EAST LANSING. At a special ceremony today in Lansing, Michigan State Police (MSP) Director, Colonel Peter C. Munoz, presented Trooper Mark Lambert (top picture) and Trooper Keyonn Whitfield (bottom picture) of the Detroit Post with the MSP Bravery Award. Lambert and Whitfield are credited with placing their lives in serious danger in the apprehension of two armed subjects.

While on patrol on Nov. 21, 2007, Lambert and Whitfield observed two vehicles stop at a traffic light. A man exited the rear vehicle, approached the passenger side of the lead vehicle and began firing a handgun through the window. Immediately, Lambert and Whitfield ordered the armed man to drop his weapon. Instead, the man began firing at the troopers and a second suspect exited the rear vehicle, also firing at the troopers.

While Lambert exchanged fire with the gunman, Whitfield ran to the lead vehicle to assist the female driver. Whitfield placed her on the ground and used his body to shield her from the continuing gunfire. As a result of the gunfire one suspect was fatally wounded and the other suspect was wounded and taken into custody.

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards determined the heroic actions of Lambert and Whitfield, and their willingness to ignore their own personal safety and well-being, played a significant role in saving the lives of both victims.

Lambert, a native of Detroit, enlisted in the department in 1994, and was a graduate of the 110th Trooper Recruit School. He was first assigned to the Mount Pleasant Post and transferred to the Detroit Post in December 1996.

Whitfield, a native of Detroit, enlisted in the department in 1999, and was a graduate of the 118th Trooper Recruit School. He was first assigned to the Ypsilanti Post and transferred to the Detroit Post in January 2001.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
F/Lt. Ann McCaffery, MSP Detroit Post, (313) 456-6600