Artfitch named MSP St. Ignace post commander

What's happening: 1st Lt. Brock Artfitch has been promoted to post commander of the Michigan State Police St. Ignace post. This is a return to the St. Ignace post for Artfitch, who had previously served as a sergeant before working as a field investigator for the MSP Professional Standards Section. The St. Ignace post covers the eastern-most parts of the U.P., filled with additional challenges of various islands, the Mackinac Bridge and international crossings with Canada.

Michigan State Police1st Lt. Brock ArtfitchArtfitch's background: Originally from Nebraska, Artfitch attended Indiana University for economics before getting a doctorate through the Michigan State University College of Law. He began his career with the Michigan State Police at the Gaylord post. Working with the Hometown Security team, he focused on criminal drug interdiction. After moving to St. Ignace the first time, Artfitch also spent eight years as an instructor for the MSP precision driving unit.

What they're saying: “I consider myself incredibly privileged to have this opportunity to work with a team of dedicated and experienced sergeants, troopers, motor carrier officers, and civilian staff members at the St. Ignace Post, and to once again be a part of MSP’s Eighth District, which covers the entire Upper Peninsula,” Artfitch said. “I am dedicated to the people we serve and will do all I can to support our members in the crucial work they do including proactive policing focused on deterring and solving crime, active community engagement, and reducing serious traffic crashes through traffic enforcement that discourages dangerous driving behaviors.”

What's next: The St. Ignace post plans to continue proactive efforts to combat the distribution and trafficking of illegal drugs into the Upper Peninsula. The post is also prioritizing recruitment to bolster staffing levels and furthering working relationships with other law enforcement and governmental groups in the area.