A Michigan State Police cruiser is pictured. (Photo courtesy of the MSP)

By Journal Staff

SAULT STE MARIE, Mich. — The Michigan State Police are seeking motivated individuals who desire an exciting and rewarding career as a trooper.

According to a news release, the MSP is planning to hire more troopers to fill vacancies throughout the state, including those in the Upper Peninsula.

The MSP is hosting a drive-in style recruiting event at the Sault Ste. Marie Post parking lot located at 3900 I-75 Business Spur, Sault Ste Marie from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Interested individuals will pull up in the parking lot and will be greeted by a MSP Recruiter who can answer questions about the job and can give direction about how to start the application process.

According to MSP Recruiter Sgt. Eckola in the news release, “there is a significant need for additional troopers throughout the Upper Peninsula and specifically at the Sault Ste. Marie Post. The Sault Ste. Marie Post provides law enforcement and public safety services to Chippewa and Luce counties.

The release reads: “If you are a motivated individual and you desire to have a career which allows you to make a difference in your community; then you should consider joining the MSP. Recruits are also now given an opportunity to select and know their post assignment prior to the start of recruit school. Previously, the MSP would typically not send new troopers back to the communities they came from, but that policy has changed now. Qualified individuals could have the opportunity to live in and enjoy all that the Upper Peninsula has to offer while serving their community as a trooper.”

The minimum requirements for employment are:

≤ Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by recruit school graduation

≤ Possess good moral character and have no felony convictions.

≤ Must be a U.S. citizen and a Michigan resident at the time of graduation from the academy.

≤ Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED.

≤ Applicants must have a satisfactory driving record.

From the start of their training, trooper recruits are paid approximately $3,800 per month and receive full benefits during recruit school. Starting base salary for a trooper is approximately $50,000, not including overtime and shift premium which can increase their pay significantly. After 20 years of service, a trooper’s base salary increases to approximately $73,000. Troopers receive health, dental, vision and life insurance in addition to other benefits.

Anyone interested in pursuing a career or who has questions but cannot attend the event can contact a local MSP Post and ask to speak to a recruiter.

To see more information about becoming a trooper or to find out who a local MSP Recruiter is, visit the website at https://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-62526_62528—,00.html.