Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Colonel Peter C. Munoz is pleased to announce that Motor Carrier Investigator William Clark, a member of the Hazardous Materials and Investigations Unit stationed at the Bay City Post, is the recipient of the 2007 Motor Carrier Officer of the Year Award. 

The Motor Carrier Officer of the Year award, which has been sponsored by the Michigan Trucking Association since 1985, recognizes the motor carrier officer who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and concern for giving back to their community.  Clark received the award today at a special ceremony in Lansing.

"Investigator Clark is being recognized for his high-level of professionalism and motivation both on-duty and in his community," said Munoz.  "His work ethic and dedication to service set a high standard of excellence for all to follow."

A 24-year member of the MSP, Clark is always eager to learn new skills and responds to challenges with enthusiasm.  When his responsibilities expanded beyond hazardous materials investigations, Clark set a record for the number of compliance reviews completed by a member of the MSP Traffic Safety Division in one year. 

Clark uses his expertise and knowledge of the trucking industry to represent the department at the National Hazardous Materials Conference and instruct other officers in the detection of the illegal use of off-road fuel.  As a result, he is often sought out by officers and industry professionals for information on commercial vehicle regulations and hazardous materials transportation.

In the past year, Clark has been an integral part of several large-scale, successful investigations into the illegal transportation and storage of explosives, fuel tax fraud, false log books and unsatisfactory safety ratings by commercial carriers.  In each case, Clark built strong and positive working relationships with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Michigan Department of Treasury and motor carrier industry leaders.

On his own time, Clark regularly volunteers for the Bay County Aero Club and Bay County Air Show.  He also participates in the area Ramp Blitz, using his own tools to construct wheelchair ramps in his community. 

Clark joined the department in 1983, as a member of the 1^st MSP Motor Carrier Recruit School.  Following a brief assignment at the Bridgeport Post, Clark was promoted to the hazardous materials investigator at the Bay City Post in 1985.

Clark currently resides in Linwood with his wife, Susan.  He enjoys fishing, boating, gardening and restoring vehicles.