LaBonte of Escanaba named to head UPSET
LaBonte, Matt (Photo Courtesy of Michigan State Police)
LaBonte, Matt (Photo Courtesy of Michigan State Police)
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ESCANABA -- On Monday, the Michigan State Police (MSP) announced the promotion of Detective Sergeant Matthew LaBonte to Detective Lieutenant, where he will oversee the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET).
UPSET is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force serving all 15 counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its mission is to reduce the impact of illegal drugs through enforcement, education, and community awareness.
UPSET works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate and disrupt the use, distribution, and sale of illegal narcotics throughout the U.P. In addition to completing criminal drug investigations, UPSET also strives to keep Upper Peninsula communities safer by working to prevent drug-related crime and educate the public about the dangers of narcotics.
LaBonte, who graduated from Escanaba High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University, will oversee the operations of the task force throughout the U.P.
“He brings extensive experience in narcotics enforcement and task force operations, including having previously served as a detective sergeant assigned to UPSET,” MSP reported in a press release.
LaBonte enlisted with the MSP in 2000 and graduated as a member of the 119th Trooper Recruit School. During his career, he has served at the Reed City Post, Gladstone Post, and UPSET. He is also a former member of the MSP Emergency Support Team and has served in the ranks of trooper, sergeant, detective sergeant, and now detective lieutenant.