September 18, 2003

EAST LANSING. The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper Timothy L. Halvorsen of the Traverse City Post has been awarded the Michigan State Police Bravery Award. He is credited with risking his life to protect the lives of others.

On March 23, Halvorsen responded to a residence fire where the homeowner was known to be mentally handicapped and violent. Upon arrival, Halvorsen observed the homeowner on the porch of the burning residence yelling at onlookers. Despite the fire and smoke the homeowner refused to leave the home and went back inside.

Determining that the homeowner needed to be removed from the residence, Halvorsen and a firefighter entered the residence. Thick smoke forced them to crawl through the home until they located the subject in a hallway. The homeowner, who was suffering from smoke inhalation, was preparing to fight the officers. Although he resisted them, the officers were able to grab the subject and pull him to safety.

The Michigan State Police Board of Awards recognizes that the quick and selfless actions of Halvorsen helped save the homeowner’s life.

Halvorsen joined the department in 1995. He graduated as a member of the 113^th Recruit School and was assigned to the Traverse City Post after graduation. Halvorsen currently lives in Traverse City with his wife, Kelly, and their children, Erik and Emily.

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