“On my way to a meeting at Whirlpool in St. Joseph yesterday, I had a tire blow out on I-94 at about 10:45 a.m. or 15 minutes before I was supposed to arrive for my appointment. As I was frantically trying to change the tire, one of your troopers pulled up behind me and I have to say that I was never happier to see an officer in my life. The trucks were behind me only a few feet as they passed my location at full speed, being a little nervous would be an understatement.

“Your officer was kind enough to stick around until the tire was changed, even lending a hand with some of the job and nosing his SUV out to block traffic as I pulled away. I did thank him for helping me out and shook his hand but, I neglected to get his name and information. I would really like to pass along a note to his commander to let them know what a great officer he has working for him.

“You all don’t get enough credit for the job you do for the people of this state and I am very disappointed in myself for not thinking about this before I drove away.

“The officer did take my license information so, if there is some sort of report that would identify him, can you please pass along to his boss my sincere thanks and appreciation or send me his email address so I can do so myself.

“Thanks again and please stay safe out there.

Sincerely, (Randy from Clarkston).”

Community relations and public safety are missions of the Michigan State Police. We appreciate this letter of recognition for something that happens daily around the state. Our recent recruit schools have instituted a community program where all recruits, usually at a squad level, will go to a local community organization in Lansing and assist with any project, such as spring cleanup, visiting local nursing homes, or visiting a local boys/girls club to play games and interact with the young students. This is designed to get the recruits used to interacting with our public, as well as reinforcing the importance of community involvement.

The recruits who arrive at their new posts are then required to partner with us, the community service troopers, for 16 hours for more localized community involvement. I have been taking our recruits into the schools where they observe 2 days of instruction to the various age groups, finishing the 16 hours by actually teaching one of the classes.

Along the community service lines, the Niles Law Enforcement Complex will soon be sponsoring a Law Enforcement Explorer Program.

Your Michigan State Police, Niles Post, Niles City Police Department, and Lake Michigan College are the sponsoring organizations for this excellent program for 14-20 year olds. This program introduces many aspects of law enforcement including patrol activities, report writing, and first aid, to name a few topics. The Explorer Program initiated from the Boy Scout Program and is also conducted under a meeting type environment. Anyone interested can contact Sgt Claire Coulston, 269-683-4411, or Officer Angie Lick, 269-683-1313.

To help with fundraising, the Niles FOP Lodge will be hosting a Trivia Game Night on April 18th at 7 p.m. The cost is $10 a person with teams up to 10 people. Prizes will be awarded. Donations accepted. For further information, contact Sgt. Coulston or Ofc. Lick.

 

For questions or comments, please contact me at TrooperRob53@yahoo.Com or call 269-683-4411.