Trooper Jesse Binns is one of the most dedicated people to the community he serves that I have worked with in my 27 years of law enforcement.
His compassion and desire to help others is evident in his job, his volunteerism as a fireman, and as a Cassopolis school board member.
I am proud to say he is a member of the Michigan State Police Niles Post.
Courage is measured in many ways, but for law enforcement, it’s an inherent characteristic.
From the moment a person begins the Michigan State Police academy until retirement, a state trooper’s courage is challenged. There are many daily instances of courage, from simple to extreme.
Giving a death notification, stopping a car, changing a tire with cars speeding by, arresting someone’s abusive loved one, providing first aid, interviewing a child, speaking in front of a group of people, observing horrific crime scenes, or trying to calm a person who is mad —  it always takes some form of courage for all of the interactions.
Because a police officer has courage doesn’t mean we aren’t affected by what our occupation requires us to face. Without proper ways to relieve that stress, police officers have increased risk for divorce, poor health and substance abuse.
— Melinda Logan, assistant post

Photography by Emily Sobecki