Groveland Twp.- Michigan State Trooper Sgt. David Wiegand says the greatest reward during his 13 year law enforcement career is perhaps the simplest.
‘The part about the job I like the most, without getting to sappy, are the people that I help that come up to me just to say ‘thank you,?’said Wiegand.
‘I have had good experiences with the public and I like the interaction that I’ve had.?
In May, Wiegand joined the Michigan State Police Groveland Team, and hopes to make the Groveland Post on Dixie Highway his home for a long time.
Wiegand grew up in Irons Michigan, near Manistee in Lake County where he graduated high school in 1986. He then attended Kendall College of Art and Design in Grand Rapids where he studied advertising. He later transferred to Grand Rapids Junior College and gradually turned his interest toward a Criminal Justice major.
‘Law enforcement was always in the back of my mind, but it wasn’t something that I knew from highschool that I wanted to do, it was a gradual change,? he said.
After a short time at Grand Rapids Junior College, he was hired by the Michigan State Police.
‘Where I grew up, which is a small town, we only had state police. I knew if I did go into the field, I wanted it to be with them.?
Before he joined the Groveland Township Post, he served two and a half years in Northville Mich. and two years in the Detroit Post.
‘I was on motorcycle patrol in Detroit. It was a lot different doing that. It’s quite a change.?
Sgt. Wiegand knew a spot at Groveland Post was available. He applied, and was reviewed by a separate board that consisted of two district officials, an outside official that reviews work history and other imperative credentials. The panel then decides if the applicant is right for the position. Needless to say, he received the promotion he was seeking.
In the years of service he has provided, Wiegand was with the Narcotics Enforcement Team for three years, two years with a fugitive crew and was also an Field Training Officer where he trained probationary troopers.
‘The fugitive crew I was with was basically a team that sought criminals who had warrants out for them for a variety of reasons. The FBI ran the program.?
The Groveland Post currently has 13 troopers, with Trooper Trevor Radke currently serving with the Marines Corp.
‘We have a very capable staff here, they’re all very dedicated and committed to their jobs.?
Wiegand’s duties change from day to day, but basics include supervising troopers, report reviews and shift operations.
Sgt.Wiegand lives in Royal Oak where he spends time with his two daughters, 7 and 14.
He also has another baby, which is his Harley Davidson. Sgt.Wiegand said all three help him to relax and forget the often stressful days he endures.