Michigan State Police recognizing several troopers Tuesday for their dedication and service at a ceremony in Lansing, including some from Northern Michigan.
Trooper Adam Whited with the Houghton Lake Post was awarded the 2024 Trooper of the Year.
Whited is a K-9 handler who last July, was able to locate an 81-year-old woman missing in the woods for 20 hours. Whited is known as a great mentor to his peers and often puts on first aid demonstrations and presentations involving his K-9s. He also is involved with the “Shop with a Hero’ program and volunteers at a local animal shelter and animal rescue.
Sergeant Ashley Miller with the Gaylord post was awarded the community impact award.
Miller started the Gaylord chapter of the State Trooper Outreach Partnership, known as STOP, where she serves as president.
The Gaylord chapter hosts an annual golf outing to raise money for community programs in Northern Lower Michigan.
This event raised over $20,000, last year to support several outreach programs like providing bike helmets to children and purchasing winter gear for 67 kids and purchasing two book vending machines for local schools,
Sergeant Miller also led an effort to create a “sensory room” for the Gaylord Intermediate School District.
“I’m so honored to receive this award. It is. We work so hard in the community, and, you know, I’m glad that our organization and myself included, is being recognized to have such a positive impact in our local community here in our city or county and our surrounding areas,” said Miller.
Motor carrier officer Steve Frizzell from the Mt Pleasant post was named the 2024 Motor Carrier of the year.
The award is given for outstanding ethics, dedication and concern for giving back to his community.
In addition to his motor carrier duties, Frizzell also serves as a field training officer.