07-05-2025
Mother and sons work side by side at the Lansing Police Department
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — For many police officers, there is a delicate balance between work and home—but for one family in Lansing, they mix the two every day.
6 News had the chance to sit down with a mother and her two sons today, who all work for the Lansing Police Department. This is the first time in the department's 135-year history that something like this has happened.
'I'm not going to lie, I didn't want them to do it,' said Detective Kristi Pratl, whose two sons are following in her footsteps. 'And now that they're here, I see how they are with the community.'
A passion for police runs in the family.
'I see how they interact, and they're calm, and that's kind of what you need,' said Pratl. 'And I think they're just going to do great things.'
Pratl's sons are now carrying on a legacy of purpose and pride.
'I grew up in the past as a single mom, and I thought I was not home as much, and maybe that helped them to be more self-sufficient,' said Pratl. 'But I'm so proud of where they've become, and how far they've gotten on this path.'
That path led Pratl's two sons, Austin and Keegan, to follow her to the Lansing Police Department.
For Keegan, that passion began when he was a little boy.
'Seeing my mom in the police uniform made a really big impression on me, and growing up, seeing how she made a huge impact on our community, even at home, being a protector not only just for me, but for everyone else here,' said Keegan.
Austin feels similarly, telling 6 News he is trying to lead by example as a role model for his little brother.
'We're here for the community and just being able to be there and coach and teach is, you know, awesome to me,' said Austin.
All three officers know their situation is special.
'So that's huge to me, being able to walk down the hallways and see all the plaques of the father and son and to know that me and my mom and, now, brother are a part of LPD history that is hopefully going to be here for, you know, the foreseeable future,' says Austin.
The family says wearing the badge is a privilege, and its something they hope to do for many years to come.
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