Five MSP Troopers Receive Bravery Award

Contact: F/Lt. Chris McIntire, Post Commander, MSP Rockford Post, (616) 866-4411

Agency: State Police

LANSING.  At a special ceremony held in Lansing on September 13, Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue presented Sgt. Christopher Bush, D/Sgt. Joseph Young, Tprs. Willie Buie, David Cardenas and Mitchell Dyer with the MSP Bravery Award for their diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances and for going beyond what is typically expected of most law enforcement officers.

The troopers were honored for their role in responding to the October 13, 2011 bank robbery in the Village of Ravenna.  The robbery quickly turned into a pursuit, with shots being fired at the troopers, other officers and the public.  The pursuit ended with both suspects being killed, after they intentionally hit and killed a Walker police officer who was attempting to deploy stop sticks.

By taking an active role in the pursuit of armed and dangerous suspects, these troopers knowingly placed themselves in danger.  For these reasons, the Board of Awards find the brave actions of Buie, Bush, Cardenas, Dyer and Young are in the highest traditions of the Michigan State Police.

Buie enlisted with the department in 1987, graduating as a member of the 101st Trooper Recruit School. Buie served at the Grand Haven Post before being assigned to the Rockford Post.

Bush enlisted with the department in 1995, graduating as a member of the 112th Trooper Recruit School.  Bush has served at the Traverse City, Kalkaska, Ionia and Lakeview posts before being assigned to the Training Academy.  Bush resides in Portland with his wife, Wendy, and son, Brady.

Cardenas enlisted with the department in 1999, graduating as a member of the 118th Trooper Recruit School.  Cardenas served at the Lansing and Reed City posts before being assigned to the Rockford Post.

Dyer enlisted with the department in 1998, graduating as a member of the 117th Trooper Recruit School.  He has served at the Rockford Post since graduation.

Young enlisted with the department in 1995, graduating as a member of the 112th Trooper Recruit School.  Young served at the Rockford Post before being assigned to the Metropolitan Enforcement Team (MET).