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Motor Carrier Officer Daniel M. Kerstetter with the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division was laid to rest on September 20, 2024. MC Officer Kerstetter was not able to overcome injuries he sustained as a result of a September 13, 2024, on-duty traffic crash.
MC Officer Kerstetter joined the MSP in January of 2023, graduating as a member of the 26th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School on May 25, 2023. He served at the Metro North Post. MC Officer Kerstetter was married with three children.
The MSP wishes to acknowledge our many law enforcement partners and emergency responders who assisted at the scene and all those who have provided support and messages of condolence to our department during this difficult time.
View photos from the funeral service on our Facebook page.
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September is National Emergency Preparedness Month, and the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is encouraging Michigan residents to use this time to take steps to prepare for emergencies.
The MSP/EMHSD is uniting with agencies nationwide under the theme “Start a Conversation” to spark discussion about emergencies and disasters to prompt individuals, families and businesses to take action to prepare in advance of a tragedy. Talking to your loved ones, neighbors and colleagues about your emergency plans now can better prepare you for when disaster strikes.
For more information and helpful tools to help with emergency preparedness, visit Michigan.gov/MIReady and follow the MSP/EMHSD on X at @MichEMHS.
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Again this year, members of the MSP participated in the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is one of the largest fundraisers for Special Olympics Michigan!
Our MSP Central Route Team ran a remarkable 1,000+ miles across the state, from Copper Harbor to Belle Isle, all to raise awareness and support for the athletes of Special Olympics.
Thanks to the generosity of our communities, the MSP Central Route Team raised over $25,000 for this important cause.
The 2023 Central Route Team consisted of Sgt. Blaine Bachman, Ms. Tamera Bachman, Tpr. Melissa Beafore, Tpr. Dave Brelinski, Tpr. Robert Dow, Tpr. Logen Dushane, Tpr. Richard Paananen and Ms. Heidi Ruis.
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Not much beats ice cream on a warm summer night. Except maybe if it’s free and hand delivered.
This is exactly what Tpr. Andrew Sysko was doing one summer evening at a mobile home community outside Traverse City.
"We’re always trying to find new ways to connect with the people and communities we serve,” said Michigan State Police Tpr. Andrew Sysko of the Traverse City Post. “We know people are busy or may not be able to make it to an event, so we brought Cone with a Cop to them.”
Donations from area businesses covered the cost of the sweet treats, which troopers and sheriff’s deputies loaded into coolers and then cruisers. They hit the road, then their lights and sirens to notify the neighborhood.
“This is our version of an ice cream truck,” joked Trooper Sysko, "to show that we’re still here and happy to serve you – an ice cream cone or whatever you need.”
In Lapeer last month, it was Sunny Day Camp, a day of fun and mentorship for students with disabilities ahead of the new school year.
The MSP Grants and Community Services Division (GCSD) and Lapeer Post partnered with Special Olympics Michigan, Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Lapeer Police Department and Lapeer County Intermediate School District to host Sunny Day Camp, a day-long program where no one is left out of interacting with the law enforcement agencies that serve their communities. The program is modeled after a similar program of the same name created by the Pennsylvania State Police.
There was a dunk tank, dance party, treats, police displays and teaching moments to promote positive police-community relations.
“Events like this get us out of the post and outside of our cruisers to engage with members of our community in an authentic way,” said F/Lt Duane Zook, commander of the Lapeer Post. “The concept isn’t new for MSP, but we aim to be more aware of what works best for everyone, how we can remove participation barriers and improve interactions. We thank GCSD for inviting us to implement the Sunny Day Camp pilot with them.”
In Northville Township, 10 MSP members volunteered at New Hope Center for Grief Support Kid’s Camp, which helps children who have lost someone close to them to learn coping mechanisms and build resiliency to face challenges and even learn how to grow through their grief.
“This is an annual event for a lot of us,” said F/Lt. Mike Shaw, commander of the MSP Public Information Officer Section. “We learn so much from these brave kids. We hope they know how much we care and enjoy being able to play a small part in helping them to work through a tough time.”
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September 15-21 was National Forensic Science Week, a time to recognize the contributions that forensic science makes to the criminal justice system. This week is an opportunity to celebrate academic programs, forensic professionals and scientific research in the various forensic disciplines.
Professionals from MSP’s Forensic Science Division met last week at their annual symposium to learn from national forensic science experts, explore advancements in technology and methodology within their fields, and work on team dynamics and individual strengths.
If you are interested in a career as an MSP forensic scientist, you'll play a crucial role in Michigan's criminal justice system. The results of forensic testing conducted in our laboratories may assist in the investigation of a crime, be used in criminal proceedings or eliminate a person from suspicion. To learn more, visit Michigan.gov/MSPJobs.
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On September 16, OK2SAY, Michigan’s confidential student safety program, celebrated a decade of serving as a resource for students, school employees and schools.
Since its launch in September 2014, OK2SAY has received over 56,000 tips identifying students in crisis and helping to prevent school violence. The top five cumulative tip categories have been suicide threats, bullying, drugs, other (anxiety, depression, harassment), and planned school attacks.
OK2SAY is available 24/7, and tips can be submitted in the following ways:
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In recognition of the importance of community engagement and outreach, the MSP recently established 18 full-time community service trooper (CST) positions across the state.
CSTs are troopers who have received training in public speaking, teaching, special programming and community engagement who spend their time working alongside community organizations, schools and other law enforcement agencies to build community support for prevention and public safety efforts.
Learn more about how the CSTs will enhance community engagement and outreach in our recent news release.
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), proper child restraints have saved the lives of 11,606 children under the age of 5 since 1975. However, an NHTSA study found that only about 48% of parents and caregivers have correctly installed their child’s car seat.
Michigan has a network of more than 1,000 child passenger safety technicians who can assist parents and caregivers with proper installation and use of car seats, boosters and seat belts. You can find a technician here.
Learn more about child car seat safety.
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 During Hispanic Heritage Month, the MSP wishes to recognize the invaluable contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals. Our department is proud to stand beside these communities and honor their rich cultural traditions
Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month at hispanicheritagemonth.gov.
 Again this year, many troopers worked the Labor Day Bridge Walk detail! Sgt. Scott Bates of the MSP Houghton Lake Post met some walkers at the Colonial Michilimackinac sign in Mackinaw City.
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Sept. 25: MSP recruiters at Hope College's Career Fair, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 26: MSP Hiring Event – Muskegon, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sept. 26: Baseline Fitness Test – Gaylord, 6 p.m.
Sept. 26: MSP recruiters at Jackson State University's Fall Career Expo, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Oct. 1: Baseline Fitness Test - Otsego, 8:30 a.m.
Oct. 1: MSP recruiters at Oakland University's Fall Career Fair, noon to 3 p.m.
Oct. 5: 28th Annual Fall Color 5k Run/Walk, 7:30 a.m., Northville
Oct. 7: Baseline Fitness Test - Taylor, 6 p.m.
Oct. 10: MSP Hiring Event – Flint, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 12: Lakers vs. Law Enforcement Softball Game, 1:30 p.m., Allendale
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