By The Michigan State Police
LANSING, MICH. Eight new Michigan State Police (MSP) motor carrier officers have joined the ranks following the graduation of the 26th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School this afternoon at a ceremony in Lansing.
Motor carrier officers are armed uniformed members of the MSP who specialize in commercial vehicle enforcement. They enforce traffic safety laws on commercial vehicles, protect the infrastructure through aggressive size and weight enforcement, conduct commercial vehicle and driver inspections and contribute to homeland security efforts by enforcing hazardous material regulations.
In his address to the recruits, Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP, said, “You have an important role in our traffic safety efforts and will help save lives by working to reduce traffic crashes and injuries for Michigan residents and visitors. Please take your rights and responsibilities seriously and strive to be the best you can be every single day.”
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MC Ofcr. Jonathan Gusumano, who was elected Class Orator by his fellow recruits spoke on behalf of the graduating class and also received the Marksmanship Award. MC Ofcr. Alexander Hincka received the Outstanding Performance and Physical Fitness awards. MC Ofcr. Timuchin Aker received the Academic Achievement Award. MC Ofcr. Justin Bess received the Team Building Award.
The 26th Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School began on Jan. 22, 2023, when 17 prospective officers reported to the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale. For the past 18 weeks, the recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, first aid, criminal law, precision driving, commercial vehicle law and commercial vehicle inspection procedures.
To be selected to attend the academy, applicants had to pass a stringent selection process that included a physical fitness test, background investigation and hiring interview. These new officers bring the total number of motor carrier officers statewide to 105.
To learn more about a career with the MSP, visit www.mi.gov/MSPjobs.
| First District | Post Assignment | Hometown |
| Jonathan Gusumano | Monroe | Petersburg |
| Second District | Post Assignment | Hometown |
| Justin Bess | Metro North | Livonia |
| Daniel Kersetter | Metro North | Auburn, NY |
| Third District | Post Assignment | Hometown |
| Chandler Kaatz | Flint | Sandusky |
| Fifth District | Post Assignment | Hometown |
| Keith Samons | Niles | Rives Junction |
| Andrew Zapfe | Paw Paw | Cheboygan |
| Sixth District | Post Assignment | Hometown |
| Timuchin Aker | Lakeview | Hiram, OH |
| Seventh District | Post Assignment | Hometown |
| Alexander Hincka | Traverse City | Rogers City |
