January 27, 2003

Lansing - The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper Greg P. Galarneau of the Brighton Post, has been awarded the Michigan State Police Meritorious Service Award. He is credited for his diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of law enforcement officers.

On March 17, 2002, just before 2 p.m., Galarneau responded to an armed robbery call by heading to an area that he deemed to be a likely escape route for the felons. While enroute, he observed a suspicious vehicle with four passengers and proceeded to effect a traffic stop on the vehicle. As Galarneau approached the vehicle he noticed the passengers attempting to cover a loaded shotgun in the center console with clothing.

Galarneau ordered the vehicle’s occupants, to keep their hands in the air while he waited for backup to arrive. Despite Galarneau’s commends, the front-seat passenger continued to move around in the interior of the vehicle, even verbally taunting Galarneau, and drinking from a bottle of whiskey. Once backup arrived the occupants were removed from the vehicle. During this time, the front seat passenger resisted and had to be taken into custody using additional force. Two loaded shotguns were recovered from the vehicle.

During the entire incident, Galarneau was able to maintain his composure as well as his contact with Dispatch in order to give clear and concise directions to his location. Galarneau was able to bring the situation to a positive conclusion without harm to himself or the subjects.

The Michigan State Police Board of Awards recognizes Galarneau’s selfless act of putting himself in harm’s way in confronting a hostile situation, as well as his expert use of investigative intuition and in-depth patrol area knowledge when confronted with superior numbers and uncontrolled contact with a suspect.

Galarneau joined the department in 1993 and graduated as a member of the 108^th Trooper Recruit School. He is stationed at the Brighton Post. Galarneau and wife Rae-Anne live in Linden.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.