Portland Fire Department Honors Fallen State Trooper with Help of VFW

Michigan State Police Trooper Caleb Starr passed away on July 31st from injuries received when his vehicle was struck on duty on July 10th.

According to a release from MSP, “Trooper Starr was 33 years old. He is survived by his wife, Rachael, who is a civilian member of the MSP, and their two young daughters.”

The MSP release dates July 31st also said that, “The July 10th crash occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in Boston Township in Ionia County. Trooper Starr was westbound on Grand River Avenue in his patrol vehicle when a vehicle traveling east, driven by a 28-year woman from Utah, crossed the centerline. He was flown by medical helicopter to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, where he was being treated until he passed away earlier this evening.”

When the Portland Fire Department learned that the processional of Trooper Starr would be traveling through Portland on Saturday, the department had to reach out to VFW post 4090 for a helping hand.

Firefighter Doug Logel told the Beacon, “We received notice from Portland PD that there was going to be a processional for Trooper Starr coming through our coverage area around 9:30am. We were requested to line the overpasses with firetrucks as is customary for FF and LEO processionals. Many times, an American flag is also deployed.”

Logel went on to say, “Our department does not currently have large enough flags to look proper on a bridge, so I reached out to senior vice commander of the post (Andrew Huhn) and asked for some assistance. Without hesitation he went to the post and dropped off enough flags to drape the 5 overpasses in our service area (Keefer, Knox, Cutler, Peake, Clintonia). Mr. Huhn had about 20 minutes to fulfill my request and did it in 15. We are very appreciative of those continued service to our community.”

Processional photo courtesy of Lindsey Bos.