off the roadway. As the necessary
paperwork was completed, Phillips
advised his wife and daughter to drive
up to the off-ramp and come back on
southbound I-75 where they could
use a median cut-out as protection
from the growing backup of traffic in
northbound lanes.
Shortly after the wife and daughter
departed the scene, a pickup pulling
a trailer failed to see the stopped
traffic on I-75 and attempted to avert
his vehicle into the HOV lane. After
realizing the lane was occupied by
additional stopped traffic the pickup
driver swerved the opposite way,
directly into the crash scene occupied
by Trooper Richard, Duggan, and
Phillips. All three were killed instantly.
As the wife and daughter drove
southbound on I-75, the daughter
received a cellphone call from a
friend telling her she thought her
father (Phillips) had been in a car
accident. As the two attempted to
corroborate their stories, it became
clear from the lights and sirens of
the arriving emergency units that the
accident scene they were closing in on
was not the same as when they had
left it just minutes before. Adding
to the tragedy was the arrival of the
first FHP trooper on scene, the cub
that Trooper Richard had been senior
FTO to only a week earlier.
Trooper Richard’s death leaves
behind her 4-year old son Clayton,
her parents, and her grandparents.
Unbeknownst to anyone until he
spoke at the funeral, Trooper Richard’s
boyfriend (a sergeant with FHP) had
gone to her parents a week earlier to
ask them for her hand in marriage. He
had planned to propose on Sunday,
the day after she was killed.
Thousands gathered for the
funeral on May 8th in Ocala, Florida
in 90 degree temperatures, several
hundred of which represented law
enforcement agencies from all over
the country. Sadly, many of these same
agencies had also sent representatives
to Alaska for the funeral of the two
troopers killed the same week as
Trooper Richard. In typical form, the
FHP treated the 13 out-of-state police
and highway patrol representatives
like dignitaries, ensuring every last
detail of our stay with them was met
with professionalism and exceptional
hospitality. Actions, which many of
Trooper Richard’s co-workers con
firmed with, “Chelsea would have
wanted it this way…”
Trooper Chelsea Richard is the
45th member of the Florida Highway
Patrol to die in the line of duty. ■
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 55
Honoring ...
Trooper Christopher Skinner
New York State Police • EOW May 29, 2014
By: Tpr. Mike Bunk
Metro Post
On Tuesday, June 3, 2014, I was
honored to be able to represent the
department and MSPTA at the funeral
service for New York State Police
(NYSP) Trooper Christopher Skinner.
Trooper Skinner was struck and
killed on May 29, 2014 on Interstate
81 in the town of Chenango.
He had just stopped a vehicle and
was speaking to the driver when a
man from Florida intentionally drove
his truck into the trooper killing him
instantly. The suspect crashed a short
time later and ran off into a wooded
area. He was apprehended shortly
thereafter by a NYSP K-9 unit.
I was notified of the trip on
Monday, June 2nd, at approximately
11:15 a.m. and was on a plane to
Binghamton, N.Y. at 4:00 p.m. When
I arrived at my hotel I was contacted
by a NYSP sergeant and told that
I would be picked up shortly by a
marked patrol unit. The trooper
that picked me up had worked with
Tpr. Skinner and stated that he was
a thirteen year veteran, father of two
and was engaged to be married. He
was described to me as a hardworking,
letter of the law type of trooper who
had a quirky sense of humor, was
dedicated to his family and loved
working on his farm in his off time.
After being picked up I was taken
to a get together for the New York
and out of state troopers. In my
eighteen and a half years of service
to the department I have never
experienced outside of Michigan the
type of hospitality, camaraderie and
Tpr. Christopher Skinner
brotherhood that I was shown by
the troopers of the New York State
Police. Between dinner, refreshments
and talking to hundreds of troopers,
sergeants and command officers, I
was thanked repeatedly for attending
and constantly asked if I needed
anything. We were treated to many
different songs performed by the
New York State Police Pipe and
Drum Corps and I must admit when
“Amazing Grace” was played and
glasses were raised there weren’t many
dry eyes left in the room.
The next day the funeral service
for Tpr. Skinner was held at the First
Baptist Church in Union, New York.
Several thousand law enforcement
officers and civilians attended and the
roadways in Binghamton and along
the route to the church were filled
with people holding flags and signs of
love and support for Trooper Skinner.
Before the service the first sergeant
who was the funeral detail commander asked me to find twelve of the
sharpest looking out of state troopers. I did so and was instructed to line
the troopers along the entryway to the
church. We were given the high honor
of being the first troopers that Tpr.
Skinner passed as he was brought
into the church. Family members, fellow troopers, Governor Cuomo and
NYSP Superintendent D’Amico all
spoke of a hardworking, dedicated
and humble trooper who was always
there for others and willing to lend a
hand when needed. At the end of the
service a “final call” was broadcast
and military honors were rendered. A
private family procession and interment followed.
After the service a luncheon was
held in Binghamton. Troopers from
multiple states attended and I was
introduced to several of Tpr. Skinner’s
family members. They were all very
gracious and thanked all of us for
traveling to attend the funeral. It was
an incredibly humbling experience.
This was an especially trying time
for the New York State Police as
Trooper Skinner was the fifth line
of duty death in their department
in a period of only ten months. My
sincere thanks to all of the NYSP for
the hospitality and graciousness they
showed in spite of the tremendous
losses they had recently sustained; it is
a testament to the professionalism of
their department.
For me personally there is no
higher honor than to be able to
render honors to the fallen. My sin
cere thanks to the MSPTA, F/Lt. Phil
Menna, Inspector Jim Shaw, Capt.
Monica Yesh and the MSP Executive
Staff for allowing me to continue to
represent the department in the state
and around the country when a fellow
law enforcement officer falls in the
line of duty. Be safe. ■
M I C H I G A N S TAT E P O L I C E
Michigan State Police Troopers Association
Retiree Associate Membership Application
T R O O P E R S A S S O C I A T I O N, I N C .
•R E T I R E E C O M M I T T E E •
A Proud Tradition Since 1917
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL: July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015
(Note: If you were enrolled through June 30, 2014, your membership has remained current to date.)
It is time once again to invite you to renew your associate (retiree) membership with the Michigan State Police
Troopers’ Association. If you are not a current member, we invite you to join now.
The organization’s mission is to focus on the challenges of retirement and secure your future by helping provide you
and your family with a quality standard of living. Associate membership in the MSPTA helps you to stay connected.
As an associate member you will also receive the Trooper Magazine, yearly pocket calendar, and secure access to
the MSPTA’s website.
RENEWALS (OR IF JOINING FOR THE FIRST TIME) CAN BE PROCESSED BY MAIL OR ONLINE.
A printout of the information on file is being mailed to your home. (Blank applications were enclosed if no
information is on file.) Please verify/complete your information and enclose the form with your check or money
order in the postage paid envelope provided. To renew online with a credit card payment, go to: www.mspta.net.
If you are the surviving spouse of a retired enlisted member, you may update your information online or by mail.
Our most critical expenditure in the coming year will be in the political area. The Retirees’ Political Action
Committee (PAC) fund is essential if we are to be effective. This year up to 50% of your dues may be used for the
MSP Retiree PAC. The remainder of your dues will be placed in the retirees’ general fund. Additional contributions
to the Retirees’ Political Action Committee are always greatly appreciated. PAC donations can be made whether
renewing online or by mail.
Your associate membership will help ensure the success of our efforts. One of our most important partners is
the Michigan State Police Command Officers Association (MSPCOA). We must WORK TOGETHER on issues
affecting ALL RETIREES. This is best done if we are all united in our efforts. We encourage those who are eligible
to be members of both organizations. Please encourage any retiree you know to participate with a membership.
Standing on the sidelines and watching does nothing to maintain a quality standard of living for you and your family.
We feel you will find our efforts are in line with your concerns. Should you have any questions about your
renewal, please contact Pat at the MSPTA office, 517-336-7782 x110, during regular business hours, or by email:
[email protected]. Your participation as an associate member is greatly appreciated.
Diane Garrison, Chair
MSPTA Associate Membership Committee
dianeg@mspta or [email protected]
Spouse’s Name

Last
First
Middle
Last
First
Middle
I am the Surviving Spouse of a Retired Member:

ALL INFORMATION IS CURRENT
BOX A
IF YES, Skip to Box B
PLEASE UPDATE CHANGES INDICATED
NOTE: The Michigan Trooper magazine will be changing
to a quarterly publication schedule. Each issue is
posted on the website. If you still prefer to receive the
Trooper magazine by mail, please indicate below.
Date of Birth
Recruit School #

Retirement Date

Rank at Retirement
BOX B
 YES  NO
YES – I want to continue to receive the Michigan Trooper
magazine by mail.
NO – I no longer wish to receive the Michigan Trooper
magazine by mail.
Please Complete/ Verify Address Information
Permanent Address
Street
Permanent Address
City
Land Line
State
Cell Phone
E-mail Address
Zip
(Please disregard email address
appearing in all capital letters –
database does this automatically.)
RETIREE MEMBERSHIP DUES THROUGH JUNE 30, 2015

$15 if retired prior to October 1, 1987


$40 if retired on or after October 1, 1987
$0 (NO FEE) Surviving Spouse of a Retired Member
MEMBERSHIP FEE:
Please note that up to 50% of your dues payment may be used for the Michigan State Police Retirees PAC.
$15.00 if you retired prior to October 1, 1987.
Checks or Money Orders Only – Please Do NOT Send Cash! (Sorry – we do not accept payment by credit card.)
$40.00 if you retired on or after October 1, 1987.
NO FEE if you are the
surviving spouse of a former member.
1715 Abbey Road, Suite B • East Lansing, Michigan 48823 • 517.336.7782 • Facsimile: 517.336.8997
Website: www.mspta.net
Retiree Name
(D) Deceased
(SS) Surviving Spouse
Dear Retired Enlisted Member:
Respectfully,
Membership Year: July 1, 2014 – June 30, 2015
Payable to: MSPTA Retirees
Additional PAC Donation
$
Total Amount Enclosed
$
Check #
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
 ENTERED
▪ Summer 2014 ▪ 59
Final Call
Trooper Gabriel Rich
Alaska State Troopers
Sergeant Scott Johnson
Alaska State Troopers
End of Watch: Thursday, May 1, 2014 Age: 26 Tour of Duty: 7 years, 6 months Badge Number: 46 Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: May 1, 2014
End of Watch: Thursday, May 1, 2014 Age: 45 Tour of Duty: 23 years Badge Number: 144 Cause of Death: Gunfire Date of Incident: May 1, 2014
Trooper Gabriel Rich and Sergeant Scott Johnson were shot and killed while investigating reports that a person had
brandished a firearm in the village of Tanana several days earlier. Both troopers had gone to a home on Front Street to
speak to the suspect. At some point during the investigation they were fatally shot inside the home. One subject was taken
into custody following the incident.
Trooper Rich served with the Alaska State Troopers for 3-1/2 years and had previously served with the North Pole Police
Department for four years. He is survived by his two sons, fiancée, and parents.
Sergeant Johnson served with the Alaska State Troopers for 20 years and had previously served with the North Slope
Borough Police Department for three years. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, parents, and siblings. ■
Trooper Chelsea Richard
Florida Highway Patrol
End of Watch: Saturday, May 3, 2014 Age: 30 Tour of Duty: 9 years Badge Number: 1087 Cause of Death: Struck by Vehicle Date of Incident: May 3, 2014
Trooper Chelsea Richard was struck and killed by a vehicle while investigating an accident on I-75, near mile marker
341, at approximately 2:00 pm. The vehicles involved in the accident had been moved to the shoulder. She was speaking
with a tow truck driver and a family member of a crash victim when another accident occurred at the same location. A pickup truck pulling a trailer left the roadway and struck all three individuals, killing Trooper Richard and the tow
truck driver. The third pedestrian suffered severe injuries and died several days later.
Trooper Richard served with the Florida Highway Patrol for nine years and was assigned to the Ocala District Office. She is survived by her 4-year-old son, parents, and grandparents. ■
Trooper Christopher Skinner
New York State Police
End of Watch: Thursday, May 29, 2014 Age: 42 Tour of Duty: 13 years Badge Number: Not Available Cause of Death: Vehicular Assault Date of Incident: May 29, 2014
Trooper Christopher Skinner was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on I-81 in Broome County. He was conducting
a traffic stop just north of Exit 6, between Chenango Bridge and Castle Creek, when he was struck. The driver who struck
him continued driving up the interstate until stopping and running into the woods. He was apprehended approximately
one hour later following a search of the area.
Trooper Skinner served with the New York State Police for 13 years and was assigned to the Traffic Incident Management.
He was survived by two children, mother, brother, and fiancée. ■
Tpr. Harold E. Anderson
Sgt. Milan Pratt
Tpr. John P. Clinton
Sgt. Harvey Bolen
Tpr. William F. Martz
Tpr. Howard H. Funk
Cpl. Sam Mapes
Tpr. Delos A. Williams
Tpr. John S. Burke
Tpr. Richard F. Hammond
Tpr. Irvine F. Wurm
Tpr. John W. Cain
Tpr. Charles T. Wood
Tpr. Ralph L. Broullire
Tpr. John D. Ryan
Tpr. George R. Branny
Sgt. Perry L. Critchell
Tpr. Calvin R. Jones
Tpr. George E. Lappi
Tpr. Bert A. Pozza
Tpr. Dugald A. Pellot
Tpr. Albert W. Souden
Det. Robert R. Gonser
Tpr. Carl P. Lindberg
Tpr. Roger M. Adams
Tpr. Gary T. Rampy
Tpr. Charles B. Stark
Tpr. Steven B. DeVries
Tpr. Darryl M. Rantanen
Tpr. Larry L. Forreider
Tpr. Norman R. Killough
D/Sgt. Harry Sorenson
D/Sgt. David Hubbard
Tpr. Allan Peterson
Tpr. Craig A. Scott
Tpr. Vicki Moreau-DeVries
Tpr. Tony Thames
Tpr. Robert Mihalik
Tpr. Paul L. Hutchins
Tpr. James E. Boland
Tpr. Kermit Fitzpatrick
Tpr. James R. DeLoach
Tpr. Steven J. Niewiek
Tpr. Byron J. Erickson
Tpr. Bryon S. Egelski
Tpr. Manuel H. Fields
Tpr. Frederick A. Hardy
Tpr. Rick L. Johnson
Tpr. Kevin M. Marshall
Tpr. Jeffrey J. Werda
Tpr. Paul K. Butterfield II
March 12, 1921
April 15, 1922
January 8, 1923
May 4, 1923
March 12, 1925
July 8, 1926
May 1, 1927
July 30, 1929
October 13, 1930
January 20, 1937
January 26, 1941
November 26, 1941
April 14, 1942
March 16, 1943
March 3, 1950
April 12, 1950
March 20, 1954
February 10, 1956
November 19, 1956
November 19, 1956
September 30, 1957
September 3, 1959
August 8, 1968
May 26, 1969
May 14, 1971
December 31, 1971
December 31, 1971
October 12, 1972
May 27, 1974
December 5, 1974
October 7, 1978
December 5, 1978
September 16, 1980
August 29, 1981
February 9, 1982
July 22, 1982
June 12, 1983
September 9, 1984
August 29, 1985
July 26, 1987
July 7, 1991
February 1, 1992
February 2, 1992
July 31, 1993
July 11, 1994
August 27, 1994
November 6, 1999
May 6, 2000
July 7, 2003
April 6, 2011
September 9, 2013
Non Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Lansing, MI
Permit #515
MICHIGAN TROOPER
Michigan State Police
Troopers Association
1715 Abbey Road Suite B
East Lansing MI 48823
Sine
The badge number on the cover of the Michigan Trooper is in honor of Tpr. Paul
Butterfield II, badge number 1190. On September 9, 2013, Tpr. Butterfield was
shot and killed while making a traffic stop on Custer Road, near Townline Road, in Mason County, at approximately 6:20 pm. A few minutes after radioing in the
stop, a citizen called 911 to report a trooper had been shot. Responding units located Tpr. Butterfield on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He
was flown to Munson Medical Center where he succumbed to his wounds while
in surgery. Trooper Paul Kenyon Butterfield II, age 43, joined the Michigan State Police in 1999 as part of the 118th Trooper Recruit School. His assignments included
the Manistee and Hart Posts. Trooper Butterfield was a U.S. Army veteran and had
served with the Michigan State Police for 14 years. He is the 51st Michigan State Police officer killed in the line of duty.
Pari
Next Quarterly Meeting
Saturday, October 18, 2014
(Lodging Friday, 10/17 & Saturday, 10/18)
Double JJ Ranch – Rothbury, MI
Registration Deadline is Friday, September 19, 2014*
Call and make your reservation today! (800) 368-2535
(*RSVP’s will be accepted after the deadline if space is available.)
Identify yourself as a member of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association.

Michigan Trooper

Transcription

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