Voluntary program aiding families of deceased troopers ends after decades
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — The state of Michigan has ended a decadeslong voluntary program that provided money to families of deceased troopers.
An official said participation has "declined steadily in modern times" due to the availability of life insurance and changes in retirement benefits, according to a March letter obtained by WOOD-TV.
The program began in 1936 and worked this way: Troopers, active or retired, would pay $2 to $5 after an officer's death, WOOD-TV said.
Families would get $10,000 to $17,000 depending on the health of the fund, the TV station said.
Amanda Baker, a state police budget official, said the department had no authority from the Legislature to administer the program and couldn't find an outside group to take charge of it.
She acknowledged in a letter to participants that the program provided a "long-standing benefit with historic ties for our retired members." It was suspended in 2021.
Anyone with a balance in the fund because of advance payments will get a refund, Baker said.
"Inside that envelope with the check, there was no explanation, no apologies, there was no breakdown of amounts. It was basically, 'Here's your check, trust us and we're done,'" said Ken Knowlton, a retired detective who had paid into the program for 45 years.
State police stopped enrolling troopers in 2018 but never told retirees who were still paying.
Annual golf outing planned by ADTC for Monday, June 6
The board of the Association of Defense Trial Counsel is pleased to announce its annual golf outing for Monday, June 6, at Western Golf & Country Club, 14600 Kinlock Rd. in Redford Township. The outing will begin at 8 a.m. with registration and breakfast then a 9 a.m. shotgun start with lunch to follow.
Justices of the Michigan Supreme Court and judges of the Sixth Circuit of Appeals, the Michigan Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County circuit courts have been invited as guests of the ADTC.
Cost is $165 per golfer and the complete package consists of 18 holes of golf on a Donald Ross-designed course in a private club setting, breakfast, refreshments on the course, and a late lunch of bruschetta chicken or grilled salmon. Prizes and awards will be presented after the scramble. Cost for lunch in $65.
To receive a registration form, e-mail Jessica Hilewsky at jdzieszkowski@harveykruse.com. Payment is due upon registration.
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