Deputy Director Retires After 28 Years with State Police
Contact: Ms. Debra Stasi, MSP State Services Bureau, (517) 241-0132
Agency: State Police
LANSING. Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue has announced the retirement of Deputy Director Lt. Col. Daniel Atkinson effective October 1, 2013. Atkinson, who served as commander of the State Services Bureau and member of the department's Executive Council, is retiring after 28 years of service.
"Lieutenant Colonel Atkinson has been a mentor to many department members throughout his 28-year career," said Colonel Etue. "He was an excellent leader who was well-known and well-liked. I wish him and his family the best as he begins the next chapter of his life."
Atkinson joined the department in 1985, graduating as a member of the 99th Trooper Recruit School. During his 28-year career with the department, Atkinson has held positions at the Northville, Bridgeport and Flint posts, and served as a member of the Flint Area Narcotics Group (FANG) multijurisdictional taskforce.
In 2002, Atkinson was promoted to inspector and assistant commander of the Third District in Genesee County. As assistant district commander, he was responsible for aiding in the administration of 10 posts covering 13 counties in the Bay/Thumb region. In 2003, he was promoted to captain and commander of the Fifth District. As Fifth District commander, he oversaw nine MSP posts in nine counties in southwest Michigan. Atkinson also served in positions in the Executive Division, Criminal Investigation Division and Training Division before returning to the Third District as commander in 2010. In 2011, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and commander of the State Services Bureau.
The State Services Bureau includes the Biometrics and Identification Division, Forensic Science Division, Office of Highway Safety Planning, Training Division and the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.
A native of Lennon, Atkinson and his wife, Cindy, live in Durand and have three adult children.
