K.I. SAWYER, Mich. (WZMQ) – Throughout the week, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Emergency Support (ES) Team is conducting its annual Fall Refresher training procedures in the U.P.
On Tuesday, the team completed their annual recertification in fast-rope repelling.
“We want to maintain operational readiness and peak performance to respond to any type of emergency throughout the entire state,” said MSP Public Information Officer, Lieutenant Ben Eckola. “That includes here in the U.P., where it’s more rural and there’s potentially difficult terrains to get to. That’s part of the consideration of hosting the training this year, it brings a unique challenge for those participating.”
This is only the second time this training has been done at this scale in the region since the team was created in 1974. The approximately 60 members hail from all around the state, and are typically called into higher risk situations, such as armed disputes or rescue operations, while also assisting posts in training and assignments.
“Our ES team, they’re very good at what they do, they’re very professional,” said Eckola. “They get a lot of training to make sure they’re always ready to respond to any type of call.”
While it’s rare for this training to come to the U.P., the area is still familiar to some on the team.
“The U.P. is a special place, and for our team members that are assigned here and work here full time, it’s cool for them,” said Eckola. “There’s also team members that are native Yoopers that get to come back home, essentially to the U.P.”
Into the rest of the week, the ES Team will focus on tactical training. For more information, visit michigan.gov.
