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In honor of National Police Week, May 11-17, people across the country pause to remember our nation’s peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting and serving others.
The MSP honors our 57 fallen heroes each year with a ceremony at the MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial at the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale. The MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial was established in 2001, completely funded by private donations. Check out our reel from this year’s ceremony.
This annual service is just one way in which we honor our fallen. To learn more, read this MSP Newsroom story.
To more information about National Police Week, visit nleomf.org.
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Earlier this month, 18 members of the MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED) participated in the annual Michigan Inspectors Championship. Motor carrier officers from each district participated in the two-day, training-based competition, which consisted of a written test and a series of hands-on commercial vehicle inspections.
In addition to the competition, motor carrier officers can observe various inspection methods and identify violations not normally found in the field, further supporting our mission to promote safe commercial travel and prevent crashes and incidents on our roadways.
Congratulations to MC Ofcr. Timuchin Aker of the MSP Lakeview Post for winning this year’s championship! Officer Aker will represent our department at the 2025 North American Inspectors Championship in Minneapolis, Minn. in August.
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Last year, the Michigan State Police began the “Troopers on Tour” Basketball Cop initiative to build connections with police officers and young people where they live and play.
This year, we’re excited to expand these free community events to 11 cities across Michigan. In partnership with local police agencies and community groups, these family-friendly gatherings will bring a mix of food, music, basketball and other games.
We look forward to seeing you at a Basketball Cop event in your area!
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Kyle Fedewa, father of three, isn’t sure what life would look like without the vital blood donations his wife received during each of her three pregnancies.
“I wanted to do something to help others facing life-threatening health situations,” said Fedewa who works in the Michigan State Police (MSP) Biometrics and Identification Division (BID) and is a frequent donor himself.
With support from division leaders and MSP leadership, Fedewa and fellow BID members began hosting blood drives for employees working at MSP Headquarters in Dimondale.
“We partner with the American Red Cross and aim to hold one drive each quarter,” he said. “Since February 2023, we’ve collected 487 units of blood from 220 different donors. Thirty-seven of those were first time donors.”
At these drives, eight people have reached the one-gallon mark or more, including Theresa Levack, assigned to MSP’s Criminal Justice Information Center, who has donated at every BID blood drive.
“I’ve always been a service before self type of person,” said Levack, also a military veteran. “It’s a pretty simple way to make an impact. I’m happy I’m healthy and able to donate.”
Statewide, MSP Community Service Troopers (CSTs) have recently worked with Versiti to host 20 blood drives for the inaugural “Troopers Bleed Blue” initiative.
“Our CSTs wanted to do something to support a fellow trooper,” said F/Lt. Aric Dowling, commander of the MSP Grants and Community Services Division’s Prevention Services Section. “We had 300 donors resulting in 325 units of blood, which was a great accomplishment on their part. We take pride in taking care of our communities and each other.”
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 Summer months are ahead of us, which means warmer weather and potentially dangerous temperatures.
According to NoHeatStroke.org, in 2024, 39 children died because of vehicle heatstroke. Cars get hot fast, and kids can be at risk of heatstroke even in temperatures as low as 60 degrees.
Everyone can help prevent hot car deaths by following these safety tips:
- Never leave a child alone in a car for any length of time.
- Make it a habit to look in the back seat every time you exit the car.
- Store car keys out of a child's reach and teach children that a vehicle is not a play area.
- Place a personal item like a purse or briefcase in the back seat, as another reminder to look before you lock.
- Always lock your car when you aren’t using it.
- If you see a child in distress in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.
For more information on vehicle heatstroke, visit nhtsa.gov/heatstroke.
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Motorcycles are a common sight on the roads this time of year, and safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and riders. For motorists, be alert and pay extra attention for motorcyclists around you. Riders, consider these safety tips:
- Always remain visible by using reflective strips and by keeping your headlight on during day and night.
- Be aware of vehicle blind spots.
- Give at least one car-length of space between you and other vehicles.
- Dress for safety – wear a helmet, eye protection and bright clothing.
- Know your bike and how to use it.
Visit the Office of Highway Safety Planning website for more safety tips.
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 Thank you to everyone who donated to our “Purses With a Purpose” initiative during the month of April! Thanks to your efforts, more than 1,700 purses stuffed with toiletries and comfort items were donated to women’s shelters across the state to benefit survivors of sexual assault. Pictured in this photo are members of the MSP Metro South Post who collected more than 70 purses and hundreds of items for Vista Maria in Dearborn Heights.
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May 17: Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Niles
May 17: Basketball Cop Event - Lansing, noon to 3 p.m.
May 19: Baseline Fitness Test, 5:30 p.m., Taylor
May 21: Baseline Fitness Test, 9 a.m., Mt. Pleasant
May 22: Fowlerville Scales Open House and Hiring Event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 24: Basketball Cop Event - Highland Park, noon to 3 p.m.
May 26: MURPH Workout, 4:30 p.m., Lapeer
June 2: Baseline Fitness Test, 8 a.m., Grand Rapids
June 7: Bike With a Cop, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Cassopolis
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