EAST LANSING. The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper Michael Curtis of the Bay City Post has been awarded the Michigan State Police Meritorious Service Award. He is credited for diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of a law enforcement officer.

On May 25, 2003, Curtis performed a traffic stop on a vehicle suspected in an armed robbery at a Bay City McDonalds restaurant. As Curtis approached the car, the suspect accelerated, dragging Curtis for a short distance and almost running over his legs. As the vehicle pulled away, Curtis shot the back tire on the diver’s side.

Without hesitation, Curtis returned to his patrol car, called for assistance, and began pursuing the suspect. He followed the suspect down a dead-end street, at which time the suspect exited his vehicle and ran into a residential area of Bay City. Curtis, with assistance from Trooper Douglas Hunt, pursued the suspect on foot, eventually placing him under arrest. The money taken in the robbery and a handgun were located in the suspect's car.

The Michigan State Police Board of Awards recognizes that Curtis' prompt and decisive actions, with tremendous restraint in the face of extremely difficult circumstances, resulted in the arrest of an armed and dangerous robbery suspect.

A native of Caro, Curtis joined the department in 1998. He graduated as a member of the 116^th Recruit School and was assigned to the Bay City Post. Curtis enjoys working on sports cars, motorcycles and snowmobiles. He is an avid sports fan and assists in coaching local wrestling teams.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

First Lieutenant John Card, Bay City Post Commander, (989) 684-2235