June 6, 2002

The Michigan State Police has announced that graduation ceremonies for the 14^th Motor Carrier Recruit School will take place Friday, June 7, 2002 at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing.

The newest Motor Carrier officers will join 112 current officers, bringing the total number of officers to 131. Motor Carrier officers conduct commercial vehicle enforcement through a combination of road patrol and operation of 19 weigh stations located throughout Michigan.

"These new graduates are vital to this state, especially with the increased emphasis on homeland security," stated Michigan’s Homeland Security Director and head of the Michigan State Police, Col. Stephen D. Madden. "While the role of the Motor Carrier Officer in regulating and inspecting carriers has not changed, the importance of their activity in monitoring commercial vehicles, and the transportation of hazardous materials, is more important than ever."

Mr. Joseph Clapp, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will deliver the keynote address. Mr. Clapp was appointed last year by President Bush as the first administrator of the FMCSA, created in 1999 to raise the emphasis on truck safety and enforcement.

Mr. Clapp’s address will follow a tour of the Michigan Center for Truck Safety (MCTS) in Marshall, Michigan, during which Mr. Clapp will witness a skid pad demonstration, one of the many training tools used by the MCTS.

MEDIA: Graduation ceremonies will take place beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7 at the Michigan State Police Training Academy Auditorium located at 7426 North Canal Road in Lansing. The media are invited to attend the program.

Contact:

Capt. Robert Powers, Commanding Officer, Motor Carrier Division

Chairperson, Michigan Truck Safety Commission

(517) 336-6447