Michigan State Police Trooper Mark Fletcher was selected as the 2020 International Association of Chiefs of Police/Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year for the North Central Region. The Michigan State Police just released the details of the recognition.
The incident for which Fletcher was recognized was a hostage situation in Comstock Township, near Kalamazoo. A family was confronted by an armed intruder and a resident of the home was taken hostage. A shot was fired and troopers entered the home only to be shot at through the floor and walls. Three officers were shot, including Fletcher.
Fletcher administered first aid to an injured officer while injured himself and applied a tourniquet to his own leg. The gunman was captured by police.
Colonel Joe Gasper, director of the Michigan State Police said, “Trooper Fletcher’s bravery while under fire and his concern for others over himself is admirable and in keeping with the highest standards of our profession. His selfless and courageous actions are what we hope to instill in our troopers when they find themselves in such harrowing circumstances.”
A virtual ceremony was held this year to honor the finalists.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
