Local man becomes MSP Trooper; Assigned to Sault Ste Marie Post

SAULT STE MARIE, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) Sault Ste. Marie Post is proud to welcome Trooper Christopher Huntley to the post after he graduated from the 139^th Trooper Recruit School.

Trooper Huntley, originally from San Dimas, California, moved to the Eastern Upper Peninsula area several years ago. Prior to joining the MSP, Trooper Huntley worked as a 911 dispatcher for Chippewa County Central Dispatch. He additionally served on the Pickford Township Fire and EMS Department as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT. In his spare time, Trooper Huntley enjoys running, watching and rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, and spending time with family and friends.

A total of 57 troopers graduated from the 139th Trooper Recruit School and were assigned throughout Michigan. The 139th Trooper Recruit School began on Sunday, March 7, 2021, with 75 prospective troopers, at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. Recruits received training in patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, decision making, leadership, first aid, criminal law, crime scene processing, firearms, water safety, defensive tactics and precision driving.

Col. Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP), administered the Oath of Office to the 57 individuals who began their assignments at MSP posts across the state this week. Other than Trooper Huntley, there were 5 additional new troopers stationed throughout the Upper Peninsula including Tpr. Trevor Bray (Negaunee), Tpr. Collin D’Antonio (Iron Mountain), Tpr. James Norden (Wakefield), Tpr. Noah Norman and Tpr. Bruce Pietila (Calumet).

“Public service is a noble calling and I’m proud of the 57 graduates who join the ranks of the Michigan State Police today to begin serving the people of Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Michigan State Police is one of the premier law enforcement agencies in our country, and I want every trooper to know that as a former prosecutor, I got your back and I recognize and appreciate the sacrifices you make to keep us safe.”

Trooper Huntley will spend the next 17 weeks learning from a senior officer and familiarizing himself with the local court systems and law enforcement agencies. 

The MSP is actively recruiting for future trooper recruit schools, including the 141st Trooper Recruit School, which is the department’s first recruit school for licensed law enforcement officers and the 142nd Trooper Recruit School. Persons interested in learning more should visit www.michigan.gov/MSPjobs or contact your local post and ask to speak to a recruiter.