SAULT STE. MARIE — The Sacred Beginnings 2025 Freedom takes Flight Gala and Warrior Awards celebration took place on April 11 at the Goei Center in Grand Rapids. Outstanding individuals were nominated from across the state by community members for their significant investment in the fight against human trafficking.

Chippewa County Undersheriff Ryan Hering was presented the Lloyd Sealy Award-2025 Law Enforcement of the Year which recognizes individuals who have shown excellent judgement and have gone above and beyond for victims of human trafficking within our community. Stephanie Graef, past president of the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force, commends her fellow board member stating, “Undersheriff Hering’s steadfast and vigilant commitment to fight against human trafficking in his various roles in law enforcement is exceptional.”

Hering has served 14 years with the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, guest lectures to nursing students and community about human trafficking at Lake Superior State University, is involved in several demand deterrence undercover operations and educates fellow law enforcement teams on sex trafficking enforcement and interdiction through Northern Michigan University Public Safety Institute.

Understanding the significant nexus between drugs and sex trafficking, Hering frequently visits incarcerated women and gives them a copy of the book, “When Angels Fight: My story of escaping sex trafficking and leading a revolt against the darkness” authored by Leslie King and has gained the trust of those who have been exploited. Graef further states, “What a true and fine example of how law enforcement can recognize force, fraud and coercion in trafficked victims and help them to freedom and justice.”

Hering previously served as a detective and a task force officer with the FBI within the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force for 7 years and led the task force for 4 years. This task force is responsible for investigating and interdicting drug trafficking and human trafficking offenses in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Hering joined the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force as a board member in 2022 and was recently awarded the FBI director’s award in September.