The Michigan State Police (MSP) is announcing the promotion of Captain Christopher Gerard to commander of the Eighth District. Beginning October 26, 2025, Captain Gerard now leads MSP field services for the Eighth District, which covers the entire Upper Peninsula.
Captain Gerard is a graduate of Baraga High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Northern Michigan University.
Captain Gerard began his law enforcement career in 2003 with the Meridian Township Police Department in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. He joined the MSP in 2010 as part of the 122nd Trooper Recruit School and served as a trooper at the Wayland, Wakefield, Calumet, Negaunee, and Rockford Posts. In 2019, he received a promotion to sergeant at the government relations section at MSP headquarters in Lansing. Approximately two years later in 2021, he returned to the Negaunee Post as a uniform sergeant. In 2023, Captain Gerard was selected to be the post commander at the Wakefield Post, and in 2024, he transferred to the Gladstone Post, where he served as post commander until his promotion to captain of the Eighth District.
Captain Gerard discussed what he hopes to achieve as the new leader of MSP in the Upper Peninsula:
“I want the Eighth District to be recognized as the best MSP district to work, live, and raise a family in the state. I was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula and have great pride in the Eighth District. I have worked as a trooper, sergeant, and post commander in nine of the fifteen counties in the Eighth District. I have also served as a legislative liaison, temporary staff instructor, and field training officer.
I am invested in and have familiarity with the citizens, community stakeholders, local law enforcement partners, and unique geography throughout the district. The people who represent the MSP can have a great impact on the positivity people feel about their community. My focus for the district will be on employee engagement, recruiting and retention, crime prevention, and community engagement.
Our Eighth District members do a phenomenal job in these areas, but I believe we can always improve. I believe improvement will come with regular engagement and investment from the district level. I plan to be present, involved, and interactive with our members on a regular basis.”
