MARQUETTE COUNTY, MI— A Negaunee man has been given the Michigan State Police “Pride of the Eighth” award for helping a trooper arrest a suspect during a struggle.
On February 15 around 5 a.m., Trooper Jenich from the Negaunee Post tried to arrest a subject for operating while intoxicated on M-28 in Alger County. The subject resisted arrest and a physical altercation ensued. The closest backup unit to Trooper Jenich was 45-60 minutes away.
Michigan Department of Corrections Officer Jesse Freeman was driving by the location on his way to work at the Alger Correctional Facility. He saw the struggle between Jenich and the suspect, stopped, and ran over to assist the trooper. He helped to get the intoxicated suspect into custody.
In a letter to Freeman, MSP Eighth District Commander Capt. Darren Green wrote:
“After careful consideration of the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident, it was decided your actions deserved recognition with a ‘Pride of the Eighth’ award for your selfless act, care, and consideration of another civil servant’s well-being and success in the performance of his duties. I salute you for your outstanding work and commitment to public safety.”
Freeman was given the award Monday in a ceremony at the Negaunee Post.
