Gaylord Post Trooper Named Trooper of the Year

Contact: F/Lt. Blake Davis, MSP Gaylord Post Commander 989-732-2778

January 23, 2015. Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue is pleased to announce that Tpr. Corey Hebner of the Gaylord Post is the 2014 recipient of the Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker Trooper of the Year Award. Hebner received the award at a special ceremony in Lansing.

The Gerstacker Award recognizes the MSP trooper or sergeant who symbolizes outstanding professional ethics, dedication to duty and a concern for giving back to their community. The late Dr. Carl A. Gerstacker, former chairman of Dow Chemical Company, created the award in 1961.

“Trooper Hebner’s exemplary work performance, leadership skills and extensive community involvement make him an excellent choice for this year's Trooper of the Year,” stated Etue.

Hebner, a 19-year veteran of the department, serves as a community service trooper at the Gaylord Post, where he is known for his leadership and dedication to area youth.

Hebner has instructed nearly 9,000 kids in the MSP Teaching, Educating And Mentoring (T.E.A.M.) curriculum and the Gang Resistance Education Awareness Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program over the course of his career. He has also developed a bullying Internet awareness presentation and a distracted driving presentation for youth in his area.

Hebner also coaches youth sports and coordinates a “Lunch Buddy” program that he started, in which troopers share lunch with local youth to break down barriers and improve trust.

Hebner enlisted with the department in 1995, graduating as a member of the 113th Trooper Recruit School. Prior to being assigned to the Gaylord Post, he served at the Petoskey, Detroit, Newberry and St. Ignace posts.

Hebner and his spouse, Joan, reside in Harbor Springs with their two children.