Sergeant Lena Wresinski Named 2025 Michigan State Police Trooper of the Year
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A dedicated Michigan State Police trooper has been recognized for her remarkable service and unwavering commitment to the community. Sergeant Lena Wresinski of the Paw Paw Post was named Michigan State Police Trooper of the Year, the MSP announced on Wednesday, February 26th.
Wresinski received the prestigious Gerstacker Trooper of the Year Award during a statewide ceremony held in East Lansing.Colleagues consistently describe her as a steady and respected leader who consistently goes beyond expectations in her duties. “I don’t know that anybody really feels worthy of something like that, but I’m obviously vrey proud and very humbled,” Wresinski stated. “We have a lot of really great troopers who do a lot of good work, so to be named Trooper of the Year for 2025 is obviously a huge honor when troopers across the state do a great job every day.”
Heroism in the Face of Crisis
The award recognizes Wresinski’s courageous actions during a notably challenging incident: a 10-car crash that occurred during a severe winter storm. Demonstrating speedy thinking and decisive action, she identified a child in critical need of medical attention. With ambulances delayed due to hazardous road conditions,Wresinski personally transported the child and a parent to the hospital in her patrol vehicle,ensuring they received urgent care.
Beyond her response to emergencies, Wresinski has also been lauded for her proactive community engagement. She played a key role in organizing a canine handler reunion at the Paw Paw Post, a moving event that honored those who have served with canine units since 1963.
A Foundation of Service and Kindness
Wresinski attributes her dedication to a strong upbringing rooted in service and compassion. “He woudl always say, you can be whatever you want to be, you just need to be the best,” she shared, recalling her father’s guidance. “And on the opposite side of that, he would always tell us that no matter what, be kind. And I think that I guess I just was raised that way to help people who can’t help themselves, to stand up for people who can’t stand up for themselves. And I think that the Michigan State Police instills that in their troopers.”
Commitment Beyond the Patrol Car
Wresinski’s commitment extends beyond her official duties. The MSP highlighted her voluntary participation in the National Marrow Donation Program, were she has donated blood and stem cells, directly saving lives. Driven by the loss of a close colleague and friend to cancer,she also actively assists in planning and executing the annual Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety Golf Outing,an event dedicated to honoring her friend’s memory.
Reflecting on her experiences as a trooper, Wresinski acknowledged the emotional toll of the job, but emphasized the enduring power of human connection. “you see a lot of tragedy,but I have found that this job has helped me be so much more understanding of what people go through,” she explained. “And in a weird way, it has also reaffirmed my, I guess, respect in humanity and that for every bad person out there or bad situation, there’s 20 more good people in good situations.And so I’ve been to my fair share of dark moments like any other trooper has, but it’s the good ones that really stick with you that I think just keeps me going.”
A Michigan Native with Deep Roots
Wresinski joined the Michigan State Police in 2014.Originally from Pennsylvania, she relocated to Holland, Michigan as a child and later pursued higher education at Michigan State University. She expressed a strong desire to continue her career and life in southwest Michigan, describing it as “a perfect blend of everything,” offering the benefits of both urban proximity and a peaceful, rural lifestyle. “You are close to big cities, but far enough to have your country feel if you want to, the lakes.I think that the way of life is just the kind of life I want to live.”
