January 27, 2003

Lansing - The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper Michael B. Fink and Trooper James J. Yeager of the Ionia Post, have been awarded the Michigan State Police Meritorious Service Award. They are credited for diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of law enforcement officers.

In October 1999, Fink and Yeager investigated a home invasion where the only items stolen were women’s undergarments. Over the next few years, the troopers contacted other law enforcement agencies regarding similar types of crimes and conducted thorough and professional investigations of these incidents. Through their investigation, Fink and Yeager were able to develop a suspect who denied any involvement, but submitted to a DNA test. The results of that test matched evidence collected at the original crime scene, linking the suspect to the crime.

In awarding the Meritorious Service Award, The Michigan State Police Board of Awards realizes it was the meticulous and exhaustive hard work of Fink and Yeager that lead to the successful conclusion of this investigation and the elimination of any possible future violent or deadly crimes by the suspect.

Fink joined the department in 1994, after receiving his Associate’s Degree in criminal justice from Mott Community College. He was a graduate of the 109^th Trooper Recruit School and is stationed at the Ionia Post. A native of Flint, Fink currently lives in Mason.

Yeager joined the department in 1994, after serving in the United States Air Force. He was also a graduated of the 109^th Trooper Recruit School and is stationed at the Ionia Post. A native of Hart, Yeager currently lives in Lansing.

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