Tuesday - May 13

Just about every conservation officer describes their work as incredibly rewarding – some would even call it a “dream career” – but the reality of harm is always present. During National Police Week, May 11-17, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources joins communities across the United States to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who were killed or died as a result of incidents that occurred during the line of duty.

“We will never forget our fallen,” said Lt. Jeremy Payne, DNR law supervisor in Bay City, who helps coordinate the annual fallen officer events. “Our 17 brothers who paved the path before us went to work one day with the intent to return to their loved ones at the end of their shift. They were sons, husbands, fathers, brothers, grandfathers and friends, and they made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that, today, we all have the opportunity to enjoy Michigan’s vast natural resources.”

In 2022, the Michigan Conservation Officers Association and DNR dedicated a memorial for Michigan's then 16 fallen conservation officers. The memorial is located at the DNR's Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon and is open to the public. After being notified in 2024 by historians, who came across records for Conservation Officer Paul Durham, the DNR added Durham as the memorial's 17th officer. Durham passed away in his patrol car in 1972. 

The DNR currently is aware of 17 fallen conservation officers. From time to time, historians, other law enforcement agencies or media throughout the United States will come across records that reveal a fallen CO who should be recognized. When the DNR receives these notifications, a thorough investigation is conducted to determine who the officer was and how they died and to interview any living relatives or identified acquaintances.

In honor of Peace Officer Memorial Day, the Michigan Conservation Officers Association and the DNR will host a ceremony, at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at the RAM Center, 104 Conservation Drive in Roscommon, to honor Michigan's fallen COs. Additionally, ahead of National Police Week, conservation officers throughout the state conduct gravesite ceremonies, placing flags and taking a moment of silence at each location where the 17 fallen officers are buried. 

Michigan conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety, and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.

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 Michigan Court of Claims ruling in Northland case finds Michigan’s most significant remaining restrictions on abortion are unconstitutional, violate right to reproductive freedom 

LANSING, Mich. -- Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the Michigan Court of Claims issued a ruling in the Northland case. They ruled that several of Michigan’s most significant remaining restrictions on abortion access are in clear violation of the state’s constitutionally protected right to reproductive freedom, which Michiganders overwhelmingly voted for with Proposal 3 in 2022. 

“Today’s Court of Claims ruling reaffirms that Michigan is a state where you can make your own decisions about your own body with a trusted health care provider, without political interference.  

“In 2022, Michiganders voted overwhelmingly to enshrine abortion rights in our state constitution, and in 2023, I was proud to repeal our extreme 1931 abortion ban and sign the Reproductive Health Act, which removed politically motivated, medically unnecessary restrictions on abortion. 

“Today’s ruling means that patients and doctors are no longer subject to even more of these outdated restrictions on abortion, including the forced waiting period and a ban on advanced practice clinicians from performing abortions. 

“This ruling gives us a chance to celebrate Women’s Health Week the best way we know how—by protecting and expanding women’s fundamental rights and freedoms.” 

-courtesy story

Free, family-friendly event coming to 11 cities 

LANSING, MICH. LANSING, MICH. The Michigan State Police (MSP) today announced the 11 locations for the second annual Basketball Cop initiative, a statewide program that connects officers with young people where they live and play. Using basketball, music and food, these free, family-friendly events are one way the MSP is working with local partners to break down barriers and foster lasting relationships around the state. 

Last year, the MSP Basketball Cop initiative reached over 400 youth and had over 950 attendees at three events in Inkster, Lansing and Saginaw. From games such as basketball and cornhole, to food, dancing and information about law enforcement careers, this program creates opportunities for education, mentorship and community connection. 

This year, our MSP ‘Troopers on Tour,’ in partnership with local police departments, will hold Basketball Cop events in Lansing, Highland Park, Saginaw, Dearborn, Muskegon Heights, Flint, Riverview, Marquette, Traverse City, Detroitand Inkster.  

"Michigan’s youth are the future of our state and the best way to build trust with them is by making personal connections using activities they enjoy like sports, music and food," said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. "We want kids and teens to know that police officers are here for them, not just in times of crisis, but as mentors, supporters and partners within their communities. These ‘Troopers on Tour’ Basketball Cop events allow us to have authentic conversations in an informal and fun setting, helping us to build meaningful relationships and establish trust so young people can always turn to us for help."

Local leaders as well as our local police department partners work together to make each event a special and positive day for local youth. All Michiganders are encouraged to attend a Basketball Cop event in their area to take advantage of the opportunity to meet and interact with area law enforcement.

-courtesy story