LANSING. At a special ceremony today in Lansing, four members of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Alpena Post were recognized by MSP Director Colonel Peter C. Munoz for their actions in response to a barricaded gunman. Trooper Andrew Ambrose and Trooper John Grimshaw Jr. received the MSP Bravery Award for risking their lives to protect others; Trooper Jamie Bullis and Detective Sergeant Stephen Harshberger received the MSP Meritorious Service Award for diligence and perseverance under uncommon circumstances.
On March 18, 2009, Ambrose, Bullis, Grimshaw and Harshberger were part of a multi-officer response at the scene of a barricaded gunman who had already wounded three subjects. Two of the wounded victims and two other uninjured victims had escaped the residence, leaving two victims, one severely wounded and one with a debilitating medical condition, in the residence with the suspect. After making contact with the trapped, uninjured victim, the officers determined the suspect had access to handguns and rifles in the residence.
Recognizing the danger to both victims and the need to get medical attention to the wounded victim, Ambrose and Grimshaw, along with an Alcona County Sheriff's Department deputy, developed a plan to rescue the victims.
Without regard for their own safety, Ambrose, Grimshaw and the deputy entered the residence. Bullis and Harshberger stationed themselves on the front porch to provide cover for the rescue team. Ambrose and Grimshaw located the wounded victim, who had succumbed to her wounds. The officers then located the uninjured victim who, with the help of Bullis and Harshberger, was carried to safety.
Upon reviewing this incident, the MSP Board of Awards determined the heroic actions of Ambrose, Bullis, Grimshaw and Harshberger, and their willingness to ignore their own personal safety and well-being to rescue others, were instrumental in resolving the incident without further loss of life.
Ambrose enlisted in the department in 1998, graduating as a member of the 117th Trooper Recruit School. Prior to his assignment at the Alpena Post, he served at the Manistee and Detroit posts, and in the Criminal Investigation Division. Ambrose currently lives in Lachine with his wife, Shana, and their son, Jack.
Bullis enlisted in the department in 2000, graduating as a member of the 119th Trooper Recruit School. Prior to his assignment at the Alpena Post, he served at the Manistee Post. Bullis became an MSP canine handler in 2008. He and his wife, Joy, have three children, Gabe, Caleb and Jeremiah.
Grimshaw enlisted in the department in 1994, graduating as a member of the 110th Trooper Recruit School. Prior to his assignment at the Alpena Post, he served at the Bad Axe and Richmond posts and the Criminal Investigation Division.
A native of Jackson, Harshberger enlisted in the department in 1987, graduating as a member of the 102nd Trooper Recruit School. Prior to his assignment at the Alpena Post, he served at the St. Joseph Post and in the Criminal Investigation Division.