State Police Employees Recognized with Awards for Committment to Community Service

The Michigan State Police (MSP) is committed to forming authentic connections with the communities we serve, and several department members were recently recognized for their efforts with two annual awards.

“Each shift and every day offer another chance to be innovative and involved in the communities we serve,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “It makes me proud to see new approaches and partnerships as we seek to serve the residents of Michigan with our characteristic traits of excellence, integrity and courtesy.” 

Community Policing Outstanding Achievement Award – Paw Paw Post
The Community Policing Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes an innovative initiative developed to promote teamwork to help solve a community issue. It was awarded to the Paw Paw Post for the development of a new community outreach program that teaches high school students how to interact with police. Post Commander F/Lt. Scott Ernstes, Tpr. Conner Mabie and Ms. Jamie Wilder accepted the award on behalf of the Paw Paw Post. 

The Community Policing Outstanding Achievement Award Honorable Mention was awarded to the Houghton Lake Post for its “Shop with a Hero” events that support low-income families who would otherwise be unable to purchase holiday gifts. In 2023, the 21st year of the program, post personnel had cumulatively raised more than $100,000 and served more than 1,100 children. Post Commander F/Lt. Scott McManus and Sgt. Scott Bates accepted the award on behalf of the Houghton Lake Post.

Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue Community Impact Award – Tpr. Corey Hebner, Gaylord Post
The Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue Community Impact Award recognizes leadership, commitment, and personal involvement in building positive police-community relations. It is named in honor of the department’s 18th director. It was awarded to Tpr. Corey Hebner, the Gaylord Post’s Community Service Trooper. 

The Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue Community Impact Award Honorable Mention was awarded to Tpr. Gerald Bockhausen, the Lapeer Post’s Community Service Trooper.