Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Sgt. Mark Thompson of the Michigan State Police advises on speeding citations.
Quam Amoa, from Toronto, Ontario, Canada has several questions about a speeding citation he received while traveling near Grand Rapids, Michigan. In his email, Quam explains when he was issued the speeding citation and he did not understand how to pay for the speeding citation. The officer suggested he make a court date, which Quam did, but Quam did not attend the court date. Quam is asking, how can he now take care of the citation and what are the repercussions if he does not take care of the speeding citation and wants to drive in Michigan again. Quam’s current situation is a perfect example of what not to do when issued a citation. If you’re responsible for the violation, pay the fine. If you think you are not responsible, setup …
Friday, April 26, 2013
Sgt. Mark Thompson of the Michigan State Police discusses motorcycle safety and the heroes of Boston.
Don’t like the weather? Wait it will change. Speaking of weather, on those few warm days and some not so warm days one of the early signs of spring has made its presence known. I’m talking about motorcycles. I’m going to ask everyone to remember to be vigilant and look more than once for motorcycles. A few seconds of safe driving techniques could save everyone from years of heartache and pain. That being said, motorcycle operators and their passengers also have a responsibility for the safe operation of a motorcycle. Drivers have you done your equipment safety check? Is everything working? Have you re-acclimated to your motorcycle’s equipment, switches, grips, brakes and shifting? Myself, I take a couple of days to re-acclimate myself …
Friday, August 10, 2012
Sgt. Mark Thompson talks about the benefits of pet "seat belts."
- POLICE & FIRE
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Friday, August 10, 2012
Well it rained and my yard is green again, which means the grass in growing and I am mowing. The Tigers are competing for first place, football season is around the corner and the all-important school is about to begin. Hang on for the ride as it doesn’t look like things will be slowing down much. My retired partner, Curt Fonger, stopped by for a visit. We worked road patrol together a little while ago, or as some would say, “When ships were wood and men were steel.” We can hold our own when stories are told of adventure and daring. But, Curt tells me there is a life after being a Trooper and he is the proof. Curt lives in Arizona now but visits Michigan every summer to camp, hike, swim, visit friends and family and explore our towns. This…
Friday, July 13, 2012
Sgt. Mark Thompson of the Michigan State Police discusses the importance of driver's knowing how to change tires and watch their fuel gauges.
- POLICE & FIRE
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Friday, July 13, 2012
I’m back from vacation and full of vim, vigor and vitality. I needed all three on my first day back to work, which turned into a 17-hour work day thanks to an overturned semi. Still, I’m glad to be back to work and making a contribution to life. I hope you are able to take time and enjoy our summer. You don’t have to travel far to find something to do or see in southeast Michigan. We have great parks to visit or camp in, a plethora of festivals and fairs and many cultural institutions and events. Many locations are within a half a tank of gas and it’s not like we’ve had too much rain. Take a little time and enjoy the summer and Michigan. Do you know how to change a flat tire? Have you ever run out of gas? I ask these questions, because …
Friday, June 8, 2012
Sgt. Mark Thompson of the Michigan State Police talks about crossing ducks and K2.
- POLICE & FIRE
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Friday, June 8, 2012
Have you ever been in a little traffic tie up, wonder what some silly person did to screw up your commute. That was me on Wednesday. There I was driving gather supplies for yard work and assorted other home projects when traffic came to a stop on M-59 at Argentine Road. I saw the traffic light was green but nobody was moving. I thought to myself, “well golly gosh dern what could be holding up traffic?” I’ve got things to do. Just as the traffic light turned red and I was going to be stopped for another traffic light cycle, I got my answer. Unbeknownst to me a mother duck and her gaggle of ducklings needed to cross the road. I know this because as we were stopped on the roadway, I saw a very nice young lady herding the duck and ducklings …
Friday, May 25, 2012
Sgt. Mark Thompson tell us to remember to say thank you to those who have served.
- POLICE & FIRE
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Friday, May 25, 2012
For many of us Memorial Day is more than just a holiday. It’s a time our country has set aside to remember our military personnel, those living and those who have passed on, who served in our military and to thank them for their service. So if you’re at one of the many parades, in a restaurant or walking in a store and you see a person in uniform or with one of those baseball caps with the ship or unit they served with, just stop and say, “thank you for your service.” They will understand and appreciate that you took the time. To all our veterans’, thank-you for your service and sacrifice for our country and our freedom. Austin just moved into the Hartland area and said he researched crime statistics in the area before moving and …
Friday, May 18, 2012
Sgt. Mark Thompson explains about Livingston County Central Dispatch and how it works.
- POLICE & FIRE
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Friday, May 18, 2012
Bill who lives in Brighton Township emailed a question regarding home security alarm systems. Bill lives in Brighton Township but has a Milford mailing address and asks who does he have the alarm company call; Milford Police, Livingston County Sheriff or Michigan State Police? The answer is none of the above. Since Bill lives in Brighton Township in Livingston County, a Trooper or Livingston County Deputy would respond to his residence for any calls for service, including alarms, but Bill would not call the police departments directly. Livingston County has one dispatch center that serves all public safety agencies; police, fire and EMS. So when you call 911 in Livingston County for a fire, a burglary or a medical emergency, you talk to …
42.532545
-83.756886
Michigan State Police - Brighton Post #12
4803 S Old Us Highway 23, Brighton, MI
/articles/alarms-technology-and-teamwork
1928302
/locations/7050700
Friday, May 4, 2012
Sgt. Mark Thompson of the Michigan State Police answers a Patch reader's question about traffic laws and private property.
- OPINION
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Friday, May 4, 2012
This week we have a question which involves the enforcement of traffic laws on private property. This is always and interesting topic. I will be quoting numerous Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) and if you would like to look them up, use the Michigan Legislature website at www.legislature.mi.gov. J. Michael Lenninger asks if drivers have to obey a stop sign on private property, like those found at Meijer or Kohl stores. The short story is yes, drivers should obey those traffic signs and directions found on private parking lots and roadways. Those traffic control signs are placed in those parking lots to facilitate safe traffic flow and to protect pedestrians. That being said, can the police enforce traffic laws in private parking lots and on…
42.532545
-83.756886
Michigan State Police - Brighton Post #12
4803 S Old Us Highway 23, Brighton, MI
/articles/drivers-must-obey-traffic-signs-even-on-private-property
1928302
/locations/6937441
Friday, April 20, 2012
Michigan State Police Sgt. Mark Thompson gives advice for the new motorcycle helmet law and discusses lighting on license plates.
Everyone knows the motorcycle helmet law was recently changed to where under certain circumstances riders on a motorcycle do not have to wear a helmet. I am not going to debate the issue of should person wear or not wear a helmet. Having a choice is a wonderful thing, so is responsibility. I would like to remind all drivers to “look twice and save a life.” This saying works not only when looking for motorcycles, but also for every day driving. Another motorcycle saying is, “Motorcycle operators should always drive defensively because in a crash, even if you are right, you lose.” And with all vehicles, remember to keep the rubber side down. I want to bring a recent State of Michigan, Court of Appeals decision in the case of State of …
42.532545
-83.756886
Michigan State Police - Brighton Post #12
4803 S Old Us Highway 23, Brighton, MI
/articles/use-caution-when-operating-motorcycles-lighting-license-plates-mandatory
1928302
/locations/6844391
Friday, April 6, 2012
Michigan State Police Sgt. Mark Thompson discusses the consequences of driving a car while under the influences of drugs and alcohol.
Hey, how about those Tigers! A win is always a great way to start the baseball season. And like most people I’m looking forward to an interesting and successful regular season, with an extension in October. Put me in coach, I’m ready to play! Teresa Lyden, Speech Pathologist, from the University of Michigan Hospital, Department of Otolaryngology/Speech Pathology contacted me for information regarding the operation of a motor vehicle while taking medication. She was seeking information for patients who may be issued medication for various treatments and then drive. Everyone knows if a person drinks alcohol in excess, then makes the poor decision to drive their vehicle and is stopped by the police, that person is likely to go to jail for …
42.532545
-83.756886
Michigan State Police - Brighton Post #12
4803 S Old Us Highway 23, Brighton, MI
/articles/operating-while-intoxicated-can-include-using-prescription-and-other-drugs
1928302
/locations/6751910
Sean
9:11 am on Friday, April 26, 2013
Why is it that most police and fire fighters have ridiculous mustaches? Is it part of the entrance exam? more ›