Pictured, from left, are Lt. Mark Giannunzio and Lt. Ben Eckola, both Michigan State Police officers assigned to the Negaunee Township post. (Journal photo by Abby LaForest)

NEGAUNEE — Lt. Mark Giannunzio, former 8th District public information officer for the Michigan State Police’s Negaunee post, welcomed his successor Lt. Ben Eckola this week. The post held a media day this past Monday, where Lt. Eckola was introduced as the new PIO.

Lt. Eckola, who has served with the MSP for over 10 years, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to his new role as the district’s PIO on Monday.

“What’s most appealing to me is just having that ability to make a positive difference in the community, positively represent MSP, get that accurate communication out there for the public,” Eckola said. “… I just see the real benefit of having that resource available for the communities of the U.P., something that I’m definitely understanding is very important, and (being) passionate about fostering those good relationships between MSP and the public is mostly what made me want to pursue this position.”

In a joint interview with the Mining Gazette, Lt. Eckola also commented on how Lt. Giannunzio has been guiding him through the process of settling into his new position.

“Lt. Giananzio is very well respected here in the 8th District … So it’s been great to be able to learn under him, get some of the day-to-day aspects and the logistics. There’s a lot to this position, like all state police positions or many other jobs as well. So there’s some of that, just logistical day-to-day work that you need to work out. But also he tries to take care of the public’s needs, what strategies he uses, a lot of that positivity, effective communication, timeliness … So just being able to soak up everything I can from Lieutenant Giananzio has definitely been an opportunity I’ve been happy to have.”

Eckola came to the U.P. after spending the first five years of his career as a trooper in Gaylord and then took a voluntary transfer up to Sault Ste. Marie in 2020 after being promoted to Sergeant. He’s spent his last four years serving the U.P., working with Lt. Giannunzio in the process.

“… I’ve worked with Mark in various capacities over several years, at least the last four years for sure,” Eckola said. “We’ve got a great relationship, both personal and professional, and it’s been great to just learn from him.”

Lt. Giannunzio will finish out his final week at the MSP before officially retiring this coming Friday.

Abby LaForest can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 548. Her email address is alaforest@miningjournal.net.