Michigan State Police Community Newsletter. Connect with us on social media. Image featuring MSP helicopter and patrol car. [ [link removed] ]
*January 2026*
MSP Honors Employees for Dedication and Service
2025 Of the Year Recipients
Today we honored several members of the Michigan State Police at our Employee Recognition Ceremony! Members were recognized for their recent promotions, years of service and special recognition awards.
Among the awards were recipients of the department's annual awards:
• Trooper of the Year: Sgt. Lena Wresinski, Paw Paw Post
• Motor Carrier Officer of the Year: MC Ofcr. Bryan Walker, Jackson Post
• Civilian of the Year: Ms. Nicole Ascroft, Lapeer Post
• Retiree of the Year: D/Lt. Donald Watson, Ret.
• Community Policing Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to the MSP Niles Post
• Community Impact Award was presented to Tpr. Macon Derleth of the Niles Post
Read more about the award recipients. [ [link removed] ]
State Police Hosting Employment Day Hiring Event in Kalamazoo
Employment Day
The Michigan State Police will host a one-stop Employment Day [ [link removed] ] on Saturday, February 21, at Kalamazoo Community College, Texas Township Campus. The event provides the opportunity to apply for the department’s trooper, motor carrier officer and lateral entry recruit schools that all begin in July.
During Employment Day, participants can complete several steps of the hiring process in a single day, including:
* Application assistance
* Baseline fitness testing
* National Testing Network Entry-Level Law Enforcement Exam
* Preliminary criminal history check
* Hiring interview
Space is limited to 300 applicants, and an RSVP is required to attend. [ [link removed] ]
For more information about a career with the MSP, visit michigan.gov/mspjobs [ [link removed] ].
Stuff a Blue Goose Events Collect Thousands in Holiday Donations
Stuff a Blue Goose
Over the holiday season, the Michigan State Police continued its commitment to service with a purpose by hosting numerous Stuff a Blue Goose toy and food donation events across the state. Thanks to the generosity of our community members and partners, these 29 events had a significant positive impact for our communities.
Together, we collected 4,670 pounds of food, 8,765 toys and over $45,500 in monetary contributions to support local families in need.
Thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered and helped make Stuff a Blue Goose [ [link removed] ] a success statewide!
Train Like a Trooper Dates Announced
The MSP Precision Driving Unit is bringing back its popular “Train Like a Trooper” teenage defensive driving program [ [link removed] ] in 2026. This hands-on program, hosted at the MSP drive track in Lansing, gives young drivers the opportunity to build critical skills that can help keep them safe on the road.
The one-day trainings will be offered on June 30, July 1 and July 2.
The areas covered in class and reinforced during practical exercises are:
* Defensive driving
* Skid control
* Serpentine
* Controlled braking
* Evasive maneuvering
Participants must be a fully licensed GDL Level 2 driver between the ages of 16-19.
Space is limited and the sessions fill up fast! Those interested are encouraged to sign up to be notified when registration opens. [ [link removed] ]
Open Your Eyes to Human Trafficking
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the MSP encourages you to learn the signs of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is closer than you think – it happens in our big cities, suburbs and rural towns. Whether it’s sex trafficking, forced labor or domestic servitude, it’s time to open our eyes and learn the signs of Human trafficking and what you can do to help at DHS.gov/BlueCampaign [ [link removed] ].
Stay Safe in Winter Weather!
Limit Time Outdoors When Freezing
As winter temperatures drop, cold weather can quickly become dangerous. Knowing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia can help prevent serious injury.
Frostbite occurs when skin freezes, most often affecting the fingers, toes, ears and nose. Symptoms include numbness, pale or grayish skin and a waxy feeling. Warm the area slowly using body heat or warm hands. Do not rub the skin or expose it to extreme temperatures. Seek medical care for severe cases.
Hypothermia happens when body temperature falls below 95 degrees. Warning signs include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and drowsiness. Move the person to a warm area, remove wet clothing and cover with blankets, focusing on warming the chest, neck and head. Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency and requires immediate care.
Learn more about how to prepare for winter weather by visiting our MI Ready website [ [link removed] ].
SAFER by 2030 Unites Partners to Save Lives on Michigan Roads
Safer by 2030
With more than 1,000 traffic-related fatalities in Michigan in 2024, traffic fatalities remain a public health concern in our state. In response, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission (GTSAC) launched SAFER by 2030 [ [link removed] ], a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities by 30 percent by 2030.
The initiative brings together state agencies, local law enforcement and community partners to focus efforts on three core areas: awareness, engagement and enforcement.
SAFER by 2030 calls on all Michiganders, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians and policymakers, to work together to create a stronger culture of roadway safety in our state in an effort to save hundreds of lives in the years ahead.
Grant Applications Open for Programs Supporting Cold Case Investigations and Critical Incident Mapping
The MSP Grants and Community Services Division (GCSD) is accepting applications for two public safety grant programs made possible through funding appropriated in the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget.
Michigan universities that currently operate a cold case program or will begin a cold case program in FY 2026 can apply for up to $200,000 to be used for programmatic and operational expenses of the university’s cold case program. A completed grant application must be submitted to the MSP GCSD before 12 p.m. EST on Feb. 18, 2026.
Michigan counties may request up to $25,000 to assist in their development of public safety critical incident mapping. Each county is eligible to receive up to three individual grants. The completed grant application must be submitted to the MSP GCSD before 12 p.m. EST on March 4, 2026.
Detailed grant information and applications are available on the MSP GCSD website. [ [link removed] ]
Enforcement Spotlight
Traffic Arrest
Troopers from the Grand Rapids Post stopped a vehicle for going 20 miles over the speed limit on eastbound on I-96 near M-6. While searching the vehicle, troopers located two semi-automatic handguns and the schedule II narcotic, Percocet. One firearm was loaded and confirmed stolen. The occupants of the vehicle were arrested and lodged at the Kent County Jail.
In Your Community
*Jan. 29*: MSP Hiring Event – Dowagiac, [ [link removed] ] 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*Feb. 2*: Baseline Fitness Test – West Branch [ [link removed] ], 4:30
*Feb. 2: *Webinar: Baseline and National Testing Network Q&A [ [link removed] ], 5 p.m.
*Feb. 2:* Baseline Fitness Test – Grand Rapids [ [link removed] ], 7:30 p.m.
*Feb. 9:* Baseline Fitness Test – Big Rapids [ [link removed] ], 8 a.m.
*Feb. 21:* Employment Day - Kalamazoo [ [link removed] ]
Join Us!
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Choose a career in public service; learn more at www.mi.gov/mspjobs [ [link removed] ]
Transparency
Transparency
Check out our Transparency and Accountability website [ [link removed] ] that provides the public with easy access to information about the administration and operation of the MSP.
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