A Michigan state police trooper died early this morning when his cruiser rolled over during a chase in Saginaw County. The Associated Press reports Trooper Jeffrey Werda of the Bridgeport Post was on his way to help Saginaw County sheriff's deputies chase a motorist early Wednesday when he apparently lost control and crashed.The Flint Journal reports word of Werda's death spread quickly through Michigan's law enforcement community.
Between radio chatter and personal phone calls, news that Trooper Jeffery Werda had died passed quickly among members of the state's police community, said 1st Lt. Patrick McGreevy, a state police public information officer. "When anything like this happens, the phones just start blowing up."
Governor Rick Snyder issued a statement praising Trooper Werda:
“The entire state of Michigan mourns the death of Trooper Jeffrey Werda who lost his life this morning while in the line of duty... “As a 10-year veteran of the Michigan State Police, Trooper Werda worked tirelessly to protect the people of our state and put his life at risk day after day to protect our communities. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Trooper Werda’s wife, his three children and his entire family."
Governor Snyder has ordered flags be lowered to half staff until the officer's funeral.