July 09, 2025
A select group of Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers can say they’ve lived the island life.
“Our Mackinac Island detail is truly focused on community relationships,” says Lt. Ashley Miller who spent the summer of 2015 on the island. “This is a true foot patrol position with intentional time spent building relationships with business owners, people from all over the state and country, and the visitors.”
The MSP staffs a Mackinac Island detail during the late spring and summer months into the early fall, usually April to October, with two troopers assigned to the island working with Mackinac Island Police for the safety and security of residents, workers and visitors. They patrol on foot, bicycle and occasionally by horse and carriage. The local police have a patrol car for use, if needed.
Mackinac Island is right between Michigan’s two peninsulas, the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula.
Because Mackinac Island is surrounded by water with no bridge to the mainland, most visitors arrive by ferry boat. Some visitors catch a plane to Mackinac Island Airport, while others may even dock a private boat in the Mackinac Island harbor.
Mackinac Island’s streets have been car-free for over 100 years.
“Working on the island is unique. You don’t have all the resources you have on the mainland,” says Tpr. Hilary Hoeflin who spent the 2023-24 seasons working the detail. “You must get to know your community, what’s available to you and how to serve efficiently and in the most effective way. It’s one of my favorite things I’ve done during my career.”
While Mackinac Island’s year-round population is close to 600 people, seasonal workers and tourists take it to around 20,000 during peak season.
The detail is typically a two-season assignment for MSP troopers, meaning they serve for two consecutive summer seasons ensuring the safety and protection of everyone within those 3.8 square miles.
“You have the state park, two golf courses, the airport, the whole community. It’s so much more than the downtown area which many associate with the island,” says Tpr. Jeffery Burnette, who was assigned in 2022-23. “There are miles of hiking and biking trails and unlimited history. It’s a beautiful place and you get to explore the entire island.”
A perk for some is the option to live where you work. Single and family housing is available at no cost to troopers taking advantage of this unique assignment.
“In my case, I was able to bring my wife and kids and that’s been a wonderful experience,” says Tpr. Nicholas Reszka, who is currently working on the island. “I leave my house and walk with my wife and kids to get an ice cream cone before dad goes to work. We walk back to the house, I put my uniform on, jump on my bike and go to work. Not many kids can say they spent two summers living on Mackinac Island. That’s a cool experience us troopers can give our families, especially with such a demanding job.”
The MSP is actively recruiting for many positions. Discover what’s possible with a career with the MSP and learn more at mi.gov/MSPjobs.
