September 10, 2002

LANSING. The Michigan State Police Board of Awards has announced that Tpr. Shawn Kolonich and Tpr. Robert Herbstreith of the Niles Post have been selected to receive the Michigan State Police Bravery Award at a Recognition Ceremony on September 12 in Lansing.

On March 22, 2002, Troopers Kolonich and Herbstreith were dispatched to assist multiple police units in pursuit of a vehicle near the Michigan/Indiana state line. The lone occupant had been involved in a shooting with three confirmed deaths and multiple other victims at a factory in South Bend, Indiana. During the pursuit, the suspect stopped his vehicle in a residential area and fired on the pursuing officers with a shotgun.

Trooper Herbstreith took the lead in the pursuit, while Trooper Kolonich attempted to position himself in the path of the suspect. The two troopers showed incredible discipline by not returning fire that would have endangered innocent citizens in the immediate area.

Although injured when his vehicle was struck by buckshot fired from the suspect’s weapon, Trooper Kolonich continued to pursue the suspect until his patrol car was disabled as a result of gunfire.

Trooper Herbstreith continued the pursuit into a rural area, where the suspect took his own life. Trooper Herbstreith remained at the scene for several hours to assist in processing the suspect’s vehicle. Trooper Kolonich was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and released.

After carefully considering all the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident, it was the decision of the Board of Awards that the actions of both Troopers Kolonich and Herbstreith be recognized by an Award for Bravery. The actions of these two troopers, putting themselves in harm’s way in confronting a hostile situation, proved to be instrumental in the capture of a violent individual. Their actions were indeed brave and extraordinary service.

Although injured when his vehicle was struck by buckshot fired from the suspect’s weapon, Trooper Kolonich continued to pursue the suspect until his patrol car was disabled as a result of gunfire.

Trooper Herbstreith continued the pursuit into a rural area, where the suspect took his own life. Trooper Herbstreith remained at the scene for several hours to assist in processing the suspect’s vehicle. Trooper Kolonich was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and released.

After carefully considering all the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident, it was the decision of the Board of Awards that the actions of both Troopers Kolonich and Herbstreith be recognized by an Award for Bravery. The actions of these two troopers, putting themselves in harm’s way in confronting a hostile situation, proved to be instrumental in the capture of a violent individual. Their actions were indeed brave and extraordinary service.

• Trooper Kolonich enlisted in the department on June 29, 1997. He has served at the Niles Post since his enlistment.

• Trooper Herbstreith enlisted in the department on June 6, 1993. He has served at the Niles Post since his enlistment.

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