5 days ago
Michigan State Police welcomes new commander to St. Ignace post
EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA — The Michigan State Police recently welcomed First Lieutenant Brock Artfitch as the new commander for the St. Ignace post.
Artfich is from rural Nebraska, where he grew up working on a family ranch. He studied at Indiana University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in economics. He then studied law at Michigan State University, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree. Artfitch also graduated from the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute.
Instead of pursuing a career in law, Artfitch joined the Michigan State Police in 2014. He looked for positions in Northern Michigan, as that is where he wanted to move his family.
He started off at the Gaylord post before moving to the Seventh District Hometown Security Team, where he gained experience dealing with drug interdiction.
Artfitch was later promoted to the rank of sergeant and moved to the St. Ignace post. He spent eight years there instructing other officers in precision driving. He then went on to serve as a field investigator for the Professional Standards Section of the state police.
He is now returning to St. Ignace to lead as the post commander.
'I consider myself incredibly privileged to have this opportunity to work with a team of dedicated and experienced sergeants, troopers, motor carrier officers and civilian staff members at the St. Ignace Post," said Artfitch.
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His job will include a wide range of responsibilities, including coordinating with groups like the Mackinac Bridge Authority and other local and community organizations.
Artfitch said his first priorities as commander include active community engagement, combating illegal drug distribution into the U.P. and recruiting new officers to boost staffing levels. He has also made it a goal to reduce serious traffic accidents through more impactful enforcement.
'I am dedicated to the people we serve and will do all I can to support our members in the crucial work they do," said Artfitch.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Michigan State Police welcomes Brock Artfitch as new commander at St. Ignace post
