D/Sgt. Matt Wesaw

Immediately upon his retirement, Matt returned to work for the Association as the Director of Government Relations where his lobbying and political experiences continue to serve the interests of the Association. Matt also represents and protects the interests of the membership in the contract implementation and discipline processes as an Association Advocate. He is the recipient of three gubernatorial appointments, serving on the Michigan Community Service Commission, the Michigan Commission on Indian Affairs, and the Michigan Civil Rights Commission.

Matt is actively involved within his Indian tribe, the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians where he serves as Special Assistant to Tribal Council. He holds dual associates degrees from Lansing Community College. Matt resides in Holt with his wife Gloria, and their two daughters, Carly and Kelsey.

Originally from Bangor, Matt enlisted in the State Police in March 1975. After graduating from the 89th Trooper recruit School, he was assigned to the Jackson Post (Post #41 in the former 4th District). Subsequent assignments have been at Flat Rock Post #25 (now the Metro South Post), and Lansing Post #11. While assigned to the Lansing Post, Matt was a member of the K9 Unit, training and handling two patrol tracking dogs. He was preparing to train an explosive detection dog in 1986, when he was promoted to sergeant and assigned back to the Jackson Post. In 1988, Matt was reclassified as a detective sergeant and transferred to the Organized Crime Unit. While in the Criminal Investigation Division, he also served in the Auto Theft Unit. Matt has received extensive departmental training in numerous specialty areas and was twice nominated for the coveted Gerstacker Award, given each year in recognition of the Michigan State Police Trooper of the Year.

Matt's active involvement in the Troopers Association started in 1977 with the petition drive for collective bargaining. He has held representative positions at each post and worksite that he has been assigned at. In 1993, Matt was elected to the Executive Board as the Region I Detective Sergeant Representative. He has subsequently held executive officer positions as the Association Treasurer and as the Vice President, where he served until his retirement from the State Police in 2001.