05/18/2026
National Police Week Honors Law Enforcement Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
In honor of National Police Week, May 10-16, people across the country pause to remember our nation’s peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty protecting and serving others.
The MSP honors our 57 fallen heroes each year with a ceremony at the MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial at the MSP Training Academy in Dimondale. The MSP Fallen Trooper Memorial was established in 2001, completely funded by private donations. Check out our reel from this year’s ceremony.
To more information about National Police Week, visit nleomf.org.
Great Lakes Homeland Security Conference Marks 25th Year
The term “homeland security” was not widely used in 1999, the first year the conference was held.
“It was called the Terrorism Conference when it first started,” said Jackie Hampton, one of the event’s original planners in the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), what was then known as the Emergency Management Division. “The conference was much smaller than today; we had 75 attendees and it was held at the MSP Training Academy.”
The gathering moved offsite in its second year with attendance more than tripling. Then came 9/11.
“Following the terrorist attacks on 9/11, federal funding drastically increased for education and training related to homeland security,” said Wendy Galbreath, manager of the MSP/EMHSD Hazardous Materials Training Unit. “As a result, we reworked our event to attract leaders and decision makers, in addition to first responders.”
Their unwavering commitment is reflected in an extraordinary milestone: both Hampton and Galbreath have attended every conference since its inception. Even in retirement, Hampton, former manager of the MSP/EMHSD Training, Exercise and Preparedness Section, continues to lend her support, joining again this year for the 25th gathering.
Now known as the Great Lakes Homeland Security Training Conference and Expo (GLHSTCE), the conference has grown into Michigan’s largest homeland security event drawing more than 1,000 professionals from law enforcement, emergency response, public health and related sectors. The MSP/EMHSD hosts it in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
The conference continues to evolve as trends change and new threats arise. Each year, it features 30 breakout sessions, including six dedicated specifically to school officials.
“When it comes to homeland security and emergency management, there is no shortage of content for this conference,” said Tammy Blackburn, MSP/EMHSD Emergency Preparedness Unit Manager, who leads the conference planning team today. “By remaining vigilant, we continue each year to deliver relevant sessions that reinforce our shared commitment to safeguarding our state from potential threats.”
“This homeland security conference has brought together an exceptional lineup of nationally recognized leaders and inspiring voices over the past 25 years”, said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “Their expertise, resilience and real world experience have not only elevated the conversation but have shaped this conference into one of the most respected and impactful events of its kind.”
Past speakers include General H. Norman ‘Stormin’ Norman’ Schwarzkopf; former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulani; retired U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell; Frank DeAngelis, former principal of Columbine High School; legendary coach Lou Holtz; Capt. Chesley ‘Sully’ Sullenberger, U.S. Airways pilot; Benghazi survivors Kris ‘Tanto’ Paronto, Mark ‘Oz’ Geist and John ‘Tig’ Tiegen; George Tenet, former director of the CIA, and many more.
“We continue to assess emerging trends and topics here in Michigan and across the nation in order to bring the best and most relevant speakers and sessions to attendees,” said Sweeney. “As the conference grows, so does our capacity to safeguard and secure our state today, tomorrow and in the years ahead.”
The conference is funded through registration fees, vendor fees and federal grants. This year it was held May 5 – 7, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Basketball Cop Events Return to Communities Around Michigan
Michigan State Police troopers are hitting the court once again for another season of Basketball Cop events, creating opportunities to connect with youth and families in communities across Michigan
This year, the Michigan State Police will host five free events in partnership with local police agencies and community organizations. Attendees can enjoy basketball, co****le, music, dancing, food and opportunities to learn more about careers in law enforcement.
Basketball Cop events will take place at the following locations:
• May 23: Highland Park
• June 9: St. Ignace
• June 27: Melvindale
• June 24: Berrien Springs
• July 26: Inkster
These events are made possible through the generous support of Corrigan Oil and Propane.
We hope to see you at a Basketball Cop event this summer!
Dates Announced for Security in Places of Worship Training
Wherever you go to pray, you should feel at ease.
The Michigan State Police is hosting two upcoming Security in Places of Worship training courses, working with law enforcement officers and faith leaders to help strengthen safety plans, enhance preparedness and support the protection of their buildings and congregations.
Training will take place in the following locations:
• Wednesday, May 27 in Ga***rd
• Thursday, June 18 in Detroit
To register, create an account in the Professional Development Learning Center and search "Security in Places of Worship." From there, you can sign up for the course you’re interested in attending or to be notified of upcoming sessions. Please note - there may be up to a 72-hour waiting period for new accounts to be approved.
Violence Leaves Clues. Speak Up.
Over half of mass attacks leave a trail of clues leading up to them. When you recognize the warning signs and take action to report suspicious behavior, you can help Stop A Plot.
Risk factors that may indicate someone is on the pathway to violence include:
• Prior criminal involvement
• Domestic violence
• Mental health concerns
• Substance abuse
• Radicalization
• Not feeling or being accepted in groups
• Stressors like money or relationship problems
If you see something of concern, say something. Tips can be reported online or by calling 1-855-MICHTIP at any time. Reporting a tip is safe and confidential.
Criminal activities or potential harm directed at students, school employees or schools can be reported using OK2SAY.
National Bicycle Safety Month Reminds Road Users to Stay Alert
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, a time to remind all road users to stay alert and share the road safely.
Michigan law requires drivers to give bicyclists at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist.
Drivers can help keep roadways safer by yielding to bicyclists as they would other motorists, obeying posted speed limits, using extra caution at intersections to look for smaller roadway users like bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, especially when turning, avoiding distractions and checking for cyclists before opening vehicle doors.
Bicyclists riding on Michigan roadways have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists too. Bicyclists are reminded to ride with traffic, obey traffic signals and use hand signals when turning or stopping. Riders must also use a white front light and red rear reflector when riding in low light or after dark.
Additional bicycle safety information and resources are available through the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.
In the Field
Detectives with the Metro Narcotics Enforcement Team (MNET) executed a search warrant at a residence in Westland on May 7 as part of an ongoing investigation.
During the search, detectives seized 128 grams of fentanyl, more than an ounce of crystal methamphetamine, 481 suboxone strips, one firearm and more than $10,000 in cash. One suspect was taken into custody.
Connect With MSP
