Being able to live in and serve the community he grew up in is something very special for Tpr. Tom Kinnunen.
Growing up near Christmas, in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he is especially grateful to serve his hometown community this holiday season. Christmas is an unincorporated community located within Au Train Township in Alger County about two miles northwest of Munising and a 422-mile drive northwest of Detroit.
Kinnunen was adopted from Korea as a child and was raised by a loving family. In a small town where everyone knows each other, he grew up close to local police officers.
“Growing up here was awesome. To have the lake in your backyard, beaches, hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities is kind of a dream,” Kinnunen said.
“We knew the local police, and I did internships and ride-alongs,” Kinnunen recalls. These early experiences sparked his interest in public service. “I just wanted to give my adopted family name a good name.”
As Kinnunen got older, his goal became to join the Michigan State Police (MSP) and serve as a trooper. After joining the MSP in 2008 and working at several different posts, he was able to return to his hometown area and is currently assigned as the Community Service Trooper for the MSP Negaunee Post.
“It’s nice to be back home,” he says. “I’m glad I got to try other posts before I came home, but it’s nice to give back to the community in this capacity as a trooper.”
For Kinnunen, being a trooper is especially meaningful during the holiday season. “It’s special for me because this is home. I recognize and know a lot of people here. Now as a trooper, I can help them if they need any help,” said Kinnunen. “I think it’s good to be back home where I grew up because I know the community in a deeper and more personal way. I can help advocate for people and share what resources I have through the State Police to help them hit their full stride.”
Trooper Kinnunen’s work is focused on giving back to others and promoting safety. One way he summarized his goal is “to make sure things are left better than we found them.”
Another part of the job Kinnunen enjoys is working with fellow first responders. The relationships between local police, state troopers and other emergency personnel are close, especially during the holidays.
“It can be exciting to see who’s on the schedule that you’re going to be working with on the holidays,” he says. “You can catch up on conversation and see what’s new with one another and their families.”
While being away from family can be tough during the holidays, Kinnunen appreciates the opportunity to serve alongside others who share the same mission. “It’s always good to all get together with other first responders on the holidays,” he says.
Having grown up in the area and returned to serve, Trooper Kinnunen exemplifies commitment to community both on Christmas and every day. For Kinnunen, it’s about more than just the work, it’s about giving back to the community that gave him so much, ensuring that others can enjoy a safe and joyful Christmas with their loved ones in Christmas, Mich. and beyond.
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