LANSING. Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Colonel Peter C. Munoz is pleased to announce Detective Sergeant David Johnston of the Negaunee Post is the 2006 recipient of the Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker Trooper of the Year Award.

The Gerstacker Award recognizes the trooper or sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and a concern for giving back to the community. The late Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker, former chairman of Dow Chemical Company, created the award in 1961.

Johnston was selected for continuously going beyond the call of duty both as an officer and in his community. Johnston's work ethic and personal lifestyle exhibit a desire to enhance the community he serves while representing the MSP.

Johnston is currently assigned to the Negaunee Post where he serves as the post detective. He has been the lead investigator in several high-profile cases resulting in the conviction of two prison inmates for the homicide of another inmate, five suspects charged with armed robbery and first degree home invasion, as well as the apprehension of a prison escapee who was serving two life sentences.

Johnston is credited with helping save the life of a suicidal subject. He was the first officer on scene of a distraught man preparing to jump from a highway overpass into traffic below. After an hour of intensive dialogue, Johnston successfully talked the subject off of the overpass fence to receive help.

He is responsible for developing numerous forensic training sessions and going above and beyond to assist officers with their investigations. For the past 13 years Johnston has taught a forensic crime scene response course at a local university police academy. The course, which Johnston developed, is certified by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) for police recruit training. Many of his other courses are also certified by MCOLES and are used by the MSP and local law enforcement agencies.

Johnston continues to demonstrate his leadership abilities off-duty when he volunteers at his church and with local community organizations. He holds several positions within his church including clerk on the board of directors, communication officer, deacon and multi-media administrator. Johnston is also active in the community, participating in the local Pathfinder's scouting organization and numerous community outreach projects that supply food and clothing to people in need.

Johnston enlisted with the department in 1979, and graduated as a member of the 96th Trooper Recruit School. In his 27-year career, he has served at the Brighton, Detroit, Negaunee, Northville and Sandusky posts, as well as the Marquette and Northville laboratories.

A native of Westland, Johnston currently resides in Marquette. He has been married for 28 years to his wife, Emma. They have three children Amber, 21, Jeremy, 19, and Ashley, 17.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: First Lieutenant Robert Pernaski, Negaunee Post commander, (906) 475-9922
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