Det. Sgt. Warren Webster

MANISTIQUE — The Michigan State Police has announced the promotion of two troopers who will serve the people of Delta and Schoolcraft counties in new roles.

Sergeant Michael Perkins has been promoted from trooper to uniform sergeant at the Manistique outpost. Sgt. Perkins previously served as a trooper at the Manistique Outpost and is passionate about serving the community there. Sgt. Perkins will oversee operations at the Manistique Outpost and the troopers who work there. While there are seven state police posts in the Upper Peninsula, this is the only outpost and it’s different from a post or detachment.

The Manistique outpost was established in 2019. Prior to that, it operated as a detachment, which functioned differently than the unique outpost classification used today. The outpost was the first and is currently the only one of its kind in the state.

The decision to create the outpost concept was based on the need for additional law enforcement coverage in Schoolcraft County. To address this need, the outpost was created as a kind of hybrid model. It operates as its own MSP worksite, while still receiving supervision and additional support from the Gladstone Post as needed.

The primary benefit of being an outpost versus a detachment is the ability for MSP to assign troopers directly to Manistique. The outpost is currently staffed by varying numbers of troopers and one sergeant. Positions can be filled by experienced troopers transferring to the area or by new troopers graduating from recruit school.

The goal of the outpost classification is to attract and retain troopers in Manistique, so, in partnership with other local law enforcement, they can help provide consistent law enforcement services throughout Schoolcraft County.

Community members are welcome to visit the outpost staff on weekdays during business hours when the sergeant is typically on duty. In most cases, someone will be available to speak with them in person. If the outpost is unoccupied because staff are on patrol, completing investigations, or responding to calls, a call box located outside the building provides a direct connection to MSP Negaunee Regional Communications Center. Dispatchers can then arrange for law enforcement assistance as needed.

Sgt. Perkins spoke about his background and his expectations in his new role as a sergeant at the Manistique Outpost.

“I grew up in the northern lower peninsula. My father was in law enforcement, which allowed me to see the difference police can make within the community they serve. This inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement. After graduating high school, I studied criminal justice at Lake Superior State University. While attending college, I fell in love with the Upper Peninsula.

After graduating from trooper recruit school, I was assigned to the Manistique Detachment of the St. Ignace Post, where I served as a trooper for approximately five years. I then relocated to the Mio Detachment of the Alpena Post as a resident trooper, where I again served for approximately five years.

Eventually, it was clear to myself and my family that my heart was in Manistique. I took a transfer back to the Manistique Outpost, where I once again served as a trooper. I loved serving as a trooper. Troopers make can make a big difference within the communities they serve. However, in this new role, I look forward to working with and supporting our troopers, other MSP personnel, local law enforcement partners, and the people of Schoolcraft County to help keep our communities safe.”

Detective Sergeant Warren Webster has also been promoted from trooper to serve as the detective sergeant for both the Gladstone post and the Manistique outpost. D/Sgt. Webster previously served as a trooper at the Iron Mountain post before receiving this promotion.

D/Sgt. Webster will complete and oversee complex criminal investigations to help prevent crime and solve criminal cases. He will also serve as an investigative resource for troopers and other personnel.

D/Sgt. Webster commented on his experience and goals in this new position.

“I joined the MSP in 2014 as a member of the 126th Trooper Recruit School. I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, who also served in law enforcement and retired as a Detective Sergeant with the Grand Rapids Police Department. Since joining MSP, I have served at the Wakefield and Iron Mountain Posts. I am looking forward to this new role, working with my fellow MSP members and local law enforcement, and serving the people of Delta and Schoolcraft counties.”