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Halpin retiring from Michigan State Police

MARQUETTE — After 33 years of service with the Michigan State Police, Capt. John Halpin, commander of the MSP Eighth District which covers the entire Upper Peninsula, is turning in his badge and calling it a career.

Halpin has spent a majority of those 33 years in the U.P., transferring from Pontiac to the now-defunct Newberry post as soon as he had the opportunity.

Halpin graduated from the 101st Trooper Recruit School in 1987 and had only visited the U.P. once before being urged by a fellow officer to make a trip to Newberry.

Halpin enjoyed the visit so much, he decided a transfer was necessary before even knowing if he would be able to or not.

Halpin and his wife were confident in getting the transfer approved and purchased a house on South Manistique Lake in Mackinac County immediately.

“I needed that transfer to go through or I would have had a vacation home a long way from Pontiac,” Halpin said in an MSP press release. “It worked out and the U.P. has been home ever since. It’s where my wife and I raised our two children.”

Aside from Pontiac and Newberry, Halpin also had stints working out of the Manistique and Munising posts. The Munising post closed in 2011 as part of MSP’s redistricting plans while the Newberry and Manistique posts became detachments.

Halpin has a decorated resume with the state police, serving within the Criminal Investigation Division, Forensic Science Division and the Special Investigation Section at the Eighth District Headquarters in Marquette, according to the release. For nearly 10 years, Halpin also served on the Emergency Support Team.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the best men and women I know,” Halpin said. “The U.P. is a special place and I encourage new troopers to give it a chance. I strongly believe serving in the Eighth District gives a unique and well-rounded training experience and a chance at really becoming one with their own communities.

“With a smaller population base, people know who we are and what we do.”

Halpin has worked security for Pope John Paul II, who visited Pontiac in 1987, as well as four sitting presidents. He also served as the incident commander for eight Labor Day Mackinac Bridge walks.

While all that seems mighty and grand, some of Halpin’s favorite memories stem from getting the opportunity to train aspiring troopers.

“Something that has really stuck with me was having the opportunity, very early on, to be temporary staff for three trooper recruit schools,” he said. “Training the next generation of troopers was daunting at times, but so very rewarding. I’ve been able to watch them flourish throughout the years saving lives, solving serious crimes and just being there for those in need.”

Halpin, who officially retired at the end of August, will now look to settle into a more relaxed life in the U.P., potentially on the water. The press release states he’s always wanted to follow in his grandfather’s, father’s and uncle’s shoes by sailing on a Great Lakes freighter.

“I’ve taken the steps to obtain my U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner certifications and documents,” he said. “In the meantime, until I get that call, I’ll be enjoying the U.P. life.”

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