August 17, 2026
Trooper Tom Kinnunen has lived most of his life in the Upper Peninsula, worlds away from where he was born in Korea.
“My parents adopted me when I was one,” said Trooper Kinnunen. “The U.P. is my home. I have a wonderful life and career here, but I don’t know much about my biological family.”
Last fall, as part of his 40th birthday celebrations, he visited the Korean Consulate in Chicago to begin the process of trying to locate his biological family.
“I discussed my background in law enforcement, with the Michigan State Police, with the consulate employee assisting me,” said Trooper Kinnunen. “That led to me meeting a friend involved with the 19th International Korean Law Enforcement Officers Program, a nomination-based conference for foreign law enforcement officers of Korean ethnicity.”
Trooper Kinnunen was also introduced to the Korean American Law Enforcement Group (KALEG), which ultimately nominated him for the program.
In June he traveled to Seoul, South Korea for the gathering hosted by the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA). Eleven International Korean law enforcement members from five countries were in attendance.
The program’s purpose is layered, striving to establish cultural identities for Korean descendants, foster understanding and cooperation among participants and KNPA officers, and build professional connections.
“We learned about their practices, visited policing facilities, a training academy to speak with recruits and also venues like Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Han River Park,” said Trooper Kinnunen. “Maybe most important, I have built relationships and gained perspectives I didn’t have access to before.”
Trooper Kinnunen teaches at Northern Michigan University and participates in the MSP’s Asian American/Pacific Islander Employee Resource Group and has already begun sharing his experience with students and fellow MSP members.
While in Korea, Trooper Kinnunen learned the KNPA was unable to find his biological family but would continue to search.
“I honestly believe things happen for a reason, some good, some less favorable,” said Kinnunen. “This was a good thing.”
