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MARQUETTE -- There’s a new Michigan State Police inspector in the Upper Peninsula and as a result, a change in the agency’s regional command structure.
MSP has announced that Jason Welch has been promoted to the rank of inspector, where he will serve as the assistant district commander for the Eighth District. Welch will assist with leading MSP field services throughout the U.P. and supporting the district's personnel, law enforcement partners and communities.
Welch previously served as a first lieutenant, where he oversaw the Marquette Forensic Laboratory.
"Prior to joining the MSP, I had a desire to work in a field where I could help people, and I was drawn to law enforcement at an early age. I also always had an interest in forensic science, so I am very grateful that my career path has allowed me to do both,” said Welch. “In my new role, I am looking forward to the challenge and opportunity to strengthen and work with our district team to provide the best possible services to the citizens we serve."
In a written statement, Lt. Ben Eckola, Eighth District public information officer, said Welch is a graduate of Northern Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in justice studies with a minor in sociology. Welch began his law enforcement career with MSP on July 7, 1999, as a member of the 118th Trooper Recruit School. After graduating from trooper recruit school, he was assigned to the Negaunee post.
He went on to receive additional training and became an evidence technician. He later transferred to the Marquette Forensic Laboratory as a trooper specializing in latent print examinations and general crime scene response. He also became a member of the MSP Bomb Squad. He continued in those same duties after his promotion to detective sergeant at the Marquette Forensic Laboratory. He was later promoted to first lieutenant and selected to serve as laboratory director, overseeing the Marquette Forensic Laboratory and its operations.