ST. IGNACE, MI— A sergeant with the Michigan State Police St. Ignace Post has been honored as the 2026 Negotiator of the Year.
Along with his full-time duties at the post, Sgt. Jacob Hubbard serves as a negotiator with the MSP Emergency Support Team.
In Skandia Township on January 3, 2026, deputies and a trooper were dispatched to the Kyle Beauchemin residence on a report that one of his dogs attacked a neighbor’s donkey. He didn’t answer.
About an hour later police received a report of domestic violence at the same residence. Beauchemin—who was reportedly armed—was inside with his girlfriend and four children, who were being held against their will. There were also 28 pitbull-mix dogs inside.
Officers called in the MSP ES Team to help serve an arrest warrant. Sgt. Hubbard spoke with Beauchemin for several hours, keeping further harm from being done. Hubbard provided the team with detailed information about the cabin and the location of the firearms.
As the team entered, Beauchemin used his girlfriend and children as human shields. Hubbard relayed information about his movements in real time, helping the tactical team respond accordingly. Beauchemin was taken into custody.
Hubbard was recently presented with the 2026 Michigan Association of Hostage Negotiator’s “Negotiator of the Year” award for his role in helping bring a dangerous situation to a safe resolution. He was the unanimous winner.
