Three Michigan State Police Officers Earn District Employee Awards

Upper Peninsula Officers Recognized for Excellence

The Michigan State Police Eighth District has honored three outstanding employees with its 2025 Employee of the Year Awards, recognizing exceptional service across the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan State Police Eighth District, which encompasses the Upper Peninsula, has chosen the winners of the district's 2025 Employee of the Year Awards. The awards honor members who show strong character, dedicated service and a positive impact on the communities they serve.

This year's recipients are Trooper Ryan Rossler of the Iron Mountain post, MCO Bruce Brown of the Sault Ste. Marie post and Civilian Employee Tammy Williamson of the St. Ignace post. Each were recently presented with their awards at the MSP Eighth District Headquarters in Marquette. These three individuals now advance to compete for statewide recognition in their respective categories.

Canine Handler Shows Leadership Beyond Duty

Trooper Ryan Rossler stands out not just for his police work, but for his comprehensive commitment to community service. In his canine handler capacity, Rossler is a leader and mentor for the other MSP and local law enforcement canine teams in the Upper Peninsula. Rossler has demonstrated success finding lost people and narcotics detection for criminal investigations. He often helps other canine teams and is known for responding to important calls with skill and care.

Beyond his professional duties, Rossler demonstrates remarkable community involvement. Outside of work, he supports his community by coaching middle school girls basketball, helping at school events, and taking part in youth activities. Many people in the community speak highly of him and appreciate how kindly he treats others. His colleagues describe him as someone who gladly volunteers to help other officers and maintains calm, steady leadership under pressure.

Motor Carrier Officer Builds Safety Partnerships

MCO Bruce Brown earned recognition for his proactive approach to transportation safety and community engagement. His proactive work in construction zones has been notably important, and workers have thanked him for helping keep them safe. He often works with the Michigan Department of Transportation and county road commissions to help to identify high-risk areas and prioritize enforcement. This collaboration has played an important role in protecting Michigan's transportation infrastructure.

Brown's impact extends far beyond traffic enforcement. He leads the district's coat drive each year, coaches youth sports, joins Special Olympics events and helps with local fundraisers. His dedication and positive attitude make him a role model for others. His ability to build relationships with trucking companies while educating them about safety regulations demonstrates his commitment to preventing accidents through partnership rather than just punishment.

Civilian Employee Creates Lasting Community Impact

As the St. Ignace post secretary, she is known for being very helpful. She handles important office duties, keeps budgets organized, and helps staff with their administrative responsibilities. She takes on extra tasks without hesitation and helps to manage special events. Tammy Williamson's recognition reflects how essential civilian employees are to law enforcement operations, providing the administrative backbone that allows officers to focus on public safety.

Williamson's most touching contribution came through her personal initiative to address mental health awareness. As an example, this past year, she and her daughter helped organize suicide awareness and prevention efforts by raising funds and building two custom benches. One was donated to Pellston schools and the other to Veteran's Memorial Park in Pellston. This project exemplifies how public servants often extend their impact through personal commitment to community wellness.

These awards highlight how effective law enforcement depends on dedicated individuals who view their roles as extending far beyond their job descriptions. Each recipient will now compete for statewide Michigan State Police Employee of the Year honors, representing the best of Upper Peninsula public service.