OTSEGO COUNTY — Michigan State Police Trooper James Everidge was promoted to the rank of captain in the Army National Guard in January 2026. Everidge currently serves at the Michigan State Police Gaylord Post.
Everidge has served with the Michigan State Police since 2018, balancing his duties as a trooper with his responsibilities in the military. His recent promotion marks a major milestone in a career that began with a cadet enlistment 10 years ago.
Everidge is a native of Woodhaven, Michigan. He first entered military service in 2016, when he enlisted in the Army National Guard as a cadet. While he originally intended to serve in the military full-time, his career goals changed during a college internship.During that internship at the Michigan State Police Brighton Post, Everidge witnessed troopers investigating a case involving the sexual assault of a minor. The experience motivated him to join the state police to seek justice for victims and serve Michigan residents. He joined the agency in 2018 as a member of the 135th Trooper Recruit School.
Following his graduation from the recruit school, Everidge was assigned to the Alpena Post. He served there for four years before transferring to the Gaylord Post, where he is currently stationed. During his tenure with the State Police, he continued to advance his military career through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Eastern Michigan University.
Everidge was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2018. He was promoted to first lieutenant in 2020 before reaching the rank of captain this year. He now encourages other members of the Michigan State Police to consider opportunities within the Army National Guard.
“It’s a great place to work, you can excel in leadership, and there are many opportunities to serve the communities in Michigan,” Everidge said.
Lt. Ashley Miller, with the Michigan State Police, praised Everidge’s commitment to both law enforcement and military service. Miller noted that his promotion reflects his leadership within the agency.“Trooper Everidge serves our country honorably, and we are privileged to have him as a leader within the ranks of MSP,” Miller said.