Michigan's finest were saluted for their exceptional service and bravery in a recent ceremony held in East Lansing. Director Col. James F. Grady II honored a group of MSP members, including D/Sgt. Ian Fields as Trooper of the Year and MC Ofcr. Joshua Roll as Motor Carrier Officer of the Year. Recognized for going above and beyond, these officers have made significant impacts both in the line of duty and within their communities.
With dedication that reflects a commitment to excellence, the MSP officers were acknowledged for their exemplary service. D/Sgt. Ian Fields, who joined the force in 2012 and is now part of the Southwest Enforcement Team, was praised for his leadership and community outreach efforts. Fields went beyond the call of duty, with actions such as conducting a traffic stop that recovered 20 stolen firearms and participating in community events, which, according to MSP communications. He also raised funds for kids' school supplies and sports equipment.
In another vein of exemplary service, MC Ofcr. Joshua Roll, stationed at the Cadillac Post, was honored for his outstanding ethics and duty as a model representative. According to the MSP release, Roll completed 347 vehicle safety inspections in a single year, directing his attention to overweight vehicles that threaten road safety. Outside of work, Roll pours his energies into coaching adaptive sports and fostering ecological initiatives like sustainable beekeeping on his property.
The ceremony did not forget the civilians supporting the force, as Mr. Nicholas Dowker was named Civilian of the Year. Dowker, a Data Integrity Specialist in the Criminal Justice Information Center, took on a supervisory position in the absence of his manager and has been a key figure in developing analytics tools for the MSP. His community involvement stretches to coaching and organizing charitable drives. Sharing recognition, F/Lt. Robert Young, Ret. was declared Retiree of the Year for his continued leadership and service on multiple boards after 33 years with MSP.
The utmost honor, the Valor Award, was bestowed upon four members of the MSP Emergency Support Team for their courage in the face of danger, as reported in the official MSP announcement. On March 10, 2023, during a high-risk operation, these brave officers came under heavy gunfire while executing a search warrant in Detroit. Despite the harrowing circumstances, teammates Sgt. Michael Thomas, Tpr. Maxwell Prince, and Tpr. Blaine Stormer, together with Sgt. Robert Bilacic, Ret., employed daring tactics to ensure every team member survived. Their actions stand as a testament to the valor and selflessness inherent to those who have sworn to protect and serve.
