The Michigan State Police (MSP) Board of Awards is pleased to announce Trooper James Horn of the Caro Post has been awarded the MSP Bravery Award for his actions during a dangerous traffic stop.  He was presented with the award at a special ceremony today in Lansing.

In March 2007, Horn conducted a traffic stop for speeding.  As he approached the vehicle, the driver fired a shotgun at Horn, striking his service belt.  Despite the painful impact, Horn took cover next to the suspect's vehicle and returned fire.  When the suspect's vehicle sped away from the scene, Horn followed in his patrol car and called for assistance.

A few miles away, the suspect abruptly stopped the vehicle.  This caused Horn's patrol car to strike the vehicle and push it into a ditch.  Aware the suspect had a weapon, Horn waited to move toward the disabled vehicle until additional officers arrived.  When the officers approached the vehicle, they found the driver deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. 

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards determined Horn reacted to the dangerous situation in an exceptionally professional manner and with little regard to his own welfare.

Horn joined the department in 1996, and graduated as a member of the 114^th Trooper Recruit School.  After graduation he was assigned to the Caro Post until 2003, when became a member of the Flint Area Narcotics Group.  Horn returned to the Caro Post in 2006.  A native of Alpena, Horn currently resides in Midland with his wife, Michelle, and their two sons.