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The American Association of State Troopers’ (AAST) annual “Best Looking Cruiser Contest” is back, and we need your vote to win!
This year’s entry showcases MSP’s 2024 Dodge Durango patrol vehicle photographed at an iconic Michigan landmark, the Mackinac Bridge and Straits of Mackinac.
As of today, we’re currently in FIRST place, and every vote counts. Let’s keep the momentum going and finish strong! You can cast one vote per device, so spread the word! Voting closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 11.
The top 13 states will be featured in the 2026 AAST wall calendar. Calendars will be available for purchase at statetroopers.org this fall. Net proceeds from calendar sales benefit the AAST Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers.
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 On Sunday, July 6, the Michigan State Police welcomed 73 new recruits to the MSP Training Academy for the start of the 149th Trooper Recruit School, adding to the nearly 750 new troopers hired and trained during Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s tenure. Investments proposed in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 continue the momentum.
If you’ve ever thought about a career as a Michigan State Trooper, are curious about the training process or want to see the commitment it takes to earn the trooper badge, check out our new Day in the Life of a Trooper Recruit video.
Looking ahead, we’re currently accepting applications for the 150th Trooper Recruit School, which is set to start in January 2026. Ready to take the next step? RSVP to our Hiring Event in Detroit or visit Michigan.gov/MSPJobs to learn more.
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To those unfamiliar with the criminal justice system, the process can be overwhelming and confusing to navigate. To help support victims and reduce additional trauma, the MSP launched the Victim Services Program in 2020. The program aims to strengthen communication between crime victims and law enforcement.
Victim services advocates offer a wide range of support, including providing updates after hearings, accompanying victims to court, facilitating meetings with law enforcement and prosecutors and assisting with victim impact statements to ensure their voices are heard.
In Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed Executive Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, a $1.3 million investment would add eight positions, bringing the total positions to 22..
For more information, including where MSP advocates are currently assigned, visit the Victim Services Program webpage.
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Last month, several of our members were recognized for excellence by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) for going above and beyond the call of duty.
On June 24, the MACP Medal of Honor, which is the highest award bestowed by the MACP to officers who demonstrate extraordinary heroism, was awarded to D/Sgt. Shaun Garvey, Sgt. Andrew Pinkerton, Sgt. Anthony Ramirez, Tpr. Benjamin Breslin, D/Tpr. Erik Gantert, Tpr. Thomas Kill, Tpr. Jereme Miller, Tpr. Thomas Pinkerton, Tpr. Benjamin Sonstrom and Tpr. Drew Spencer.
These members were awarded the MACP Medal of Honor for their heroic actions during a critical incident on June 27, 2024, when they located the suspect who shot and killed a Hillsdale County Sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop.
Additionally, the MACP Police Cross was posthumously awarded to MC Ofcr. Daniel M. Kerstetter, who was killed in the line of duty on September 15, 2024.
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 A select group of Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers can say they’ve lived the island life.
“Our Mackinac Island detail is truly focused on community relationships,” says Lt. Ashley Miller who spent the summer of 2015 on the island. “This is a true foot patrol position with intentional time spent building relationships with business owners, people from all over the state and country, and the visitors.”
The MSP staffs a Mackinac Island detail during the late spring and summer months into the early fall, usually April to October, with two troopers assigned to the island working with Mackinac Island Police for the safety and security of residents, workers and visitors. They patrol on foot, bicycle and occasionally by horse and carriage. The local police have a patrol car for use, if needed.
Mackinac Island is right between Michigan’s two peninsulas, the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula.
Because Mackinac Island is surrounded by water with no bridge to the mainland, most visitors arrive by ferry boat. Some visitors catch a plane to Mackinac Island Airport, while others may even dock a private boat in the Mackinac Island harbor.
Mackinac Island’s streets have been car-free for over 100 years.
“Working on the island is unique. You don’t have all the resources you have on the mainland,” says Tpr. Hilary Hoeflin who spent the 2023-24 seasons working the detail. “You must get to know your community, what’s available to you and how to serve efficiently and in the most effective way. It’s one of my favorite things I’ve done during my career.”
While Mackinac Island’s year-round population is close to 600 people, seasonal workers and tourists take it to around 20,000 during peak season.
The detail is typically a two-season assignment for MSP troopers, meaning they serve for two consecutive summer seasons ensuring the safety and protection of everyone within those 3.8 square miles.
“You have the state park, two golf courses, the airport, the whole community. It’s so much more than the downtown area which many associate with the island,” says Tpr. Jeffery Burnette, who was assigned in 2022-23. “There are miles of hiking and biking trails and unlimited history. It’s a beautiful place and you get to explore the entire island.”
A perk for some is the option to live where you work. Single and family housing is available at no cost to troopers taking advantage of this unique assignment.
“In my case, I was able to bring my wife and kids and that’s been a wonderful experience,” says Tpr. Nicholas Reszka, who is currently working on the island. “I leave my house and walk with my wife and kids to get an ice cream cone before dad goes to work. We walk back to the house, I put my uniform on, jump on my bike and go to work. Not many kids can say they spent two summers living on Mackinac Island. That’s a cool experience us troopers can give our families, especially with such a demanding job.”
The MSP is actively recruiting for many positions. Discover what’s possible with a career with the MSP and learn more at mi.gov/MSPjobs.
Speeding is more than a traffic violation. It’s a dangerous driving behavior that puts lives at risk. Whether due to impatience or carelessness, driving too fast increases the chances of serious crashes and threatens the safety of everyone on the road.
To reduce speed-related crashes and encourage drivers to slow down, the Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state are conducting speed enforcement throughout July.
This summer and always, make safety a priority by adhering to the speed limit, always buckling up, and never driving distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Experience can be the best teacher.
“When I was a high school student, I attended a career academy through the Michigan State Police,” said Tpr. Thomas Kinnunen, Community Service Trooper assigned to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Negaunee Post. “It was a great template. That positive exposure was absolutely part of my decision-making process when I was considering my career.”
Trooper Kinnunen is now leading his own career academy in Munising called 911 Camp 2025.
“This is a great introduction to the diverse options available in a career of service, particularly one in the Upper Peninsula,” said Trooper Kinnunen. “We’re hands-on and highly focused on team building to keep students active and engaged.”
In Midland, the MSP is partnering with Northwood University for its Career Academy, an immersive five-day exposure to law enforcement, also next week. Registration is closed.
Several programs are scheduled throughout Michigan this summer like the Law Enforcement Career Academy, which graduated 14 students on Friday, June 13. Kiwanis Clubs and the American Legion also sponsor high school students from their area for a five-day experience at the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale.
“The growth we see in a week’s time is amazing,” said Sgt. Tyhrann V. Howard II with the Recruiting and Selection Section. “The students arrive on Sunday and stay at the Training Academy to live and learn like our trooper recruits do. These are kids who didn’t know each other a few days ago but leave as a team with new life skills and the connections to continue this career path.”
More than 500 miles away in Ironwood, it was a similar experience for 16 Michigan and Northern Wisconsin students spending the week at Gogebic Community College.
“We’re presenting real-world scenarios like traffic stops, first aid and de-escalation and so much more. We model these Career Academies after Trooper Recruit School, but condensed,” said Tpr. Joe Reneaud, assigned to the Wakefield Post. “We hope to help them understand that simple communication can be their best tool in almost any situation and maybe most importantly, that they’re capable of more than they may realize.
This month, the Michigan Youth Leadership Academy (MiYLA™) returns for the first time since 2019. Two academies are scheduled to be held for students ages 14-15 from West Branch and Flint. Students will meet with mentors individually and in groups to help strengthen relationships between youth and police. Participants are recruited by MSP community service troopers and officers from local police departments.
Additional Youth Opportunities are held throughout the year and around the state. More information about career paths with the MSP can be found at michigan.gov/MSPJobs.
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Over half of mass attacks leave a trail of clues leading up to them. When you recognize the warning signs and take action to report suspicious behavior, you can help Stop A Plot.
Risk factors that may indicate someone is on the pathway to violence include:
- Prior criminal involvement
- Domestic violence
- Mental health concerns
- Substance abuse
- Radicalization
- Not feeling or being accepted in groups
- Stressors like money or relationship problems
If you see something of concern, say something. Tips can be reported online or by calling 1-800-MICHTIP at any time. Reporting a tip is safe and confidential.
Criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools can be reported using OK2SAY.
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 Over the weekend of June 20, troopers worked the annual Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan. Pictured here are Troopers Arnold and Toner of the MSP Jackson Post with festival attendees.
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July 14: Baseline Fitness Test – Big Rapids, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
July 16: Baseline Fitness Test – Mt. Pleasant, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
July 17: MSP Hiring Event, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Detroit
July 19: Baseline Fitness Test – Grand Rapids, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
July 19: Basketball Cop Event – Flint, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
July 27: Baseline Fitness Test- Lansing, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
July 27: Basketball Cop Event – Riverview, noon to 3 p.m.
July 29: Baseline Fitness Test – Otsego, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
July 29: MSP Safety Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dimondale
July 30: New Buffalo Scales Open House and Recruiting Event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
July 31: Basketball Cop Event – Marquette, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 2: Basketball Cop Event – Traverse City, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Aug. 4: Baseline Fitness Test – Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Aug. 6: Ionia Scales Open House and Recruiting Event, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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