MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Monday, a Negaunee man was presented with the Michigan State Police (MSP) “Pride of the Eighth” award by the MSP Negaunee Post Commander F/Lt. Tom Nolan.
At approximately 5:00 a.m. on February 15, Trooper Jenich from the Negaunee Post was attempting to arrest a subject for operating while intoxicated on M-28 in Alger County. The subject began resisting arrest, and a physical altercation ensued. The closest backup unit to Trooper Jenich was approximately 45-60 minutes away.
An off-duty Michigan Department of Corrections Officer, Jesse Freeman, was driving by the location on his way to work at Alger Correctional Facility. Freeman saw the struggle occurring between the trooper and the intoxicated subject. Freeman stopped his personal vehicle and ran over to assist the trooper. He helped to get the intoxicated subject into custody, ending the physical altercation.
In a letter to Freeman, MSP Eighth District Commander Captain Darren Green wrote, “After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, it was decided your actions deserved recognition with a ‘Pride of the Eighth’ award for your selfless act, care, and consideration of another civil servant’s well-being and success in the performance of his duties. I salute you for your outstanding work and commitment to public safety.”