Sergeant Michael Perkins has been promoted from trooper to uniform sergeant at the Manistique Outpost. Perkins previously served as a trooper at the Manistique Outpost.

In his new role, Perkins will oversee day-to-day operations at the outpost and supervise the troopers assigned there.

A native of Michigan’s northern Lower Peninsula, Perkins pursued a degree in criminal justice at Lake Superior State University following high school. He shared insight into his background and outlined his expectations as he steps into leadership at the Manistique Outpost.

“My father was in law enforcement, which allowed me to see the difference police can make within the community they serve. This inspired me to pursue a career in law enforcement,” Perkins said. “While attending college, I fell in love with the Upper Peninsula.”

Detective Sergeant Warren Webster has been promoted from trooper to serve as the detective sergeant for both the Gladstone Post and the Manistique Outpost. (Photo courtesy of the Michigan State Police)

After graduating from trooper recruit school, Perkins was assigned to the Manistique Detachment of the St. Ignace Post, where he served as a trooper for approximately five years before relocating to the Mio Detachment of the Alpena Post as a resident trooper for another five years.

“Eventually, it was clear to myself and my family that my heart was in Manistique,” Perkins said. “I took a transfer back to the Manistique Outpost, where I once again served as a trooper. I loved serving as a trooper. Troopers make can make a big difference within the communities they serve. However, in this new role, I look forward to working with and supporting our troopers, other MSP personnel, local law enforcement partners, and the people of Schoolcraft County to help keep our communities safe.”

Established in 2019, the Manistique Outpost was created from what had previously operated as a detachment to address the need for additional law enforcement coverage in Schoolcraft County.

While MSP operates seven posts across the Upper Peninsula, the Manistique Outpost is the agency’s first and only outpost and functions differently than a traditional post or detachment. The outpost operates under a hybrid model, functioning as its own MSP worksite while receiving supervisory oversight and additional support from the Gladstone Post when needed.

MSP encourages community members to visit the outpost during weekday business hours, when the sergeant is typically on duty.

Detective Sergeant Warren Webster has also been promoted from trooper to serve as the detective sergeant for both the Gladstone Post and the Manistique Outpost.

Webster previously served as a trooper at the Iron Mountain Post before receiving this promotion. In his new role, Webster will complete and oversee complex criminal investigations to help prevent crime and solve criminal cases.

He will also serve as an investigative resource for troopers and other personnel.

Webster joined the MSP in 2014 as a member of the 126th Trooper Recruit School.

“I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps, who also served in law enforcement and retired as a Detective Sergeant with the Grand Rapids Police Department,” Webster said. “Since joining MSP, I have served at the Wakefield and Iron Mountain Posts. I am looking forward to this new role, working with my fellow MSP members and local law enforcement, and serving the people of Delta and Schoolcraft counties.”

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.