On Friday, a member of the Indiana State Police and a fixture of the Marshall County community hung up the mic for the last time. Master Trooper Mike Gruett retired after serving the public with the Indiana State Police for the past 39 years.
Gruett is a native of Lake Station and a graduate of Lake Station High School. He attended Calumet College, earning a certificate in Criminal Justice before applying to the Indiana State Police. He graduated from the 43rd Indiana State Police Recruit Academy on November 10, 1985.
Gruett was assigned to the Bremen Post following graduation and patrolled in Marshall County before transferring to the Lowell District in 1988. After two years, Gruett returned to the Bremen District in 1990 and has remained a fixture in Marshall County since.
Over the past 39 years, Gruett has been recognized for his work, dedication, and bravery. In 1995, he received a Bronze Star for his bravery in getting a woman out of a car that had crashed into a water-filled ditch. He also received a life-saving award for his action to save a young child who fell into a pool in 2019. Gruett was selected as the Bremen Post Trooper of the District in 2011. This award is given annually to the trooper in each district who personifies integrity, professionalism, and a well-rounded work ethic.
During his tenure with the Indiana State Police, Gruett has served as a Radar Instructor and Field Training Officer (FTO) and been on the Indiana State Police Emergency Response Team (ERT). He has also served as a Squad Sergeant and detective. Throughout all his years serving Indiana, he has accumulated over 1,000,000 safe driving miles.
Lieutenant Chad Larsh, District Commander of the Indiana State Police Bremen Post, said, “Mike Gruett is the epitome of what an Indiana State Trooper should be. He has an unwavering work ethic, has mentored countless troopers, and is a positive reflection of the Department. He will be missed.”
When asked about the past 39 years, Gruett credits his career to having a supportive family at home and beyond. Gruett’s father and older brother both made careers in law enforcement in northwest Indiana, paving the way for him.
Even in retirement, Gruett will still influence local law enforcement as a member of the Marshall County Merit Board.
Gruett lives in Marshall County with his wife, Sue, who will retire from Plymouth Schools at the end of the school year. He is also the proud father of his daughter, Karly, a Doctor of Optometry in Lexington, KY.
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