I have so many reasons to be thankful for knowing Mike that it's hard to remember them all. Firstly Mike was the Sergeant at ERPD and was instrumental in hiring me out of the 32nd Mid-Michigan Police Academy. There had been an issue in my past that he realized was inconsequential and that started my career in Law Enforcement.

I worked at ERPD for about 4 1/2 years shortly after the original group and as previously mentioned, it was a family. We all worked together, played together, spent family time and holidays with each other. Mike was the glue that bound us all together. We might not always agree with his decisions, and often failed to abide by them, but we always seemed to work things out. Eaton Rapids was a great community for us to learn and live.

As the years continued, Mike introduced me to one of his friends that he grew up with. We all  went on camping trips up north, hiking trips on the Appalachian Trail and in the Grand Tetons, ski trips to Colorado, rock climbing and shooting guns. It always bothered me that he could smoke a pack or two of cigarettes a day, and still keep up.

My wife (Mary) and I hiked up to "Charlie's Bunion" on the AT yesterday in his honor, as I had done with him and several others about 30 years ago. He didn't know it but we had put three cans of Fosters beer in his backpack, and thanked him when we arrived at camp for carrying them up for us.  

Mike will be missed by all that knew him or spent any time with him. He had a wealth of insignificant knowledge that made us appreciate him even more.

Rest in Peace Michael, I will cherish the memories !!!

Bruce Yelvington Badge #2.

Original 10 ERPD officers pose for pic from basketball game

I don't have any pictures to share although I do remember one that we have somewhere, of Mike wearing suspenders! Possibly at his graduation party?  When he worked at East Lansing Police Department, I was a student at MSU.  Of course, I locked my keys in my car at the Jacobson's parking ramp.  I went over to the police station and Mike was my hero and took me to unlock my car! Of course, he couldn't do it without giving me a hard time. He was a dear person.  I saw him about a year ago and he certainly hadn't lost his sense of humor. He kidded my granddaughter when we were visiting Aunt Edna. Words cannot express how sorry I am for his passing.  Pat, you and your family are in our prayers. 
Betsy

I was a new police academy graduate when I was hired at ERPD, as were several of us. At the very least, we were all young. We were a family and I had a lot of big brothers. We grew up together and learned small town policing together. It took awhile to weasel our way into the hearts of Eaton Rapids residents, but we did. Mike was a big part of that. He had such a big and warm personality, you couldn't help but love him and love being around him. He had the quickest wit and sense of humor. 

I remember being at a reception, birthday party or somewhere that we were dancing. Mike tried to teach me how to touch dance. I have never laughed so hard in my life. I thought I was going to pee my pants. He was swinging me around so fast, I was getting dizzy. Oh such good times! 

Mike was the chief when I left ERPD (and police work). I appreciated how special he made my final time there.
RIP Mike

Brenda (Morrill - Badge #5) Bilton