GAYLORD — A Michigan State Trooper from Northern Michigan recognized by the state for a random act of kindness, helping a person who was stranded on I-75 in Otsego County.
The state trooper from the Gaylord Post said he saw the man walking alongside the highway, which is illegal but instead of giving him a citation, the trooper bought him a bus ticket and made sure he made his way to his destination safely.
It’s all thanks to MSP’s STOP Program, and Friday he was recognized by state lawmakers for his efforts.
He didn’t have any of his belongings. Just the shirt on his back because that stuff was, he said was either on the bus or, you know, he couldn’t find it, so he assumed it was on the bus,” said Davis.
Trooper Ryan Davis said after stopping the man, he discovered he had missed the bus.
The man was traveling on a bus, when the bus left him stranded in Grayling, after he missed his connection, with no money or phone, he decided to walk
By this point he had made it north of Gaylord in the Vanderbilt area but had quite a ways to go when Davis spotted him.
“He was having a bad day. I can imagine the feeling of missing your bus and having everything you have or that you brought with you, you know, gone. The bus left without him. And, so he was trying to walk to the Sault Ste Marie area to be with family.,” said Davis.
Davis said he wanted to help turn his day around and because of Gaylord’s STOP Program, he was able to buy him a bus ticket, drive him to the Mackinaw City area to catch another bus, and bought him lunch.
Lt. Ashley Miller, President of the STOP Gaylord Chapter, said this is exactly why the program was created.
“There was no question that we would not help this individual. It was a great opportunity for us to serve,” said Miller.
State Representative Ken Borton came to the Gaylord Post to give Trooper Davis a plaque signed by the Governor, Lt Governor, Borton and State Senator Michele Hoitenga, honoring him for helping a person in need.
He said he heard about the story and was so impressed he wanted to learn more.
“I had my staff do a little investigation and found out about it and was able to get the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor and the Senator on board all to put together a tribute to honor and recognize him,” said Borton.
He said he felt it was necessary to recognize achievements like this
“We all know that the law enforcement usually is standing between us and the bad guy, but you don’t often hear these types of stories. I think it’s important. I think people need to know that, you know, not only are they protecting us, but our law enforcement is there to service every day,” said Borton.
Trooper Davis said he’s honored.
“I know it’s the work that we all do as troopers and law enforcement and other members of our communities, but, it definitely feels good to be recognized and just, to shed positive influence within the communities that we serve,” said Davis.