The Gerstacker Award recognizes the MSP trooper or sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and a concern for giving back to their community.  The late Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker, former chairman of Dow Chemical Company, created the award in 1961.

"Detective Sergeant Gillett was chosen for this honor because he continuously goes beyond the call of duty both on the job and in his community," Munoz stated.  "His work ethic and lifestyle exhibit a desire to enhance the community he serves while representing the Michigan State Police."

In addition to his investigative duties as one of the Flint Post's detectives, Gillett is the Live Scan coordinator for the county, works with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to perform gun traces, and serves as an MSP firearms and driving instructor.

During his nearly six years at the Flint Post, Gillett has earned the trust and respect of his peers and supervisors.  He is a highly regarded member of the law enforcement community known for leading by example and exemplifying professionalism.

Among his many accomplishments, Gillett recently solved a home invasion in which several firearms were stolen.  The case was hampered by uncooperative witnesses and suspects, but through tenacity and traditional police work, he recovered the guns and the perpetrators were sentenced to federal prison. 

Away from work, Gillett volunteers as a coach for a girl's soccer and basketball team.  He is also active in his church and serves on the Board of Directors for the American Police Chaplains Association.

Gillett enlisted with the department in 1990, and graduated as a member of the 107th Trooper Recruit School.  He has served at the New Baltimore, Richmond, Lapeer and Flint posts.  He has served in his current position, detective sergeant at the Flint Post, since 2006.

Gillett lives in the Durand area with his wife, Kathy, and three children: Brendan, 20, MacKenzie, 13, and Allyson, 7.