Michigan State Police Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue announced the 2017 recipients of the Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker Trooper of the Year, Motor Carrier Officer of the Year and Floyd R. Bell Jr. Civilian of the Year Awards in Lansing on Jan. 18.

 

Trooper Blaine Bachman, of the Wayland Post, was named Trooper of the Year and Connie VanHouten, also of the Wayland Post, was named Citizen of the Year.

The Trooper of the Year Award recognizes the MSP trooper or sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and a concern for giving back to their community.

 

Bachman is a recipient of the Cpl. Samuel A. Mapes Criminal Patrol and Investigation Award, recognized for excelling in looking past the traffic stop to identify serious crimes and close investigations with felony arrests.

 

A mentor to younger troopers as a field training officer, he has become someone to turn to for assistance with criminal investigations. He also coordinates the post’s Explorers program, a career-oriented program that gives young adults the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement.

“Trooper Bachman rarely does only what is expected. His exemplary work performance, extensive community involvement and leadership skills make him an excellent choice for Trooper of the Year,” said Etue.

 

“He is keenly aware of the needs of his fellow troopers and also works hard to make a positive difference in his community.” Bachman participates in MSP community programs, such as Stuff the Turkey and Shop with a Cop. He mentored a child during the DNR’s youth hunt and, like others in the department, has taken the frigid polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics.Bachman enlisted with the MSP in 2014, graduating from the 126th Trooper Recruit School.

 

Civilian of the Year VanHouten, “is the go-to person at the Wayland Post for just about everything,” said Etue. “Her positive attitude and comforting presence make an impact not just at work, but also in her hometown. Her commitment to bettering the lives of those around her makes her an obvious choice for the Civilian of the Year Award.”

 

VanHouten is the primary organizer and fundraiser for at the Wayland Post for many events that benefit the less fortunate. Thanks to her commitment, the events are always a great success resulting in the collection of thousands of pounds of food or monetary donations.

Though invaluable at work, what she does at home and for the children in her community is what makes VanHouten really remarkable.

 

A strong advocate of foster parenting and adoption, VanHouten has adopted eight children, including two groups of siblings, into her family.

Sharing her story to help others understand what a rewarding experience fostering and adoption can be has become her mission. As a result, 20 children have been adopted by her friends. VanHouten is active in a number of programs that help provide food, clothing and school supplies to low income families. A secretary at the Wayland Post, she joined the MSP in 1997.

 

Christopher Russo of the Jackson Post was named Motor Carrier Officer of the Year, recognized as the MSP motor carrier officer who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and concern for giving back to their community.

 

The Trooper of the Year Award was created in 1061 by Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker, former chairman of Dow Chemical Company. The Civilian of the Year Award is named in honor of the late Floyd R. Bell Jr., a 42-year employee of the MSP, who continuously demonstrated commitment and dedication to the department and his community.