They were looking out for us…
“It is with the sincere sadness that we pass on the Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmation of the on-duty death of Trooper Joel Popp of the Tri-City Post. Please review the report from SPL/LT. Kim Vetter MSP 3rd District Public Information Officer.
“This is a message none of us wishes to deliver. With a very heavy heart I confirm the death of one of our own, Trooper Joel Popp,” stated Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “I ask that you please keep his family, fellow troopers and all whose lives he has touched in your thoughts.”
At 7:12 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 24, Popp and other troopers were investigating a suspected impaired driver who was stopped on northbound I-75 near Birch Run in a curved lane of travel. Another motorist, an 81-year-old male, struck two patrol cars and Popp, who was outside his patrol vehicle. Popp was transported to Hurley Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries and passed away. The other driver had serious injuries but is expected to survive.
Popp, 39 years of age, enlisted with the MSP in January of 2020, graduating as a member of the 137th Trooper Recruit School. He has served at the Tri-City Post his entire career. Popp is survived by his wife Stefanie and a young daughter Emily.
The MSP wishes to acknowledge our many police partners and emergency responders who assisted at the scene and who continue to provide support to our department during this difficult time. We also want to thank the staff and medical professionals at Hurley Medical Center for their care and compassion.”
On behalf of the 100 Club of Saginaw County members, the Board of Directors on Thursday, January 25, 2024 delivered a check in the amount of $10,000.00 to Trooper Joel’s wife, Stefanie and 8 year old daughter Emily to assist with any immediate financial needs that they may incur.
The Board of Directors would like to thank all of our 100 Club Members who help make this possible for us to help repay those men and women who serve to protect all of us in Saginaw County.
Please keep Trooper Joel Popp’s family in your prayers and thought during these very tough times.
Those wishing to express sympathy or contribute to the Family may do so by logging into michigan.gov.
The 100 Club of Saginaw was created to acknowledge and repay the people who have risked their lives to protect ours. This organization feels a sense of duty to those who ensure our safety.
It is an organization of Saginaw Area residents who contribute money each year for the benefit of families of police officers, firefighters, and FBI and A.T.F. agents who have been killed in the line of duty in Saginaw County.
There are more than 100 clubs throughout the United States, of which the most notable is in Detroit, the original such organization.
The 100 Club of Saginaw was founded in 1996 and meets twice a year, an annual meeting in the winter and a summer meeting when we honor police officers and firefighters for heroism or other acts above and beyond the call of duty.