Community members get first look at new MSP post - ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI

(11/20/12) - Troopers have been working out of the newest Michigan State Police post for more than a month now.

Tuesday, community members got their first look inside the Tri-City Post. It's located on Salzburg Road, in Bay County's Williams Township.

Just on size alone, it's a huge improvement for troopers. The new post is more than double the size of the old one in Bay City.

But there's much more to be excited about.

It took a few tries, but finally the ribbon was cut at the new Michigan State Police Tri-City Post. Patience is nothing new for this project.

"It's been four years, and it's great to finally be in the building," said F/Lt. John Card with the Michigan State Police.

Retired Trooper Lee Wilber, who spent time at the former Bay City post, says it's actually been much longer.

"I came here in 1972 as a young trooper, and they told me 'don't get used to it kid, we're going to be building a new post'. Forty years later, they built the rascal," he said.

Tuesday, keepsakes from Wilber's former post were put up in the new post.

Also coming from the old post, old lockers - in the brand new sally port. Suspects will be brought in there before possibly spending time in the two new holding cells.

Also new, a conference room and more workspace for the troopers.

And while it might sound simple, new and improved lockers for work and personal items are a nice addition for troopers.

Perhaps most noticeable, the way the post operates.

"You'll see cameras everywhere you walk here, that has been upgraded, and a welcome addition to this post," Card said.

The post is wired for technology today and the future. Retired Trooper John Butler says times and technology have changed from what he had to work with.

"Pad of paper and two pens, because one might go dry," he said.

Inside there's more room, outside too.

MSP's top cop made her grand entrance and exit in a helicopter, demonstrating this regional location can be the launching point for operations around the state.

"It's a good jump off place, yes. They've got the freeway here," Wilber said.

The post will serve Bay, Midland and Saginaw counties.