June 9, 2004

East Lansing - The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper Marvin Carlson and Trooper John Hetfield of the Gaylord Post have been awarded the Michigan State Police Bravery Award. They are credited with risking their lives to protect the lives of others.

On Sept. 18, 2003, Carlson and Hetfield assisted other officers in setting up a perimeter around a residence where a suspect had barricaded himself in his home with a gun. The suspect was known to have previously physically assaulted his wife and threatened her with a gun.

Under the cover of night, the suspect exited his residence and approached Carlson, firing his gun in Carlson’s direction. After repeated demands from Carlson, the suspect threw down his gun but refused to get on the ground to be arrested. A fight broke out when Hetfield attempted to arrest the suspect while he was distracted by Carlson. The suspect continued to fight the officers even after they placed him in handcuffs. It was later discovered that the suspect had additional weapons and ammunition in his belt and had been trying to access them during the fight.

The Michigan State Police Board of Awards recognizes that the courage, quick thinking and composure displayed by Carlson and Hetfield helped bring this situation to an end without a loss of life.

Carlson joined the department in 1989, and graduated as a member of the 105^th Recruit School. He served at the Erie and Monroe posts before transferring to the Gaylord Post in 2000. Carlson currently resides in Gaylord with his wife, Pam, and their three children.

Hetfield joined the department in 1999. He graduated as a member of the 118^th Recruit School and was assigned to the Gaylord Post after graduation.

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