Capt. Christopher Gerard

MARQUETTE — The Michigan State Police have promoted Capt. Christopher Gerard to commander of the Eighth District, which covers the entire Upper Peninsula.

Gerard started as the top official for the Eighth District this week.

He is a graduate of Baraga High School and has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice from Northern Michigan University.

Gerard began his law enforcement career in 2003 with the Meridian Township Police Department in the 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 was promoted 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, Gerard was selected to be the 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.

Gerard said he has high expectations 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,” Gerard said.

Born and raised in the Upper Peninsula, he said he has 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,” he said.

Gerard said he is invested in and has familiarity with the citizens, community stakeholders, local law enforcement partners, and unique geography of 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,” he said.