1. law, govt and politics
2. law enforcement
3. highway patrol

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. Jeff Bedell
Training Division............ Sgt. Rob Schwalm
2nd District............... Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Post...........................................Representative(s)
Metro........................................Tpr. Rich Fell
Tpr. Joel Kuhn
Tpr. Daniel Martin
Gaming.............................Tpr. Marcus Wise
SID...........................Tpr. Darrin Grandison
Tpr. Raymond Rollet
Northville Lab........ S/Sgt. Kathleen Lewis
Sterling Hts. Lab.........S/Sgt. Tim Ketvirtis
3rd District................. Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh
Post...........................................Representative(s)
Tri-City..........................Tpr. Justin Kemerer
Tpr. Donald Pisha
Tpr. Don Reich
West Branch.......................Tpr. Jeff Devine
Tpr. Gregg Kopkau
Caro......................................Tpr. Lori Meyer
Lapeer.........................Tpr. Eric Hofmeister
Tpr. Brandon Rutt
Tpr. Chris Tuckey
Flint............................. Tpr. Troy Bonadurer
Tpr. Josh Coulter
Sgt. Pat Roti
3rd District HQ............. Sgt. Clinton Keene
Bridgeport Lab...................................Vacant
5th District..........Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Post...........................................Representative(s)
Paw Paw..........................Tpr. O.J. Hamilton
Wayland...................... Tpr. Taylor Bonovetz
Tpr. Kellie Summerhays
Niles....................................Tpr. Jeff Miazga
Tpr. James Janes
Coldwater............................Tpr. Jim McRae
Tpr. Jereme Miller
6th District............... Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh
Post...........................................Representative(s)
Rockford...................Tpr. Chris Bommarito
Tpr. Hugh Welsh
Hart..................................Tpr. Dan Thomas
Mt. Pleasant........................Tpr. Doug Hunt
Lakeview.............................. Tpr. Jim Yeager
Tpr. Rob Metivier
Grand Rapids Lab.......S/Sgt. Shawn Baker
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
7th District..........................Tpr. Paul Stone
Post...........................................Representative(s)
Cadillac............................. Tpr. Rick Pearson
Tpr. Kat Wicker
Houghton Lake..............Tpr. Bert Richards
Tpr. Harold Terry
Gaylord........................Tpr. Jason Nemecek
Tpr. DeLynn Rice
Alpena..........................Tpr. Chris Wicklund
Grayling Lab.......................................Vacant
8th District.................... Tpr. David Cowen
Post...........................................Representative(s)
Negaunee.................... Tpr. Jonah Bonovetz
Sault Ste. Marie..........Sgt. Kristyn Kuenzer
St. Ignace...................... Tpr. John Ferguson
Gladstone.......................... Tpr. Pat Madden
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. Mark Tamlyn
Know your rights . . .
protect your rights!
Region 1 D/Sergeant D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
Region 2 D/Sergeant D/Sgt. Bob Tomassi
2015 Committee Appointments
Associate Membership
(Retiree Committee)
Diane Garrison (Ret.)*
John Boggs (Ret.)
Gordon Gotts (Ret.)
Alan Shaw (Ret.)
Roger Warner (Ret.)
Matthew Wesaw (Ret.)
Tpr. Adam Starkweather
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
Sgt. Mark Tamlyn
Mr. Larry Schneider, Esq.
Constitution & Bylaws
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt*
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Sgt. Mark Tamlyn
Discipline Advocates
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok*
Tpr. Eric Byerly Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh Tpr. David Cowen
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
Tpr. Nate Johnson Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Tpr. Adam Starkweather
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens Sgt. Mark Tamlyn Sgt. Frank Williams
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh*
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Mr. Larry Schneider, Esq.
Elections
Sgt. Frank Williams*
Tpr. Eric Byerly
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Tpr. Bert Richards
Emergency Telephone
Service Committee
(State 911)
Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Finance
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens*
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh**
Tpr. Dave Cowen
Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh
Sgt. Frank Williams
Grievance
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok*
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt**
S/Sgt. Allan Avery
Tpr. Herman Brown Tpr. Josh Coulter
Tpr. Rich Fell Sgt. Dennis Harris
Tpr. Amy Hofmeister Tpr. Nate Horan
Tpr. Jay Kurowski
Tpr. Jim McRae
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
D/Sgt. Jay Poupard
Tpr. Trevor Radke Tpr. Paul Stone
Tpr. Kellie Summerhays
D/Tpr. Bob Tomassi
D/Sgt. Sally Wolter
Mr. Larry Schneider, Esq.
MCOLES
Tpr. Nate Johnson
MSTAF
Tpr. Joe Rowley*
Tpr. Rick Doehring
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Tpr. Rob Schwalm
Tpr. Wes Smith D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
Sgt. Mark Tamlyn
Publications
Sgt. John Faccio Editor in Chief
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Tpr. Carissa Horan Tpr. Nate Horan Tpr. Lisa Lucio
MSP Retirement Board
D/Sgt. Mitchell Stevens
Safety
Tpr. Joe Cavanaugh*
D/Sgt. Bill Eberhardt
Tpr. David Cowen
Uniform Equipment
Tpr. Adam Starkweather*
Tpr. Eric Byerly
Tpr. Paul Stone
Sergeants-At-Arms
Tpr. Rick Doehring Sgt. John Grimshaw Tpr. Hugh Welsh
Legal
General Counsel (In-House)
Lawrence P. Schneider, Esq.
Labor Counsel
Ms. Kathleen Boyle, Esq.
White, Schneider, Young
& Chiodini, P.C.
Training
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok*
Tpr. Eric Byerly Tpr. Josh Coulter
Tpr. Kelly Linebaugh
Tpr. Jay Morningstar
Tpr. Adam Starkweather
Transfer Review Board
Tpr. Jay Morningstar*
Tpr. Adam Starkweather Sgt. Frank Williams
Office Staff
Administrative Assistant
Karyn Centofanti
Marketing Director
Pat Strzalkowski
* Denotes Chair or Co-Chair ** Denotes Vice Chair
1 ▪ Michigan
▪ Road, Suite B • East Lansing, MI 48823 • (517) 336-7782 • Fax: (517) 336-8997 • Website: www.mspta.net
Michigan
Trooper •Trooper 1715 Abbey
MAGAZINE
Published by the Michigan State Police Troopers Association
Winter 2015
On the Cover
A snowy winter day provides a nice background to the quintessential Blue Goose! (Photo courtesy of Kim Dowling, MSP Photo Lab)
In this Issue
14
16
18
Departments
From the President’s Desk................................................................2
Vice President’s View.........................................................................3
Counsel’s Corner.................................................................................4
Register of Deeds.............................................................................28
In Memory of Our Retirees............................................................29
Final Call............................................................................................32
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
­unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially. No responsibilities can be
assumed for unsolicited materials.
Letters or articles must be accompanied by the writer’s true name and address.
Due to legal requirements and the potential financial liability for libel ­imposed upon
the Michigan State Police Troopers Association, the Editor of the Michigan Trooper
reserves the absolute right to select, edit, and reject all articles for publication. When an article is selected for publication, writers are assured of freedom of expression within necessary limits of good taste, available space, and legal requirements.
The Michigan Trooper is published bi-monthly by the Michigan State Police
Troopers Association.
For information about securing permission to reprint Michigan Trooper articles,
please address inquiries to the Editor.
Features
Unit Spotlight: Special Operations Division,
Cyber Section By: Tpr. Liz Hunt........................................................................ 7
Emergency Medical Care During Critical Incidents By: Tpr. Ben Sonstrom................................................................... 9
Safe Roads YES!............................................................................... 10
Gaylord Post Trooper Named Trooper of the Year................... 12
Ask A Trooper ...
‘The Peacock Vow’ is Officers’ Resolution By: Sgt. Mike Sura...................................................................... 13
Poverty Troopers Catch Up Bill(s) By: F/Lt. Diane Garrison (Ret.)................................................ 14
MSPTA January Quarterly By: Tpr. Eric Byerly..................................................................... 15
The Cost of Organized Fitness –
Reducing Workers’ Compensation Claims By: Tpr. Steven D. Unruh........................................................... 19
Board of Awards...............................................................................24
Passing the Torch By: Sgt. Todd Parsons..................................................................27
Trooper’s Legacy Lives On After 40 Years................................. 29
From the Archives ...
A Day With A State Trooper in 1941......................................30
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 1
From the President’s Desk
It has officially been one year
since I hung up
my uniform and
transitioned into
this
position
after nearly 20
years of looking down at the
shoulder patch
on my blue uniform and taking
pride in hitting
Trooper Nate Johnson
the streets. Although I miss it, there is no better therapy than welcoming new challenges and having the opportunity to serve the members of
this organization daily. There is definitely a much different perspective to be had from this vantage point. A
perspective that continues to validate that we are not
resting on reputation alone, but rather continuing to
build one through the great work that’s being done every­ day and is echoed throughout the political arena. For
­example, results found in the Secure Cities Partnership
indicate that we are making Michigan safer by helping
­reduce ­violent crime in Detroit by 20.2%, Flint by 28.1%,
Pontiac by 28.3%, and Saginaw by 26.7%. Even with a
budget deficit, the Governor plans to continue to build on
this effective program in fiscal year 2016.
Members in attendance at the January quarterly in
Grand Rapids were privy to an update on the status of
the budget, and received an overview of the State’s budget
procedure, including how the MSPTA is involved in the
process. With recent revenue projections and the Governor’s budget proposal, now is a good time to highlight key
components of the proposed budget and the far-reaching
affect they may have on MSP in the coming years.
I have found that many agree when I say it feels like the
State had a surplus of funds during the election and now
with the election over we are at the bargaining table and
the state is crying poor. In November, we heard campaigns
of an improved economy and Michigan’s road to recovery
and two months later the State announces a projected revenue shortfall in the hundreds of millions for the current
and coming fiscal years. Members have expressed concern
that the announcement conveniently coincides with the
middle of bargaining. To help better understand the issues
at play I want to review three areas of influence: Michigan
business tax credits, revenue estimating conference, and
2 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
Vice President’s View
the Governor’s proposed budget.
FIRST
REVENUE
ESTIMATING
CONFERENCE
Supplemental/
Transfer
Adjustments
Reports, Review,
Prepare for
Next Budget
Throughout
Year
Second Week of
January
July through
January
Budget
Schedule
Set
Late January
Governor
Review/
Line Item Vetos/
Signature
Presentation of
Governor’s
Budget
Recommendation
June
Early February
Conference
Committee/
Final Floor Action
Subcommittee
Deliberations
Late May/
Early June
February and
March
Italicized dates
are optimal estimates
Appropriations
Committee
Action
Leadership
Targets
Mid-/Late May
Early April
SECOND
REVENUE
ESTIMATING
CONFERENCE
Third Week of May
Floor Action
Second House
Review
Late April
Early May
The above diagram provided by the Senate Fiscal Agency depicts budget development as a 13-step process that
occurs throughout the year. By law, the Governor is required to propose an executive budget for State activities
on an annual basis and submit the proposed budget to the
legislature within 30 days following the convening of regular session on the second Wednesday in January. Prior to
announcing the budget a revenue estimating conference
is held. It is at this time the State determines the viable
revenue for the current fiscal year and estimates revenue
(appropriations) for the next fiscal year. In ­January, a $325
million revenue shortfall was announced for the remainder of ­fiscal year 2014/2015 and another $532 million deficit is anticipated for fiscal year 2015/2016.
To understand the revenue problem Michigan is currently experiencing we look first at the business tax credits that were offered primarily between 2008 and 2010.
During this time approximately $1.8 billion in credits
were distributed each year and now companies are eligible for rebates of $14,310 per job created and $74,661 per
job retained. There is no predictability with these rebates.
Eligibility for many companies will continue through
2032 with limited forecasting year-to-year of what will be
cashed in. As such, the State is now positioned to potensee PRESIDENT, page 6
On Tuesday, February 3, 2015
three bills were signed by Governor
Rick Snyder creating three new Memorial Highways in Michigan.
Senate Bill 1146, sponsored by
Sen. Jim Marleau, R-Lake Orion.
That bill renamed Scott Lake Road in
Oakland County the “Trooper James
R. DeLoach and Trooper Steven J.
Niewiek Memorial Highway.”
While patrolling in Car 2712 at approximately 11 p.m. on February 1,
1992, Troopers DeLoach and Niewiek overheard Oakland County Dispatch report that a trooper needed
assistance at the Deer Lake Inn. They
responded to the call, traveling northbound on Scott Lake Road with their
overhead light and siren operating.
Witnesses reported that the patrol
car passed a line of six vehicles which
had stopped for the flashing lights
and crossing gates at the Canadian-National North America railroad
crossing just south of Winton Road.
Car 2712 pulled into the southbound
lane of Scott Lake Road to pass these
vehicles, slowed almost to a stop at
the tracks, then accelerated around
the crossing gates into the path of an
eastbound train.
The patrol car exploded on impact
and was thrown approximately 400’
east and north of the crossing. Several citizens pulled Trooper Niewiek
from the passenger side of the flaming wreck, but they were unable to
extricate Trooper DeLoach, who was
pinned in the driver’s seat. Flames and
exploding ammunition prevented further rescue attempts. It was later determined that Trooper DeLoach died
instantly upon impact.
Trooper Niewiek was transported to Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital
where he expired during surgery at
about 3:35 a.m. on February 2, 1992.
Trooper DeLoach was the 42nd
MSP officer to die in the line of duty.
Trooper Niewiek was the 43rd MSP
officer to die in the line of duty.
House Bill 4923, sponsored by
state Rep. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton,
was approved in the House and Senate last December. Public Act 436 of
2014 renames a stretch of I-94 from
roughly Mattawan to the Watervliet
rest area the “Trooper Rick L. Johnson Memorial Freeway.”
Trooper Rick L. Johnson died as a
result of injuries sustained when he
was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on I-94 in Van Buren
County, Saturday, May 6, 2000.
At 7:00 a.m. Saturday, May 6,
Trooper Johnson reported for duty at
the Paw Paw Post. He was assigned to
the day shift.
At approximately 11:56 a.m.,
Trooper Johnson stopped a motor vehicle on westbound I-94, one quarter
of a mile east of M-51, for defective
equipment. Trooper Johnson stopped
the vehicle, occupied by two subjects,
on the north shoulder of the roadway. Trooper Johnson approached the
stopped vehicle on the passenger side,
making contact with the driver and
other occupant of the vehicle. After
speaking with the occupants, Trooper
Johnson started to return to his patrol vehicle. As Trooper Johnson was
walking back between the patrol vehicle and the vehicle he had stopped,
a third vehicle drove off the roadway
and struck the rear of his patrol unit.
The impact of the collision first
pinned Trooper Johnson between the
two vehicles, and then trapped him
underneath his patrol unit as it spun
into the travel lanes. Trooper Johnson
was extricated and treated at the scene
by emergency personnel, then flown
by Air Care to Bronson Hospital in
the city of Kalamazoo. Shortly after
arrival at the hospital, Trooper Johnson was pronounced dead due to injuries sustained in the crash.
D/Sgt. Duane Hickok
The driver of the vehicle which
struck Trooper Johnson was a 21-yearold female. She had reportedly been
distracted by actions within her vehicle. She had driven off the roadway,
onto the shoulder before striking the
patrol vehicle. In addition to herself,
other occupants of the vehicle included her mother and two young children. The occupants of the vehicle
were treated and released at Bronson
Hospital.
After review by the Van Buren
County Prosecutor Office, the driver of the vehicle was charged with
Negligent Homicide. She was later arraigned on the charge at the 7th East
District Court in Paw Paw.
Ironically, just the day before his
fatal accident, Trooper Johnson had
successfully talked a suicidal man out
of jumping off of an overpass just a
mile away from what would become
the scene of his own death.
Trooper Rick L. Johnson is the
48th MSP officer to die in the line of
duty.
House Bill 5257, sponsored by
Rep. Ray Franz, R-Onekama, renames
a stretch of M-116 along the Lake
Michigan shoreline leading into Ludington State Park from the Lincoln
see VICE PRESIDENT, page 8
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 3
Counsel’s Corner
Body Cameras for Police: The Issues
That No One Seems to be Willing to Talk About
Lawrence P. Schneider
MSPTA General Counsel
I have represented the Michigan
State Police Troopers Association
since 1979. I remember years ago
when dash cameras in patrol cars were
first introduced. Like most of the
troopers I represented, I was skeptical and concerned at the time. There
was a fear that vindictive supervisors
would mine video footage for traffic
violations or other technical violations
of the Official Orders by members. It
did not happen. In fact, today, I am
an ardent supporter of dash cameras.
Whether it was footage from an MSP
patrol car or another agency’s patrol
car, these cameras have vindicated the
actions of many, many troopers. Just
ask Trooper Jay Morningstar.
The first time I heard about the
idea of police officers wearing body
cameras, I was intrigued. But as I dug
into the topic, I realized that there is a
rather substantial difference between
a video camera mounted on the dashboard of a patrol car and a video camera being worn on the body of a police officer. When a patrol car turns,
the dash camera turns as well. At all
times, its view is toward the front of
4 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
the patrol car, although some cars
have cameras that can be reversed
when a passenger is in the back seat
of the car.
Where does a police officer wear
a body camera to make sure that the
camera records exactly what the officer is looking at? Shoulder? Belt?
Neck? Yet cameras placed in this
manner would only capture things
that occur in the same direction as the
officer’s torso is facing. If the camera
is intended to capture what the officer
actually sees, there is only one place
on the body that would do a fair job
of accomplishing that. The camera
would have to be affixed to the officer’s forehead, preferably between
the eyebrows. Also, it would require
a very compact camera. What would
the cost be for this type of forehead
camera?
What about the “field of view”
on body cameras? As a photography
hobbyist, I know that the average person has a field of view (also referred
to as peripheral vision) of about 100°.
Camera lenses can increase that angle
dramatically, so a single photograph
can depict far more than what the
photographer saw when she pushed
the shutter down. I notice that some
body camera manufacturers offer
cameras that capture a much wider field of view (e.g., 160°); in other
words, it would record things on the
periphery of a scene that the police
officer was not capable of seeing.
Where a body camera captures images that were not seen by the police
officer, it has been necessary in some
court cases to hire an expert witness
to explain to the jury why the human
eye cannot see exactly the same thing
that the camera sees. What would the
cost be to compensate these expert
witnesses? Who would pay the cost?
I recently needed a video recording
captured by a dash camera in a case
I was handling. It was just under two
minutes long. It occupied 33 megabytes of space on my computer. My
math tells me that one hour of video would occupy about 1 gigabyte of
computer space. If one trooper recorded 1,000 hours of his or her work
activities on video during one year,
that would occupy 1 terabyte of data.
That is twice the capacity of my current computer. I checked the Internet
and found a cheap 25 terabyte external hard drive advertised for just over
$2,000. Let us suppose that device
would cover 25 troopers who routinely work patrol duties. If we assumed
1,000 troopers recorded 1,000 hours
of video in a year, that would run at
least $80,000 annually just for storage
space. (I suspect the State’s existing IT infrastructure is not equipped to
handle that additional data at this
time, so new data storage equipment
would be required.)
When cameras are used to record
critical information, the need for an
offsite backup system becomes very
important. A fire, tornado, or other
disaster can easily destroy computers.
It only makes sense to get all of this
video footage on a single device with
an offsite backup system (e.g., “in
the cloud”). I defer to the Michigan
Department of Technology, Man­
agement, and Budget on the cost to
accomplish this. I am already way out
of my comfort zone. If fact, I assume that DTMB would need to be
involved in this whole process. It does
not seem to be a task that would be
appropriate for the MSP FOIA Unit.
I recently worked on a case where
MSP officers and other police officers
executed a search warrant. When no
one answered the door, the officers
entered by force, only to be met by
an innocent woman walking out of
the shower without any clothing. This
raised questions in my mind. Would
the police officers be required in such
a case to turn off the camera? But is
not that camera footage the only thing
that can prove that the officers did
not molest the woman? What should
happen in these circumstances?
At a recent meeting where several
officers from different agencies were
present, I asked if anyone had every
responded to a domestic violence call
where they encountered a person in
a nude or semi-nude state. I was surprised to learn that every officer present had at least one such experience. I
was not able to determine how many
of these semi-clothed persons were
actually the victims of crime. Yet domestic violence cases would seem to
be one of the most important times
for police officers to be wearing body
cameras that are activated. What
should the rules be in these “awkward” situations? How do we afford
protections to these victims without
increasing their frustration and humiliation? How do we simultaneously
protect the officers?
As I write this article, Michigan
has just amended its Freedom of Information Act to make it much faster, easier and less expensive to get a
public record. A public record is very
broadly defined as virtually any tangible item “prepared, owned, used,
in the possession of, or retained by a
public body in the performance of an
official function, from the time that it
is created.” That would include all of
the video footage taken by body cameras. But the Michigan Freedom of
Information Act is not the only law
that regulates what is public information and what is not. The federal law
referred to as “HIPAA” regulates disclosure of medical information. State
and Federal laws restrict the disclosure of criminal and licensing information obtained through LEIN.
Who will be responsible for reviewing all of this video footage to ascertain that before body camera video
is released to the public, all nudity is
redacted, all private medical information is redacted, all information that
would be in violation of LEIN laws
is redacted, etc.? Who will pay these
persons to review the video? How will
they accomplish the redactions? How
will they do so in a timely manner?
With what video equipment and software? Who will pay for all of this?
We already know that internet
sites such as YouTube will gobble
up any video that exposes police officers in an embarrassing light. What
if these videos were used to create a
new YouTube site devoted to “Idiots We Have Stopped for Speeding”
or “Legislators and Judges Caught in
the Act”? If ­police officers obtained
their own body camera videos under
the Freedom of Information Act and
could use them as any other private
citizen, does anyone really think that
they would not find a willing market?
Would the public be outraged? Or
amused?
We already know that many patrols cars are sent out each day with
dash cameras that are not functioning properly (through no fault of the
officer in charge of the patrol car). I
have been told that some judges are
dismissing drunk driving cases where
video is not available. Could constitutional arguments be made that any
defendant who allegedly commits
a crime in the presence of a police
officer but who was not videotaped
has been deprived of due process or
exculpatory information? Trooper
Paul Butterfield’s dash camera was
not working (through no fault of his
own) on September 9, 2013 when he
was murdered by a motorist he had
stopped for a traffic violation.
In 1891, James Naismith developed the sport of basketball. It was a
great idea. But Naismith did not begin
by giving two teams a round bouncy
ball and telling them that whichever
team put the ball through the hoop
the most times in 30 minutes won the
game. That would have resulted in
chaos. A set of rules were established
that distinguish basketball from hockey, soccer and football.
Like the sport of basketball, body
cameras for police officers is a great
concept. All we need is a set of rules
that governs the participants, referees, and the fans. As of now, we have
none.
The Legislature of Michigan is
urged to carefully and thoughtfully
consider all of these issues and establish the rules first. Hold hearings.
­Obtain information about the total
fiscal impact of body cameras. Address all funding issues beyond the
mere cost of a body camera. Address
critical privacy issues. Consider constitutional issues involving criminal
procedure. This is just the tip of the
iceberg of the issues that need to be
addressed. In the end, we citizens
are the ones who will have to pay for
body cameras on police officers. It
should be evident that the actual cost
will far exceed the mere cost of the
camera. People more knowledgeable
than me on this topic tell me that the
cost will be in the millions.
We live in a society today that is
becoming increasingly concerned
about governmental monitoring of
the activities of its citizens. Simultaneously, the same society is becoming
increasingly concerned about the accountability of its public servants. As
long as our public servants personally
interact with our citizens, we cannot
have it both ways. We need a comprehensive set of rules about police body
cameras that carefully weighs and accommodates the needs of society as
a whole. Then we have to figure out
how to pay for it.
Otherwise, we will have complete
and total chaos. ■
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 5
from PRESIDENT, page 2
tially pay out more than they will receive. Thus, creating
revenue shortages for the current fiscal year and beyond.
These tax credits work much like your personal mortgage
interest tax exemption. Your exemption reduces your overall federal tax bill, so if you’ve over estimated your withholdings so you don’t owe when you file your taxes, you
will likely ­receive a refund check at the end of the year.
With more than 300,000 jobs added since 2010, the State
is seeing both large and small companies reaching the contractual trigger of eligibility and sizeable rebate checks are
being written out of the State’s general fund causing our
improving economy to have a negative impact on current
revenues and budgets.
Closer to home, we are seeing two things happening as
a result of shortfalls announced from the revenue estimating conference. MSP will be seeing an adjustment to the
tune of $23 million dollars for the 2014/2015 fiscal year
budget. (A budget that started in October of 2014 from
revenue projections made in January 2014.) Local news­
papers described the announced cuts as spreading the
pain of hundreds of millions of lost dollars across all State
departments. This includes cutting programs and eli­mi­
nating 30-40 full-time State positions (through attrition)
while moderately boosting education, expanding dental
programs for children, and strengthening the Michigan
State Police.
Cuts to Michigan State
Police Budget for FY 14/15
• Reduce funding for trooper school. Reduce funding
for FY15 Trooper School reduced from 100 to 60
graduates.
w $2,827,100
• Eliminate funding for FY15 motor carrier school.
w $3,210,000
• Capitol Security. Eliminate 4 vacant positions.
w $294,000
• Disaster fund lapse. Reduce funding by 16 million
due to less than anticipated claims.
w $16,000,000
• Local Public Safety Initiative. Reduce funding for
­local public safety initiatives resulting in less grants
for school safety.
w $500,000
• Urban Search and Rescue Taskforce. Eliminate
funding for taskforce.
w $500,000
UNIT
Projected Michigan State Police
Budget for FY 15/16
• Train 75 new troopers.
w $7,700,000
• Train 10 new motor carrier officers.
Computer Crimes Unit &
Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3)
w $1,000,000
• Resolve sexual assault cases with funding to process
DNA and for prosecution.
w $3,400,000
• Drug policy initiative
w $1,500,000
Even with the proposed cuts, MSP is one of only three
departments that the Governor announced would see
growth in the coming fiscal years. Growing to 1,171 atpost troopers strong upon graduation of the 135 proposed
spots by 2016, the highest level the department has seen
since 2002.
Another budget concern that’s on the horizon is the deteriorating roads in Michigan. These road conditions are
being attributed to an increasing number of traffic crashes.
No doubt this is a safety concern for Michigan travelers,
and an added risk for the millions of miles troopers drive
on patrol. To address the deteriorating roads, the state has
tapped hundreds of millions from the general fund money the last two years. Even with the federal match, this
is still shy of the investment needed to repair Michigan’s
roads and bridges. In May, you will see a ballot proposal to
address revenue for road repair by reconfiguring the fuel
tax and hiking sales tax from 6% to 7%. If the proposal
fails and no other revenue for road funding is passed, it is
probable that additional moneys will be directed from the
already strained general fund, impacting future appropriations for all state programs.
Over the next several weeks I will be attending budget hearings and monitoring administrations for support.
I will be sure to keep the membership apprised of any
changes or concerns. I conclude by saying stay safe and I
look forward to seeing everyone at the April quarterly. ■
Special Operations
Division, Cyber Section
By: Tpr. Liz Hunt
Computer Crimes
3rd District Office
119th Recruit School
On July 13, 2014, Wyoming PD
discovered the decapitated body of a
25-year-old Wyoming man at a local
park. Over the period of several days,
the Wyoming Police had been searching for leads into the death of the man
and the disappearance of the victim’s
18-year-old pregnant girlfriend. Following a search warrant at the victim’s home, Wyoming PD decided to
reach out to the Rockford Computer
Crimes Unit (CCU) for assistance.
Within five hours of turning over a
laptop computer from the residence,
the team had developed a strong lead
for the suspect from a Craigslist posting. Law enforcement was directed
to the home of the suspect where he
was observed leaving the residence in
a vehicle. A pursuit ensued and upon
crashing his vehicle, the suspect took
his own life. They discovered the deceased 18 year old victim and unborn
child in a suitcase in the trunk of the
car. The suspect had made a single
investigative expertise and support to
mistake during the chat on Craigslist
law enforcement agencies across the
that was caught by the CCU team.
state. The MSP also received their
With­out the involvement of the CCU,
the suspect
may have not
been discovered or the
second victim found.
What
was
later called
the ‘Craigslist
Computer Crimes Unit
Killings’, the
­triple homiMission Statement: The Michigan State Police
Computer Crimes Unit is established to provide public
cide caught
education and safety awareness of internet technologies
national meas well as to provide computer forensic and high tech
dia
covercrime
investigative support in the seizure, acquisition,
age as well
and analysis of digital evidence for the law enforcement
as attention
community in the best interest of public safety.
among the
ranks of the
Michigan
State Police
(MSP). This
attention not
only brought
to light the
importance
of the work
completed
Michigan Cyber Command Center (MC3)
by the CCU
Mission Statement: To improve Michigan’s Cyber
but the need
Security
posture through education, collaboration, and
for more reinvestigations.
Vision: Be a leader and partner in law
sources stateenforcement and public safety, with a highly trained, fullwide.
service state police force that is mobile, flexible, The CCU
and
responsive to emerging cyber security needs started
in
across Michigan.
November,
2000, with 12
civilian and
enlisted employees in two offices in
first grant to develop the Michigan
Lansing and Livonia. Over that time,
Internet Crimes Against Children
the unit provided computer-related
(ICAC) Task Force to support the
see CYBER SECTION, page 18
6 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 7
Emergency Medical Care
During Critical Incidents
from VICE PRESIDENT, page 3
River north to the Big Sable River the
“Trooper Paul K. Butterfield II Memorial Highway.”
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.
Trooper Paul K. Butterfield II is
the 51st Michigan State Police officer
to die in the line of duty.
The passage of these bills does not
include funding for the signage or for
the installation. The MSPTA has secured funding through donations to
cover the costs of the Trooper Butterfield Memorial Highway signs. We are
currently exploring options to gath-
er enough funding for the purchase
and installation of the “Trooper Rick
L. Johnson Memorial Freeway” and
the “Trooper James R. DeLoach and
Trooper Steven J. Niewiek Memorial
Highway.” We have not yet seen an estimate of the costs for Trooper Johnson’s signs but due to the installation
being along I-94 it appears these signs
will be considerably more expensive
than the others.
The work done by the legislature
in creating the Memorial Highways is
a great tribute to the memory of our
fallen troopers. Thank you Sen. Jim
Marleau, Rep. Aric Nesbitt and Rep.
Ray Franz for your efforts.
Please stay safe out there! ■
At the Capitol ...
A special thank you
to Representative Brandon
Dillon (D-Grand Rapids)
for inviting MSPTA President
Nate Johnson to represent
the Troopers Association
on the House Floor at
Governor Snyder’s
State of the State address.
8 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
By: Tpr. Ben Sonstrom
Metro Post #21
121st Recruit School
Medical response training for law
enforcement is an important component of initial and ongoing training.
It is also typically viewed as one of
our least favorite topics to endure.
Throughout the years, we have seen
changes in medical response training
based on updates from the American
Red Cross and the American Heart
Association regarding care for choking and pulseless patients. These standards had us treating patients by utilizing the basics of Airway, Breathing,
and Circulation (ABC’s).
Recently however, our priorities
have shifted on several levels. The
events that occurred on September
11, 2001, Oklahoma City bombing,
Boston Marathon bombing, the mass
shootings in schools, malls, and places of business and worship, natural
disasters as well as grave violence
towards police officers, serves as a
wakeup call. The threat continues in
our country and the critical incidents
we encounter become increasingly
violent. Criminals and terrorists are
training to defeat law enforcement.
All of the above has forced us to
re-examine our priorities in regards to
the response to critical incidents.
When deciding how to set priorities for training and equipment we can
look to our military. Over years of experience and valuable lessons learned,
our military has identified the leading
causes of “potentially preventable
death” in the combat environment:
(1) bleeding from extremities, (2) tension pneumothorax, and (3) airway
compromise. Subsequently, in 1996
the military developed and implemented the evidence based medicine
program Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC). The main goals of
TCCC are to: (1) treat the casualty,
(2) prevent additional casualties, and
(3) complete the mission. These goals
are accomplished by getting off the
X (the location where injury occurred
and effective threat still exists), eliminating the threat, utilizing cover, and
providing medical care utilizing specialized equipment designed to save
lives during combat. The adoption
and implementation of TCCC by the
military has been a main reason why
the highest combat casualty survival
rate in history is being documented.
We are hopeful that civilian law enforcement can make use of the same
lessons learned.
The equipment utilized in TCCC
is often stored in an Individual First
Aid Kit (IFAK) and designed to address the three main causes of potentially preventable death. A tourniquet,
hemostatic agents/gauze, pressure
dressing, occlusive chest seal and a
nasopharyngeal airway make up the
basic contents. Equipping officers
with IFAK’s and an additional tourniquet on their person will better prepare individuals to mitigate life threatening trauma during critical incidents.
The TCCC committee is currently
recommending the Combat Applica-
tion Tourniquet and Combat Gauze
as the most successful tourniquet and
hemostatic agent. With the proper
training and equipment, many in civilian law enforcement have adopted
TCCC in order to promote self-aid,
allowing a wounded officer to apply a
tourniquet to his or her extremity and
remain in the fight.
Many law enforcement agencies
throughout the nation have trained
and equipped their officers utilizing
the TCCC concepts and recommended products. Many lives have been
saved during critical incidents, vehicle
crashes and other non violent traumatic incidents due to the quick action of properly trained and equipped
officers. Recently, a program has been
developed in cooperation with TCCC
named Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). The basic concepts
and medical modalities are the same
as TCCC, although the program was
designed to utilize a basic, common
language to integrate all responders
such as EMS, fire, and police to handle a broad range of incidents.
MCOLES has recently established
a committee of law enforcement
trainers and medical professionals to
establish best practices in regards to
medical training for Michigan police
officers. A new basic training curriculum update will soon be released
that will incorporate TECC as well
as numerous other enhancements to
include a new patient/casualty assessment mnemonic called MARCH
(Massive bleeding, Airway, Respirations, Circulation, and Hypothermia/
Head Injury). MARCH will replace
the longstanding Airway, Breathing,
and Circulation (ABC’s) and allows
you to evaluate casualties to effectively recognize and mitigate life-threatening injuries. ■
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 9
About Safe Roads Yes!
On May 5, Vote YES on Proposal 1 for Safer Roads
Michigan’s roads, bridges and highways were once the envy
of the nation. The state that put the world on wheels built the
country’s first concrete road over a century ago.
Today, Michigan’s roads and bridges are dangerous. You see
and feel their teeth-jarring, crumbling condition every time
you drive.
Michigan’s roads are now a significant threat to driver safety,
contributing to countless accidents as motorists swerve to
avoid potholes and other road obstructions – or worse, end
up careening out of control after hitting a pothole.
You’ve seen the sheets of plywood affixed beneath road
and freeway bridges across our state. Michigan: the state
that shops at lumber yards to prevent concrete chunks from
tumbling off bridges onto the roads — and vehicles — below.
Our kids are on Michigan’s roads and bridges — riding
in our family vehicles and in school buses. Parents have
to constantly worry if their children are safe, and if the
deteriorating roads are going to cause their teenage drivers
to have accidents. As young drivers, they now learn how to
safely avoid Michigan deer and Michigan potholes.
Our farmers must travel miles out of their way to tend their
crops because so many structurally unsafe rural bridges
have been closed. Tourists drive a major part of Michigan’s
economy. Today we welcome them with pothole-gutted roads
and highways.
Michigan can – and we must – do better.
Safe Roads Yes is a bipartisan coalition of Michiganders
who support voting YES on Proposal 1 on May 5. Proposal 1
is our last, best chance to fix Michigan’s roads with funding
guaranteed for transportation. If Proposal 1 passes, for the
first time all state taxes paid on gas must go to transportation.
The politicians in Lansing no longer will be able to shift the
taxes we pay on gas somewhere else.
If this proposal fails, our roads will continue to get worse,
further threatening public safety and our economy.
Voting YES on Proposal 1 would provide the funding required
to finally fix our roads and bridges for the long-term. No
more Band-Aid fixes; no more temporary patches; no more
plywood on bridges.
We cannot put off investing in fixing our roads and bridges
any longer. Public safety and our economy depend on
making this important investment in Michigan’s future now –
before our roads and bridges crumble even further.
Together, we can finally fix Michigan’s roads
to protect public safety.
Join Safe Roads Yes today!
Resolution of Support for Proposal 1
for Safer Roads
WHEREAS, Michigan’s roads and bridges threaten driver
safety and contribute to countless accidents each year, as
drivers swerve to avoid potholes and other road hazards; and
WHEREAS, 38 percent of Michigan’s state- and locallyowned urban roads and 32 percent of the state’s state- and
locally-owned rural roads are in poor condition; and
WHEREAS, Michigan invests less per capita in transportation
than any state in the United States of America; and
WHEREAS, the longer we wait to fix Michigan’s roads, the
more it will cost us; and
WHEREAS, in addition to threatening public safety,
Michigan’s crumbling roads hurt our economy; and
WHEREAS, Proposal 1 on the May 5 ballot is Michigan’s
last, best chance to finally fix our roads with funds that
the politicians can’t divert somewhere else – while also
supporting Michigan’s long-term future by investing in our
public schools and local communities;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Michigan
Association of Police Organizations supports Proposal 1
on the May 5 ballot to provide the funding needed to finally fix
our roads for the long term; and
RESOLVED: That the Michigan Association of Police
Organizations knows the 1-cent hike in the sales tax is a
reasonable amount to pay to ensure drivers’ safety on the
roads; and
RESOLVED: That the Michigan Association of Police
Organizations formally supports Safe Roads Yes! because
if it passes, every penny we pay at the pump in state gas
taxes is guaranteed in the constitution to go to transportation.
The Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO) is the largest independent organization representing Michigan’s Finest. Currently within the coalition there
are some 12,000 plus full-time members represented by: ■ Michigan State Police Troopers Association ■ Michigan State Police Command Officers Association ■ ■ Police Officers Labor Council ■ Detroit Police Officers Association ■ Michigan Association of Police ■ Detroit Police Lieutenants & Sergeants Association ■ ■ Grand Rapids Police Officers Association ■ Warren Police Officers Association ■
10 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
The Two
Toughest
Questions ...
WHEREAS, Michigan has relied on Band-Aid, short-term
fixes for our roads instead of investing enough money to fix
our roads for the long term; and
Isn’t this is a special interest money
grab because it sends money to a
bunch of places other than roads?
Funding the agencies responsible for making
our roads safe, for keeping our drinking water
safe and clean, and educating our children
are not special interests. They provide the
essential services we all demand as Michigan
residents and taxpayers. I would also note
that this proposal would, for the first time,
guarantee all state taxes we pay on gasoline
must be used for transportation and nothing
else. For the first time, the politicians in
Lansing would no longer be able to shift state
taxes on gas to some other place.
ENDORSED
BY
MAPO
What do you say to those who argue
there is already enough money in
the state budget?
The answer is simple. No there is not.
$52 billion is a big number, and that’s the size
of the state budget. But the vast majority
of that amount is federal funds that must be
used for some purpose other than roads.
Michigan now spends less per resident on
roads than any other state. Let me say that
again: Michigan is now dead last in percapita funding for roads. We’ve neglected
our roads and bridges, and we’ve let the
politicians send road taxes away from roads
and transportation. This proposal solves
two problems: it guarantees funds for safer
Michigan roads by guaranteeing that every
penny we pay in state fuel taxes goes to
transportation. This proposal is not perfect …
nothing from Lansing ever is. But it’s our last
chance to fix Michigan’s roads for years if not
decades and to end the road tax shell game
in Lansing.
The Michigan Association of Police Organizations (MAPO) is the largest independent organization representing Michigan’s Finest.
Currently within the coalition there are some 12,000 plus full-time members represented by:
■ Michigan State Police Troopers Association ■ Michigan State Police Command Officers Association ■ ■ Police Officers Labor Council ■ Detroit Police Officers Association ■ Michigan Association of Police ■ ■ Detroit Police Lieutenants & Sergeants Association ■ ■ Grand Rapids Police Officers Association ■ Warren Police Officers Association ■
Vote Yes on Proposal 1
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 11
Gaylord Post Trooper
Named Trooper of the Year
Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue is pleased to announce that Tpr. Corey Hebner
of the Gaylord Post is the 2014 recipient of the Dr. Carl A.
Gerstacker Trooper of the Year Award. Hebner received
the award at a special ceremony in Lansing.
The Gerstacker Award recognizes the MSP trooper or
sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics,
dedication to duty and a concern for giving back to their
community. The late Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker, former chairman of Dow Chemical Company, created the award in 1961.
“Trooper Hebner’s exemplary work performance, leadership skills and extensive community involvement make
him an excellent choice for this year’s Trooper of the
Year,” stated Etue.
Hebner, a 19-year veteran of the department, serves as a
community service trooper at the Gaylord Post, where he
is known for his leadership and dedication to area youth.
Hebner has instructed nearly 9,000 kids in the MSP
Teaching, Educating And Mentoring (T.E.A.M.) curriculum and the Gang Resistance Education Awareness Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program over the course of his career.
Trooper Corey Hebner
He has also developed a bullying Internet awareness pre113th Recruit School
sentation and a distracted driving presentation for youth
in his area.
Hebner also coaches youth sports and coordinates a “Lunch Buddy” program that he started, in which troopers share
lunch with local youth to break down barriers and improve trust. ■
1.9.2015 | NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION DAY
"The brave women and men who put their lives on the line to keep
our families and communities safe should be honored every day.
We cannot have a full economic recovery without having a strong
commitment to public safety and that begins with supporting our
law enforcement officials. On behalf of all Michigan citizens,
thank you for everything you do to keep us safe."
12 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
– Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette
Ask A Trooper ...
‘The Peacock Vow’ is Officers’ Resolution
By: Sgt. Mike Sura
Brighton Post #12
119th Recruit School
I hope everyone had a safe and
happy new year.
May this upcoming year for all of
you be filled with fun, laughter and future good memories. As it is the new
year, it made me think: Where did the
idea of the new year’s resolution start?
Since I was a kid, I remember
making a resolution. One year, I think
I was 7, I promised my mom that I
would keep my room clean and make
my bed. The clean-room-and-bed
thing lasted about a week before it
started to interfere with the toy “Lego
military base” I had created. Anyway,
I decided to read up on new year’s resolutions over the last few weeks, and
this is what I found.
A new year’s resolution is a tradition in which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement
or perform more acts of kindness.
The definition of a resolution is a
promise that you make to yourself
to start doing something better or to
stop doing something bad on the first
day of the year. Most resolutions involve losing weight, eating better and
exercising.
Did you know, though, that almost
two-thirds of people make resolutions expecting to fail? How can you
have success if you already believe
you can’t complete your goals? Interesting. Did you also know people have
been making new year’s resolutions as
far back as human beings have been
recording history?
The Babylonians would make
promises to their gods at the start
of each year that they would return
borrowed objects and pay their debts.
The Michigan State Police don’t really
borrow things.
The Romans began each year by
making promises to the god Janus,
for whom the month of January is
named. I have never met Janus, so I
don’t think I would make any promises to him.
In medieval times, the knights took
what they called “the peacock vow.”
Knights would do this at the end of
the Christmas season each year to
reaffirm their commitment to chivalry, honor and dedication. Now that
sounds more like it.
This sounds like what police officers all over the country do every day
when they put on a uniform.
We make a promise to you, the citizen.
The Michigan State Police promise and reaffirm what our department
has always done: We promise to enforce the laws equally and impartially. We will conduct ourselves in a
manner as to treat all people with the respect due every human being. We
will continue to provide a proud tradi­
tion of service through excellence,
­integrity and courtesy.
As law enforcement officers, it is
our fundamental duty to safeguard
lives and property; to protect the innocent from corruption, the weak
against oppression or intimidation,
and the peaceful against violence or
disorder; and respect the constitutional rights of all people.
This is a renewal of our promise
to you. Like the knights of old, these
are our vows. ■
Ask A Trooper appears
in the Livingston Daily News.
Originally published on January 10, 2015,
it is reprinted with Sgt. Sura’s permission.
Contribute to the Michigan Trooper!
Submitting material for publication in the Michigan Trooper magazine? Send all files to: [email protected]
Please provide captions for images when possible, including names of those pictured, and name/details of the event. Deadline is May 1st for the Spring 2015 issue.
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 13
Poverty Troopers Catch Up Bill(s)
. . . a/k/a “The Hager Anderson Bill”
Submitted By:
F/Lt. Diane Garrison (Ret.)
Chair, Associate Membership
Committee
Currently there are retirees with
pensions below the poverty level. We
are trying to remedy that egregious
situation with a pension increase by
legislatively amending the State Police Retirement Act.
This started as Senate Bill (SB)
1433 as an amendment to the State
Police Retirement Act PA 182 of
1996. It was introduced by Senator
Mike Prusi in 2010. It expired with no
action taken. In 2011 his predecessor,
Senator Tom Casperson, introduced
it again (SB794) and again it expired
with no action taken. In 2014 Senator Casperson introduced it again as
(SB 813) and again it expired with no
action taken. This year Senator Mike
Nofs (retired MSP F/Lt) cosponsored
the bill with Senator Casperson and
we now have SB 21 & 22 (2015).
These bills call for an (SB21) annual increase on October 1 of 2%
of pension not to exceed $500 and
(SB22) a monthly increase of $300
for those who retired before October
1, 1986.
The major concern over these measures is in the funding. The funding
issue is not as simple as it seems. The
increases we seek would come from
our pension fund. The complication
is that current pensions are not fully
funded by the investments of the system. What does that mean?
Funds not covered by the investment’s earnings have to be made up
from general fund money of the State
of Michigan. This is where things
get complicated because it’s based on
number of retirees, number of current employee’s, as well as how well
the pension plan investments are
­doing.
What has been the major issue
with moving this bill? Concern that
its passage would open the flood­gates
for members of all the retirement systems; many of these members are
receiving pensions below the poverty
level.
Our counter argument is that
those members are supplemented by
full social security benefits. MSP enlisted retirees, who did not pay social
security taxes, are not eligible for social security benefits from their State
of Michigan Employment.
This mission began in January
2010 when Ret. Lt. Hager Anderson
had breakfast with his local Senator,
Tom Casperson. Since then Hager
has recruited the help of the MSPTA
and the COA as well as contact with
the Department. To date he has written 889 letters to legislators. He has
kept this issue alive within the legislature.
Now both MSPTA and COA
have partnered to address the issue
and continue to fight for relief for our
members living with a pension below
the poverty level. A subcommittee
of the Retiree Committee has been
formed, headed by Ret. Sgt. Gordon
Gotts, to specifically address this issue. ■
MSPTA January Quarterly
By: Tpr. Eric Byerly
1st District Fugitive Team
117 th Recruit School
The January 2015 MSPTA Quarterly Membership Meeting was held
on January 17th and 18th at the
Amway Grand Hotel in downtown
Grand Rapids. The Quarterly had a
good turn out with several members
attending who had not previously attended a meeting as well as some who
had not been to one for quite some
time.
Some highlights from the meeting included the unveiling of the new
MSPTA Post Representative Guide
on Saturday morning by Vice-President Hickok and the recently formed
Training Committee. Printed copies
of the Guide were distributed to the
Representatives present and to the
District Representatives to pass on
for anyone who was not. The Guide
will also be posted on the MSPTA
website for download and printing.
Newly announced during the General Membership meeting was the
shift from the payment of members
through District checking accounts
to a Direct Deposit/ACH system.
This should make it much easier for
the District Reps and Treasurer to
process vouchers. Often at Quarterlies, District Representatives would
spend the entire meeting drafting
checks for members’ mileage, etc.,
and would not be able to pay attention and participate fully in the meeting. With the new system in place,
vouchers will be still be submitted
to the District Reps, who will review
and forward them to the Treasurer.
Members will see the money deposited soon after. The ACH form only
needs to be submitted once and is
available on the website or from your
District or Post Representative.
The MSPTA would like to thank
Chaplain Debra Lewis of the Paw
Paw Post for attending the Quarterly and providing our invocation at
both the Membership Meeting and
the evening gathering. Likewise, we
extend our sincere appreciation to
US Health and Life (underwriters for
COPS Trust) for their sponsorship
toward the hospitality festivities on
Friday and Saturday evening.
Finally, Representative Brandon
Dillon (D-Grand Rapids) had the
honor of swearing in the 2015 Exec­
utive Board Saturday evening. Everyone had a chance to welcome new
Board members Tpr. Jay Morning-
star from the Metro Post who takes
over for Sgt. Ray Pechman in the 2nd
District, and Sgt. Mark Tamlyn from
the Gaylord Post taking over for Sgt.
Lorne Hartwig in the Region 2 Sgt.
Representative position. Ray was promoted to Sergeant at the Metro Post,
creating the vacancy in his seat and
Lorne is hanging up his gun belt to
retire. Both have served the Board
and the members of the MSPTA with
passion and integrity. Best of luck to
both!
The next Quarterly Meeting is
scheduled for April 25th and 26th at
the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth.
Call now to make reservations at
(989) 652-7200. ■
Save the Date!
Monday, August 10, 2015
Treetops Resort | Gaylord, Michigan
Jones Masterpiece Course
10:00am Registration • 11:00am Shotgun Start
Four-Person Scramble
For more information go to MSPTA.net
or contact Tpr. Rick Doehring
231-649-7925 • Email: [email protected]
Great course, great prizes, great cause!
14 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 15
Sergeant Lorne Hartwig
(Region 2 Sgt. Rep./
St. Ignace Post) speaks
after receiving a plaque
from MSPTA President
Nate Johnson honoring his
4-1/2 years of service on the
Executive Board.
The photobomber strikes!
The 2015 MSPTA Executive Board is sworn in by Representative Brandon Dillon.
Trooper Rick Doehring (Flint Post) runs the MSTAF Raffle with help from Tpr. Kat Wicker’s (Cadillac Post) daughter, Joslyn.
Stacey Stone and Tpr. Paul Stone
(7th District Rep./Cadillac Post),
Heather French, President Nate Johnson,
Rep. Brandon Dillon and Tammy Dillon
visit after the swearing in.
16 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
Rep. Dillon congratulates members of the Executive Board.
(Photos courtesy of Tpr. Brad Lammi (Iron Mountain Post)).
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 17
from CYBER SECTION, page 7
mission of child protection in the
­cyber world. The Task Force has
grown over the years with a collaboration of over 55 law enforcement
professionals from the federal, state,
and local levels.
The CCU currently has five sub
units located across the state in Lansing, Livonia, Rockford, Bridgeport
and Traverse City. Each office is
staffed to support forensic and investigative services to local, state and
federal agencies. The forensic examination of computers and other digital media systems suspected of being
used to facilitate a crime are completed by certified forensic examiners.
The investigative side provides investigative expertise and assistance on
issues involving computer and Internet related crimes. The unit also acts
as an investigative resource to the law
enforcement community, concerning
computer related crime; providing
access to prepared search warrants;
and provides assistance when dealing with out-of-state Internet Service
Providers. The unit also raises the
awareness of local, state and federal
law enforcement personnel on computer related crime through training
and speaking engagements and/or
seminars.1 With an increasing volume
of requests for assistance with the
development of evidence in homi­
cide, kidnapping, CSC/child sexually abusive material, the five CCU
offices over our department’s seven
districts is facing an ever increasing
work load. The development of the
Michigan Cyber Command Center
(MC3) in 2013 and plans to put two
additional CCU offices in the fifth
and eighth district are beginning to
address these demands.
What is MC3? The MC3 works in
collaboration with its local, state and
federal partners to investigate cyber
incidents that cause a cyber disruption in the State of Michigan. Why?
As a result of Michigan’s cyber initiative the state has created the MC3 to
coordinate the combined efforts of
cyber emergency responders.
The MC3 has five full-time state
police employees with over 100 years
combined forensic experience. A
few of their services include, network in­trusion forensics; network
security in­frastructure audit; assist
with local, out-of-state, and international in­vestigations; cyber law
litigation and consultations; data acquisition; cyber crime and evidence
recovery. They are co-located within the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center (MIOC) and can be
contacted at: [email protected] or 877-MICYBER (642-9237).2 ■
The Cost of Organized Fitness
Reducing Workers’ Compensation Claims
1. ICAC Annual Report 2013
2. MC3 Flyer 2014
Tpr. Steven D. Unruh
Metro Post #21
117 th Recruit School
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
Special Operations Division
Computer Crimes Unit
Coverage Area
Lansing:
Rockford:
Livonia:
Traverse City:
Bridgeport:
(517) 241-2470
(616) 866-6675
(734) 525-4579
(231) 929-2788
(989) 370-7898
Workers’ Compensation was developed to financially compensate the
worker when injured in the course of
employment. Before 1912, a worker
had to sue their employer to receive
compensation from their employer.
Most employees could not personally
afford the responsibility of the financial burden for any judicial proceedings. In addition, the tort mandated
that injury to the worker could not
involve:
1. Negligence by the worker
2. Assumed dangers involved in
the task
3. A fellow employee caused the
injury due to their negligence
MSP’s Cyber Section Team. (Photo courtesy of Kim Dowling, MSP Photo Lab)
18 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
To this date, the responsibility, or
burden, of a workers’ compensation
claim is still upon the worker. To
relieve any argument that the Workers’ Compensation Act neutralized
the responsibility of both parties, a
search of Workers’ Compensation ­L awyer
Michigan received 361,000+ hits on
Google. This does not necessarily
mean that the system is any less noble, but there are those that observe
the financial opportunity and seize
it for their own selfish purposes. For
example, the worker that “slips and
falls” in the parking lot and claims
the responsibility to the employer.
Personally, I know people who have
made claim to this act and the only
question was its location. This abuse
of generosity has put question and
suspicion into each claim that is submitted to the employer. Therefore,
the system has most likely become
jaded from its abuse and safeguards
have been erected to prevent the
program’s extinction. An example of
the system’s safeguard to disqualifying a workers’ compensation claim
is to prove, or provide, evidence of a
pre-existing injury.
The obvious pre-existing injury involves a medical procedure to a joint’s
integrity. A surgical procedure that
may have stabilized the knee’s meniscus, or replaced a cruciate ligament,
is a disqualifier for future workers’
compensation claims. Conversely,
a less obvious disqualification for a
workers’ compensation claim is the
workers’ behavior in physical activity. It has been well established that
being categorized as a “runner” can
give cause for removal from a much
deserved benefit. I made the error of
informing the Workers’ Compensation examining physician that prior
to my injury I had been training for
an ultra-marathon. Since the injury,
I could no longer run. Within a few
hours, a representative from Citizens Insurance informed me that the
claim was closed and I was to report
back to work. While the injury was a
direct result of another workers’ negligence, I was still without support. I
was in disbelief. In other words, I believed it was my duty to be physically
fit as a Michigan State Trooper. As
an entry-level employee, it is essential
that running is a function to properly perform my duties. As a result, I
have retired from running. I can only
imagine that other physical fitness
exercises are in the same category;
for example, weightlifting, aerobics,
spinning, and extreme conditioning
programs (e.g. P90X® & Crossfit® ).
The employee that volunteers to document a potential disqualifier, such
as running, as an indication towards
performance, may put themselves at
risk for loss of benefits. The employee will have an uphill legal battle for
financial benefits for their injury.
Organizational Behavior
Organizational behavior can only
be influenced through extrinsic motivation. An individual’s motivation
to change has to have a personal reward or the desired outcome may not
be achieved. As the general society
continues to expand their waistline,
an increasing amount of insurance
companies are adjusting the ­policy
holder’s premium to reflect their unhealthy lifestyles. Most police agencies have abandoned any notion of a
meaningful physical fitness program.
An exception is the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Lt. Greg Davis of the Texas Department of Public Safety made that
positive change for his department.
He championed a state law, Government Code Sec. 614.172, that was
passed by the Texas State Legislature
to mandate that each police department has a physical fitness standard.
As may be expected of a State Trooper, he saw the need that safety begins
with a healthy department. When I
met him his first comments regarding officer safety was not about the
typical dogmatic mantra that is stan-
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 19
dard upon the start of a conversation.
Instead, he emphasized the lack of
fitness and its pathway to cardiovascular disease. Without the ability for
the body to accept the internal, and
external, stressors that threaten its
ability to optimally perform under
life-threatening circumstances, all
training is entirely useless. If the body
is not resistant to fatigue through the
joint’s structural integrity, the developed skill will not be properly executed upon demand.
For various legal and financial reasons, most police departments have
discontinued, if not abandoned, any
departmental fitness standard. In police work, a mandated standard would
have to be proved by its job relatedness with an emphasis in fairness towards age and gender bias. Unfortunately, an appropriate general fitness
test has not been identified specifically for police work. Instead, a general
fitness standard was implemented to
determine overall fitness. Historically, the general fitness standard consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups,
running, grip test, and dummy drag.
Each component had a loosely based
reason for its existence as an identifying component to police work; however, most were eventually dismissed
despite the intent to increase the department’s overall physical readiness.
The Orange County Fire Authority, encouraged by Michael Contreras, Battalion Chief, tackled the
challenges of fitness amongst their
employees. The challenge was to reduce strains and sprains as these injuries were the most costly to workers’
compensation. The goal is to increase
the durability of their firefighters as
a long-term investment and reduce,
if not omit, the unfunded liability
cost of each member to the department. Their current fitness programs
revolved around the same dogmatic routines that may have actually
increased injury rates, and they began to look in another direction. A
pre-participation screening, similar
20 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
to professional athletes (i.e. NBA,
NFL, MLS, etc.), was implemented as a pathway towards proper fitness
(Table 1). The department has seen a
reduction in workers’ compensation
costs.
While many of you may not know,
workers’ compensation claims are taken from the general fund. The general
fund is where the Michigan State Police receives its funding from training
and vehicles, while insurance companies, like Citizens Insurance, monitor
workers’ compensation claims for the
validity of the injury. The International Association of Chief’s of Police
consider that the expense for a single
injured officer is over $2923, with an
average of five days of work missed
with an additional four days of rehabilitation. The purpose of the system
is to create doubt about your claim.
However, it may be the fitness program that is being implemented that
may increase your likelihood of in­
jury.
Physical Fitness Program
For most of us, the notion that
physical fitness should be excluded
from law enforcement would seem
preposterous. When you consider the
historical aspect of the physical standards required to either gain or maintain employment, anyone would have
a difficult time disagreeing, yet most
police academy and departmental
physical fitness programs are non-existent. Furthermore, most police departments do not have any type of career-long physical readiness program
that is targeted for the specific needs
of the police officer. Those departments that include a volunteer physical fitness program that utilize incentives have very little participation.
Our own department did not even
garner the desired participation. I am
not surprised. While there are many
variables that can be interpreted for
the lack of participation, it could be
sufficed that there is little meaning
to the results from the physical fitness test to both the individual and
the organization. In other words, the
elements of the current physical fitness test limits the proper interpretation towards an effective assessment
that translates towards job-relatedness
(Smith & Spottswood, 2014).
For the current fitness assessment
to have any relation to occupation-
al performance there would have
to be a removal of the current gender and age biases. For example, the
performance database initially relied
upon standards based upon age and
gender; however body mass was not
considered (See Table 2). Body mass
is a constant force, and despite the
individual’s age and gender, must be
considered in performance testing. In order to match the performance of the 150-pound runner at a 10:00
minute per mile pace for a 1.5 mile
run, if the 245-pound runner ran
7 minutes slower! This is an unaccounted factor in determining fitness
performance. A dispatched run, or
traffic stop, do not consider the age,
nor the gender, for its completion.
Instead, it is imperative for the individual’s ability to move their own
mass in the performance of their duty
without the risk of injury.
The quality of life is based on
functionality in everyday movement. Maintaining a level of functionality that
facilitates economical movement
and promotes performance without incurring injurious pain is the
primary goal of a responsible training program. Functional movement
is described by the joint’s ability to
maintain basic competent movement,
through its range of motion, without
being burdened from an acquired
skill. If basic movements are complicated by muscle imbalances and
improper rate coding the desired performance is restricted. This results
in inefficient movement that solicits
nearby muscle groups to compensate
for that movement when propagated.
In other words, if you were to put a
high-performance big block engine
in a Chevette there are going to be
stability issues related to weight-toforce transfer from the beginning of
movement. When put under maximum stress, the car will surely lose
traction and most likely crash. The
joint, if improperly stabilized, will
most likely be inhibited throughout
its movement or increase the likelihood of injury. This results in many
common back, shoulder and knee injuries many of which can be avoided.
The term strength and fitness are
relative terms that have been mis-
used to categorize function and human performance. By defining the
task of the function, as it relates to
the end goal, proper testing can be
executed for analysis. The key factor
that propagates an effective execution of a fitness programs is defining
performance. In police work, there
has been very little energy spent on
deciding what factors are to be categorized to determine a police officer’s overall fitness. Instead, previous
quixotic fitness programs that were
cancelled for good reason, are given
new life with the hopes that nobody
will notice. While the intentions are
most likely noble, the lack of creativity and specific knowledge will facilitate the same solution that ended the
program the first time. This leads to
frustration by the administration and
its membership. Most importantly,
the increased injury rate could otherwise have been averted.
Current Challenges
The prevalent challenge to creating
any sort of fitness standard in public
safety is establishing fairness. The
1.5 Mile Run
Weight
10:00
10:30
11:00
11:30
12:00
12:30
245
4383.68
4174.93
3985.16
3811.89
3653.06
3506.99
Hp
5.8
5.56
5.31
5.08
4.87
4.6
200
3548.58
3379.6
3225.98
3085.72
2957.72
2838
Hp
4.73
4.5
4.3
4.11
3.94
3.78
150
2681.14
2553.48
2437.40
2331.4
2234.29
2144.91
Hp
3.57
3.4
3.25
3.1
2.98
2.85
Push-up
Pull-up
Weight
1 rep
1 rep
245
410.76*
272.39*
Hp
.54
.36
200
335.13*
222.23*
Hp
.4
.29
150
194.92
166.6
Hp
.25
.22
*hp = horsepower
*Power = Watts = 750 Watts = 1 hp
TABLE 1
*Joules
TABLE 2
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 21
Department of Justice opines that a
standard for its own sake should be
entirely related to job performance.
The section of the Civil Rights Act of
1991 states employment related tests
cannot be biased for any reason. In
addition, the Civil Rights Act of 1964
with the Disabilities Act of 1991 require that any test standard must be
related to job performance. By removing the gender and age biases in
fitness testing this would forego any
legal restriction to a fitness program.
Since law enforcement does not
have a single test that defines performance, without implementing a
bias, the traditional physical fitness
exercises should be rejected. In other
words, what value does a push-up or
1.5 mile run have in the performance
of a trooper. If the purpose of the
fitness test is to assess the resistance
to fatigue without implementing any
skill that is involved in police work
– it is worthless. If you consider that
fatigue is the amount of capacity of
work on the integrity of your posture
across time, then fatigue will reduce
the technical precision of an implemented skill. The body’s resistance to
fatigue is paramount to skill development and technical precision that is
rarely seen in training. When in time
of need, the integrity of your weakest
joint will undermine your most well
intentioned endeavor to perform at
that moment. The origins of injuries
are related to joint laxity due to various issues that can be related to sedentary behavior or an improper training program. A relative easy analysis
is to consider the basis of a functional
movement essential to human movement.
When you label a member as a professional athlete, in regards to training, the perspective of how the interpretation for their function in daily
activities will change. A movement
screening should be implemented
into law enforcement due to the wide
range of required tasks. For several
22 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
years, the military (Lisman, O’Connor, & Deuster, 2013) and professional athletics (NHL, NBA, NFL,
MLB) (Parchmann & McBride, 2011)
have used pre-participation movement screening to predict injuries in
aerobic training (running/push-up
etc.). Where it is recognized that risk
factors that increase the likelihood of
injury include previous injury, body
mass index, body composition (percent body fat), ligamentous laxity,
muscle flexibility, foot biomechanics and femoral intercondylar notch
width (Kiesel, Plisky, & Voight,
2007).
The tests utilized for analysis are
the basic movements towards a foundation of a more dynamic movement
that requires the participant to perform efficiently. An example of some
the tests are described as follows:
Squat
Assesses
bilateral,
symmetrical
functional
mobility in the
knee/hips/
ankles
Analyzes the
Hurdle Step
body’s stride
mechanics in an
asymmetrical
stepping motion
Hip and trunk
In-Line Lunge
mobility and
stability, quad
flexibility,
ankle/knee
stability
Shoulder Mobility Bilateral
shoulder range
of motion,
scapular
mobility, and
thoracic spine
extension.
Active Straight
Leg Raise
Trunk Stability
Active
hamstring
and calf
flexibility while
maintaining a
stable pelvis
Stability of the
trunk during
a push-up to
reveal any
asymmetries
While this may seem quite complicated, it is actually quite a simple
process. In fact, the reliability, or the
ability to repeat the results, is quite
high between each rater (Minick,
Kiesel, Burton, Taylor, & Plisky,
2010). This means that the simplicity of the analysis is recognizable to
anyone who has an interest in participation, thereby reducing the subjectivity of the current physical fitness
exercises and properly giving the ap­
propriate feedback to the member –
despite their classification (Road Patrol, CID, Administration).
Present Solution
A trooper should be fit. A trooper
should be considered a professional
athlete. The current fitness standards
are riddled with biases based upon
either rater subjectivity and/or legal
interference. The current physical
readiness program has legally been
challenged and forced to implement
the previously stated biases. The program was previously terminated and
for good cause. Ultimately, the financial burden of an unreliable test resulted in its demise. However, it has been
given new life with extra vigor under
the Director’s supervision. While she
should be highly commended for her
efforts to resist an unfit force, the
direction towards a more healthy department is misplaced. A movement
screening should be implemented to
reduce injuries and financial burden.
It is important to note that a
well-established movement screen-
ing can be a benefit to the individual trooper and the department as a
whole that creates a Police Athlete®.
While each individual chooses to
enjoy how they get fit, the current
readiness program forces people who
don’t enjoy running, doing push-ups,
pull-ups etc to do so. While each of
these exercises DO NOT translate
to job-relatedness, an enjoyable fitness
program that increases functionality
and reduces cardiovascular disease
is important. Each individual will be
able to see the functionality of their
chosen fitness plan when assessed by
a movement screening. Therefore, a
Police Athlete® is resistant to injury
and fatigue during a dynamic situation to properly execute the desired
skill to survive that moment. ■
Steve Unruh received a post-graduate degree
from Oakland University in Exercise
Science where he is currently conducting
research in motor control/eye-hand
coordination. He has published/presented
original research on the interactive effects
of cognitive/physiological stress on police
firearms training. He is a member of the
American College of Sports Medicine
and National Strength and Conditioning
Association as a Certified Strength and
Conditioning Specialist. He has earned the
title Ironman and ultra-marathoner.
References
Kiesel, K., Plisky, P. J., & Voight, M. L.
(2007). Can Serious Injury in Professional Football Be Predicted By a Preseason Functional Movement Screen?
North American Journal of Sports Physical
Therapy, 2(3), 147-158.
Lisman, P., O’Connor, F. G., & Deuster,
P. A. (2013). Functional Movement
Screen and Aerobic Fitness Predict
Injuries in Military Training. Medicine
& Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(4),
636-643.
Minick, K. I., Kiesel, K. B., Burton, L.,
Taylor, A., & Plisky, P. (2010). Inter­
rater Reliability of the Functional
Movement Screen. Journal of Strength
and Conditioning Research, 24(2), 479-486.
Parchmann, C. J., & McBride, J. M.
(2011). Relationship Between Functional Movement Screen and Athletic
Performance. The Journal of Strength
and Conditioning Research, 25(12), 33783384.
Smith, J., & Spottswood, P. (2014, Oct).
Physical Readiness Testing. Law and
Order: The Magazine for Police Management.
TABLE 3
Overhead squat:
(Upper): Incorrect – Arms forward/Knees inward can
produce the following injuries: Inward Knees: ACL,
patellofemoral pain, IT-band tendinitis; Rising ankles:
ankle sprains, patellar tendinopathy; Shoulder forward:
low back pain, shoulder injuries, bicep tendinitis.
(Lower): Correct form
Steven Unruh and Lt. Greg Davis,
Texas Department of Public Safety.
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 23
Board of Awards
The following citations were approved by the department’s District
and Division Review Panels and the Board of Awards Committee.
The ranks of the officers are those held at the time of the request for
citation.
MSP Official Bulletin: December 8, 2014
Bravery Award
Tpr. Bradley S. Cox (Second District SIS
Detective Unit), Tpr. Jonathan D. Henry
(Metro Post), Tpr. Craig D. MacDonald
(Second District SIS Nonfatal Shooting),
and Tpr. Jack A. Taeff (Metro Post) are
receiving the Bravery Award for their heroic
Tpr. Bradley
actions. On February 11, 2013, Troopers
Cox
MacDonald and Taeff were searching the
second floor of an abandoned house in the
City of Detroit for suspects connected to a
series of armed robberies, when they were
fired upon by one of the suspects. While
Troopers MacDonald and Taeff returned
Tpr. Jonathan fire, Trooper Taeff received a gunshot
Henry
wound to the leg. The troopers were unable
to exit since the gunfire was between them
and the stairs, forcing them to retreat to an
upstairs bedroom. Troopers Cox and Henry,
along with a Detroit Police Department
officer, climbed the stairs in an attempt to
provide
cover for Troopers MacDonald and
Tpr. Craig
Taeff
to
retreat to the stairs, when gunfire
MacDonald
erupted again. Troopers Cox and Henry
returned fire, while Troopers MacDonald
and Taeff were forced to retreat back into
an upstairs bedroom. Once the gunfire
ended, Troopers Cox and Henry yelled for
the suspect to surrender with his hands up.
Tpr. Jack
When the hands of the suspect appeared,
Taeff
Trooper Cox advanced on the suspect
while Trooper Henry covered him. After a brief struggle
with the suspect, he was placed under arrest. Trooper
MacDonald then carried Trooper Taeff out of the house
to an awaiting ambulance. In awarding the department’s
Bravery Award, the Board of Awards recognizes that the
brave and decisive actions of these troopers brought this
dangerous situation to an end.
24 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
Lifesaving Award
Tpr. Leslie J. Rochefort (Lansing Post) is
receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving
the life of another. On April 13, 2014,
Trooper Rochefort responded to a medical
emergency of a male who was unresponsive.
Trooper Rochefort arrived at the scene and
Tpr. Leslie
applied an automated external defibrillator
Rochefort
(AED), which advised to administer CPR.
He performed CPR for eight minutes while oxygen was
administered by an officer from the Meridian Township
Police Department. The subject was transported to the
hospital where he was admitted to the Intensive Care
Unit in stable condition. The quick efforts performed by
Trooper Rochefort likely saved the man’s life.
Tpr. Eric S. Whitcomb (Metro Post) is
receiving the Lifesaving Award for saving
the life of a child. On December 4, 2013,
Trooper Whitcomb was dispatched to a
scene where a child was not breathing.
Immediately upon arriving, Trooper
Tpr. Eric
Whitcomb was handed the unconscious,
Whitcomb
lifeless child. After checking for a pulse,
Trooper Whitcomb turned the child over and administered
back blows. While re-checking for breathing, Trooper
Whitcomb found that the child was again breathing and
had regained consciousness. Thanks to the quick and
effective actions of Trooper Whitcomb, the child survived.
Tpr. Denis M. McGuckin (Tri-City
Post) is receiving the Lifesaving Award
for saving the life of another. On May 12,
2014, Trooper McGuckin responded to a
medical emergency of a female who was
having a seizure and not breathing. Trooper
Tpr. Denis
McGuckin found the female slumped back
McGuckin
in the passenger seat of a vehicle with her
eyes rolled back and her face turning blue. When Trooper
McGuckin was unable to find a pulse, he removed the
female from the vehicle and placed her on the ground.
Trooper McGuckin began chest compressions and
performed the head tilt/chin lift in an attempt to open her
airway. He continued chest compressions while emergency
medical personnel administered an IV and started using
a breathing bag. After a short time, the female regained
color and began to breathe on her own. Thanks to Trooper
McGuckin’s quick response, the female survived.
Tpr. Douglas B. Kaiser and Tpr. Antonio
J. Taylor (Tri-City Post) are receiving the
Lifesaving Award for saving the life of
another. On August 3, 2014, Troopers
Kaiser and Taylor were responding to
a scene of a suicide attempt involving a
Tpr. Douglas
firearm, at which time deputies with the
Kaiser
Saginaw County Sheriff’s Office advised
they were in pursuit of a vehicle believed
to be driven by the suicidal subject. The
sheriff’s deputies stopped the vehicle and
Troopers Kaiser and Taylor arrived on
scene to provide back-up, where they found
Tpr. Antonio
the subject covered in blood and bleeding
Taylor
profusely. Troopers Kaiser and Taylor im­
mediately removed the subject’s shirt and identified a gun­
shot wound. They applied bandages to both the entry and
exit wounds and continued providing first aid until a life
flight helicopter arrived to transport the subject to the
hospital. If not for the quick actions of Trooper Kaiser
and Trooper Taylor, it is likely the subject would have bled
to death.
Tpr. Nicole S. McGhee and Tpr. Zachary
W. Tebedo (Tri-City Post) are receiving
the Lifesaving Award for saving the life
of another. On August 24, 2014, Troopers
Kaiser and Taylor responded to a shooting
in
the City of Saginaw. Upon arrival to
Tpr. Nicole
the scene, they found a 15-year-old male
McGhee
lying on the ground in a pool of blood.
Troopers McGhee and Tebedo identified
two gunshot wounds on the subject, one
near his knee and one on the upper thigh.
Due to the massive amount of blood loss,
Troopers McGhee and Tebedo believed
Tpr. Zachary
the bullet had hit the femoral artery. They
Tebedo
immediately applied a tourniquet above
the wound on the victim’s upper thigh. Once emergency
medical service personnel arrived, the victim was air-lifted
for advanced medical care. Thanks to Trooper McGhee
and Trooper Tebedo’s knowledge of first aid, the young
man survived.
Tpr. Michael E. White (Mt. Pleasant
Post) is receiving the Lifesaving Award for
saving the life of another. On May 26, 2014,
Trooper White was off-duty attending a
church meeting when the bishop began
choking while eating. The bishop was
Tpr. Michael
unable to speak and his face began to change
White
color. Trooper White began administering
stomach thrusts, dislodging the food and allowing the
bishop to breathe again. Thanks to the quick and effective
actions of Trooper White, the bishop survived.
Tpr. William A. Brown and Tpr. Spence
G. Fletcher (Alpena Post) are receiving
the Lifesaving Award for saving the life of
another. On May 19, 2014, Troopers Brown
and Fletcher responded to a vehicle crash
that ended in the parking lot of a credit
Tpr. William
union. Trooper Fletcher found the driver of
Brown
the vehicle unresponsive, not breathing, and
without a pulse. With smoke emanating from
the air bag area, Trooper Fletcher removed
the driver from the vehicle to perform CPR
and instructed a nearby sheriff’s deputy
to retrieve his AED. Emergency medical
Tpr. Spence
personnel arrived and began assisting,
Fletcher
while Trooper Fletcher did a reassessment
and noted the driver was still not breathing and did not
have a pulse. While Trooper Brown maintained a c-spine
hold and assured an open airway, Trooper Fletcher began
chest compressions. Trooper Fletcher then applied the
AED, which advised to deliver a shock and continue CPR.
An ambulance soon arrived and transported the driver
to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a massive
heart attack. The quick and decisive actions displayed by
Trooper Brown and Trooper Fletcher played a vital role in
saving this man’s life.
Professional Excellence
Tpr. Trevin S. Antcliff......................................Lakeview Post
Tpr. Michael D. Asbridge.................................. Tri-City Post
Tpr. Bradley D. Campbell................................Lakeview Post
Tpr. Douglas G. Hunt.................................Mt. Pleasant Post
Tpr. Aaron M. McCormick.............................Lakeview Post
Tpr. Jeffrey A. Miazga............................................. Niles Post
D/Sgt. Todd D. Petersen............................... Coldwater Post
Tpr. Brian J. Siemen..........................................Lakeview Post
Tpr. Brett J. Sova...............................................Rockford Post
Sgt. Aaron C. Sweeney.....................................Rockford Post
Tpr. Andrew C. Young.....................................Lakeview Post
Sgt. Scott A. Ziesman......................................Lakeview Post
The next Board of Awards Committee meeting is January 28, 2015.
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 25
Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue recently had the honor of re-issuing two Bravery Awards and
a Meritorious Service Award to retired Sgt. Robert Thornton at the Lansing Post. Fondly
referred to as “Thunder,” he explained to her in a letter that his home was burglarized and
a box of his medals was stolen. Upon reading his letter, she knew immediately these awards
needed to be reissued. It was a bit of a surprise to Sergeant Thornton to find the squad
room packed with MSP members wanting to be part of this impromptu ceremony. It was
equally refreshing to see Thunder become the joker we all know and love, even calling out
the newest troopers at the Lansing Post and sharing a few stories with everyone. It was a
great day for the Colonel to return to Sergeant Thornton the medals he earned during his
career for exceptional service and devotion to duty. ■
And Speaking of “Thunder” . . .
Passing the Torch
By: Sgt. Todd Parsons
Mt. Pleasant Post #63
117 th Recruit School
Recently, retired Sgt. Robert “Thunder” Thornton accepted my invitation to come to the Mt. Pleasant Post to speak to our Troopers about his 40 years
of service to the MSP. As happy as I was that he accepted, it paled in comparison to his excitement. Even though I offered to arrange transportation from
­Lansing to Mt. Pleasant, Thunder declined saying he didn’t want to waste a
Trooper’s time. When I spoke to Thunder the day before he was set to speak,
I told him we could re-schedule due to inclement weather. He responded, “I would arrive by dog sled if needed.”
On March 4, 2015, I proudly introduced Thunder to a room full of Troopers from the Mt. Pleasant Post. Most of the Troopers had never heard of him.
Once Thunder was done speaking every Trooper in the room made their way
to the front for a handshake and a thank you. After he spoke and had left, every Trooper in attendance told me I was right, he is a legend. In speaking to
­T hunder later he had the audacity to thank me for inviting him to speak.
As our department continues to get younger, I feel it is important we
­remember who got us here. We can talk about our reputation and how it was
built all we want, but seeing it and having a person with Thunder’s experience
and knowledge speak to our members is invaluable. Be safe. ■
“It is up to us to live up to the legacy
that was left for us, and to leave a legacy
that is worthy of our children and of
future generations.”
26 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 27
Register of Deeds
In
Memory
of Our
Retirees
Karsen James Moots,
pictured with big
brother Kellen (4-1/2).
Born to Tpr. James Moots
(Lansing Post) and wife, Kylie,
on September 17, 2014.
Karsen weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz.,
and was 21" long.
Tpr. James L. Adams (Ret.)
55th Recruit School
8/20/1936 – 12/24/2014
D/Sgt. John H. Wilmer (Ret.)
86th Recruit School
6/6/1946 – 12/24/2014
Lucille Lynne Spencer,
daughter of
Trooper Drew Spencer
(Lansing Post) and wife,
Jamie, was born
September 27, 2014.
Lucille weighed 7 lbs.,
3 oz. and was 20-1/2"
long. She joins her
siblings Jonah and
Hazel at home.
Sgt. Milton D. Eddy (Ret.)
19th Recruit School
5/31/1918 – 1/1/2015
D/Lt. Albert J. Ruff (Ret.)
60th Recruit School
5/19/1936 – 1/6/2015
F/Lt. Jay D. Kennedy (Ret.)
37th Recruit School
3/8/1932 – 1/13/2015
Sgt. John Chargo (Ret.)
65th Recruit School
9/19/1938 – 1/18/2015
Emma Ann Hopp,
daughter of
Trooper Nathan Hopp
(Tri-City Post) and wife,
Lisa, was born
October 4, 2014.
Emma weighed
7 lbs., 13 oz. and
was 18-3/4" long.
She joins her big
brother Ethan
(3 years old) at home.
28 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
Tpr. Harlan L. Cole (Ret.)
70th Recruit School
10/11/1942 – 1/26/2015
D/F/Lt. Willis H. Myers (Ret.)
28th Recruit School
11/9/1922 – 2/11/2015
Tpr. Dean E. Johnson (Ret.)
46th Recruit School
12/22/1930 – 3/2/2015
Trooper’s Legacy Lives On
After 40 Years
WBKB
December 5, 2014
Reprinted with permission.
40 years ago today a law enforcement official in Alpena lost his life on
duty, but his legacy still lives on across
town.
“A lot of people remember the situation, you know, most of the town
does that was here at the time, anyway.”
It was forty years ago when Larry
Forreider’s life was taken while on duty.
But up to that moment, he was living his dream by serving as a Michigan
State Police Trooper.
“I believe it had a lot to do with the
fact that he liked to help people, and he
thought that was a field where he could
help people.”
He and Betty Thom met during college at North Central Michigan College
in Petoskey. The two were married in
1963 and shortly after Forreider went
into the Air Force.
“He was in the air police, guarded
the B-52s at Shepherd Air Force Base
in Texas.”
During his time in service he was
awarded the Purple Heart, and later
went on to pursue his dream job as a
law enforcement agent starting in Flat
Rock, Michigan. He, Betty and their
two children then made their way to
Alpena.
“Oh he used to come by the house
with the police car and turn the light
on, and the sirens, and the whole
neighborhood kids would come out.”
But the event that happened December 5th, 1974, shocked many in the
friendly port of Alpena.
“Trooper Forreider and his partner
Mike McMasters were patrolling on
US-23 North. He saw a vehicle heading North with a burnt out tail-light.
They pulled him over, and when the
passenger was getting the paperwork
Trooper Larry Forreider
out of his glovebox, Trooper McMasters noticed a handgun in there. He
alerted Trooper Forreider to the handgun. When they were getting the driver
out he was able to access the handgun
and he shot Trooper Forreider. McMasters returned fire, two of the men
ran into the woods and the one that
actually shot Trooper Forreider actually took his own life. The other two
were captured.
It was a sorrowful event, but his
legacy still lives on at the Michigan
State Police Post in Alpena …
“Anybody I’ve ever spoken to that
knew Trooper Forreider just speaks
so highly of him as a citizen and as a
Trooper. That memory is something
that all the Troopers that are still here
can aspire to, and live up to.”
And across town, he is remembered
and honored by many.
“Just the fact that people do take
the time to remember him, and the
things people have done for me are
just incredible.” ■
VIDEO: http://www.wbkb11.com/news/local/
6229-trooper-s-legacy-lives-on-after-40-years
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 29
From the Archives ...
100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
MSP PROJECT ’57
A Day With A State Trooper in 1941
By: Sgt. Jack Shepherd
From 1938 until 1947 the Michigan State Police in cooperation with
the Department of Natural Resources published a monthly magazine
called “Field and Street.” This publication was dedicated to the school
children of the Upper Peninsula and
was devoted to the cause of bringing
a better understanding between the
youth of that generation and the two
sponsoring agencies. The following
is an excerpt from the March, 1941
issue entitled, “A Day With A State
Trooper.”
Are you one of those people who
think that the life of a state trooper
consists only of riding up and down
the highways in a shiny patrol car
adorned with a golden insignia? Well,
if you are, it might be well if you
could spend a day with one of these
blue and gray clad men. Let’s take a
peek into the every day life of one of
these officers by taking an imaginary
look in his diary. We might see something like this:
7:30 A.M. - Up with the alarm clock
this morning. Took a shower,
shaved, brushed teeth. Shined
shoes and putts, then washed
hands and cleaned nails. Made bed
and cleaned up room. Brushed off
uniform, then went to the garage
and made morning inspection of
patrol car.
8:15 A.M. - Ate a light breakfast at the
restaurant with patrol partner.
8:45 A.M. - Took inspection kit and
patrolled to a nearby town and inspected a carload of kerosene for a
filling station.
9:30 A.M. - Visited the home of a
young man who has his application in the State police and investi-
30 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
gated him, then took the paper to
his references and gathered their
opinions for the Commissioner.
10:30 A.M. - Visited the office of
the Sheriff, took a stack of new
finger-print blanks to him, also
stayed to see if there was anything
we could help him with. Also visited the city police station to see
if there were any messages for us.
11:00 A.M. - Outside of town, patrolling the highway. Stopped two
log trucks and warned them to put
another chain over the load, thereby making it safer. Assisted a man
who had no jack in changing a tire.
Warned a pedestrian to get over on
the left side of the highway.
12:00 Noon - Had dinner in a restaurant in a small town on the main
highway.
12:45 P.M. - On the highway patrol­
ling again. Picked up two rather
suspicious looking hitchhikers
and questioned. Found they had
enough credentials to identify
themselves and were OK. Removed a board from the road that
had dropped off a truck.
1:25 P.M. - Stopped at two country
schools where we had speaking
engagements and talked to the
children about safety in walking to
and from school. Also left a few
extra copies of Field And Street we
had with us, and the teacher gave
them to some students who had
requested them for some relatives
in another part of the state.
2:00 P.M. - Back on the road. Gave a
man a summons for running his
automobile on last year’s license
plates, a thing he admitted that he
had been doing for some time.
2:30 P.M. - Helped a farmer get his
horses off the road and back into
the field from where they had
­ roken out. Also assisted him in
b
repairing the fence.
3:15 P.M. - Got a call on the radio to
call the post by telephone. Called
from a store and found that we
were to investigate a chicken stealing case at a farmer’s home not
far from where we were. Patrolled
there and got the full details from
the farmer, also a piece of window
glass containing fingerprints to be
taken back to the laboratory.
5:30 P.M. - Helped a woman get her
car started by pushing the vehicle.
Warned another pedestrian to get
on the left hand side of the road.
6:00 P.M. - Went to the radio station and gave a short talk on
“Un-American Activities,” also
asked people to assist us in preventing accidents by observing the
rules of proper driving.
6:20 P.M. - Ate supper at the restaurant.
7:00 P.M. - Returned to the post, and
were almost immediately sent out
on a bad accident on the main
highway south of town. After
­arriving, took the injured to the
hospital, then policed traffic while
the wrecker towed both cars away.
Also got the information for an
­accident report.
9:30 P.M. - Patrolling the main highway. Stopped five cars and gave
them inspection slips for defective
head and tail lights. Issued a summons to one careless individual
who let the driver’s license expire
eight months before.
10:30 P.M. - Arrived back at the post
and made all reports for the day
out on typewriter.
11:30 P.M. - Went to bed. Certainly
hope nothing happens before that
alarm clock sings off in the morning.
SPONSORSHIP FORM
(Donations can be made on-line at: www.mspta.net)
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
• Includes business/person name displayed on trailer and
show board, vehicle parked in front of business (3 days),
framed picture of vehicle, letter of thanks from 100th
Anniversary Committee.
Silver Sponsor Level Donation / $250
• Includes business/person name displayed on trailer and
show board, vehicle parked in front of business (1 day),
framed picture of vehicle, letter of thanks from 100th
Anniversary Committee.
Bronze Sponsor Level Donation / $125
• Includes business/person name displayed on trailer and
show board, letter of thanks from 100th Anniversary
Committee.
Private Collection Level Donation / $25
• Includes name listed on show board, letter of thanks
from 100th Anniversary Committee.
In-Kind Donation
• Depends on the amount/value of contribution, includes
name listed on show board, letter of thanks from 100th
Anniversary Committee.
All donations to Project ’57 will be
used specifically for this project
and donations are tax deductible.
Please print your business information below.
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
▪ Winter 2015 ▪ 31
The Ingham County Sheriff ’s Office lost one of their own in the early morning hours of
December 7, 2014. Deputy Grant Whitaker lost control of his vehicle, during a pursuit,
struck a tree and died. The vehicle he was pursuing did not stop and remained at large for
several days. The shock and disbelief of such a sudden death can be overwhelming. When
these tragedies happen, nothing can be said that will ease the pain of a grieving family or
department. Although words can sometimes be ineffective, actions speak volumes. With that
in mind, members of the First District took over the investigation of the crash and pursuit.
The MSP used unlimited resources with First District personnel working many hours in
an effort to support the ICSO. The investigation resulted in an arrest within a week of the
incident. The subject was charged with fleeing to elude causing death and operating a vehicle
on a suspended license causing death. I hope that our actions helped relieve some of the stress Dep. Whitaker’s department was going through. I have worked with the ICSO for
several years and know the quality of their people. I also know, that if our roles had reversed,
they would have done the same thing.
– Sgt. John Faccio (Lansing Post)
Final Call
Deputy Sheriff
Grant William Whitaker
Ingham County Sheriff ’s Office
End of Watch: Sunday, December 7, 2014 Age: 25 Tour of Duty: 1 year, 6 months Badge Number: 5497 Cause of Death: Automobile Accident Date of Incident: December 7, 2014
Deputy Sheriff Grant Whitaker was killed in a vehicle crash during a pursuit on Dexter Trail, one mile east of Route
52, at approximately 2:00 a.m. Deputy Whitaker’s patrol car left the roadway and struck a tree during the pursuit, causing
him to suffer fatal injuries. The vehicle he was pursuing continued to flee. The driver of the vehicle was arrested several
days later and charged with fleeing to elude causing death and operating a vehicle on a suspended license causing death.
Deputy Whitaker served with the Ingham Coiunty Sheriff’s Office for 1-1/2 years. He had previously served with the
Stockbridge Police Department and Waterloo Township Police Department. ■
Trooper Nicholas Dees
Oklahoma Highway Patrol
End of Watch: Saturday, January 31, 2015 Age: 30 Tour of Duty: 1 year, 6 months Badge Number: 731 Cause of Death: Struck by Vehicle Date of Incident: January 31, 2015
Trooper Nicholas Dees was struck and killed by a vehicle near mile marker 195 on I-40, east of Shawnee. He and
another trooper were investigating a wreck involving a semi-truck on westbound I-40 at approximately 10:00 p.m. when
a vehicle went around their patrol cars before striking both troopers. Trooper Dees died at the scene. The other trooper
suffered serious injuries. The subject who caused the crash was arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
Trooper Dees served with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol for approximately 18 months. ■
32 ▪ Michigan Trooper ▪
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, April 25, 2015
(Lodging Friday, 4/24 & Saturday, 4/25)
Bavarian Inn Lodge – Frankenmuth, MI
Registration Deadline is Friday, April 3, 2015
Call: Toll Free (855) 652-7200 • Local (616) 776-6450
Online: www.bavarianinn.com
Identify yourself as a member of the MSPTA, Group Code #11Z0X3.