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NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
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Thirteen new Michigan State Police (MSP) motor carrier officers will begin work next week following the graduation of the 25th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School this afternoon at the Lansing Center in Lansing.
Motor carrier officers are armed uniformed members of the MSP who specialize in commercial vehicle enforcement. They enforce traffic safety laws on commercial vehicles, protect the infrastructure through aggressive size and weight enforcement, conduct commercial vehicle and driver inspections and contribute to homeland security efforts by enforcing hazardous material regulations.
“Congratulations to the 13 newest Michigan State Police motor carrier officers,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I am grateful for their commitment to protecting Michigan’s infrastructure, enforcing commercial vehicle safety laws, and keeping Michiganders safe on our roads. The MSP has some of the best-trained officers in the nation, and I wish them all a safe and rewarding career on the road. We will continue investing in the MSP, ensuring they have the resources and training they need to protect public safety and reduce crime and a secure retirement when they leave the force. I will work with anyone to have their backs.”
MC Ofcr. Kammeron Bennetts, who was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits spoke on behalf of the graduating class. MC Ofcr. David Wontorcik received the Academic Achievement and Outstanding Performance awards. MC Ofcr. Zachery Myers received the Team Building Award. MC Ofcr. Lawrence Bossman received the Marksmanship Award.
In his address to the recruits, Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP, said, “You play an important role in our traffic safety efforts that seek to save lives by reducing traffic crashes and injuries for Michigan residents and visitors. You will have many important responsibilities in your new role, and I am confident each one of you is ready to do the job.”
The 25th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School began on Feb. 20, 2022, when 21 prospective officers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale. For the past 23 weeks, the recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, precision driving, commercial vehicle law and commercial vehicle inspection procedures.
To be selected to attend the academy, applicants had to pass a stringent selection process that included a physical fitness test, background investigation and hiring interview. These new officers bring the total number of motor carrier officers statewide to 102.
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