LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – It has been more than seven years since the Michigan State Police converted the Grand Haven post from a fully-operational operation into a detachment, but one man who did serve there before the October, 2011 switchover has earned a statewide honor.
Douglas Baumann’s first assignment after graduating from the 121st Trooper Recruit School in 2008 was to Coast Guard City USA. Now serving out of the Houghton Lake Post, Trooper Baumann received on Thursday the 2018 Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker Trooper of the Year Award by state police director Col. Joseph Gasper.
The award, named for the former Dow Chemical chairman, “recognizes the MSP trooper or sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty, and a concern for giving back to their community,” according to state police officials. Besides his daily trooper duties, Baumann is a field training officer, voluntary recruiter and background investigator, and has consistently been among the highest performers in traffic activity at his post. Two years ago, he was one of three recipients of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Michigan Lifesaver Award, and in the community, he is in his third season of guiding the Traverse City West High’s girls basketball team.
MC Officer Joshua McGeathy, who also is assigned to the Houghton Lake Post, earned 2018 MSP Motor Carrier Officer of the Year honors, while Cindy Homant of the state’s 911 Administrative Office won the Civilian of the Year Award during the midday ceremony at the state police headquarters in Lansing.
