Mourning the loss of a dedicated trooper, funeral arrangements for Michigan State Police's Joel Popp, who was struck and killed during a traffic stop, have been announced. Popp, age 39, was hit while responding to a stop on Interstate 75 in Saginaw County, involving a suspected impaired driver on January 24.

According to reports, an 81-year-old driver collided with two patrol cars and fatally struck Popp. The Detroit News provided information on the services, stating that visitation will occur on Monday and Tuesday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth. Having enlisted in the MSP in January 2020, Popp leaves behind his wife Stefanie, and their young daughter.

The culmination of these events, leading to his untimely death, has prompted a widespread outpouring of grief within the law enforcement community. The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Saginaw Valley State University's Ryder Center, a fitting venue to accommodate the escalated number of officers expected to honor the fallen trooper's memory. FOX 17 confirmed that uniformed officers statewide plan to attend.

Describing the loss, MSP Director Col. James F. Grady II was quoted by Hoodline, “This is a message none of us wishes to deliver. With a very heavy heart I confirm the death of one of our own, Tpr. Joel Popp,” 

Popp's death marks the 56th trooper in the line of duty to be claimed in Michigan's State Police history. The 81-year-old involved in the incident sustained serious injuries but is expected to recover.