Michigan State Police (MSP) Tpr. Timothy Thompson of the Niles Post was awarded the Distinguished Pistol Badge at the 2012 National Pistol Championships held at Camp Perry, Ohio, July 10-15.

The Distinguished Pistol Badge is earned by accumulating 30 points, which Thompson accomplished while placing in the top 10 percent of nondistinguished shooters in pistol matches. Thompson
outperformed a number of other police competitors, winning the Police Sharpshooter category using a .22 caliber pistol, a center-fire pistol and a .45 caliber pistol.

“With his former military training and natural ability, Tpr. Thompson has quickly progressed in the difficult sport of conventional pistol shooting,” Sgt. David Van Lopik, a fellow MSP Pistol Team member.  “Out of 544 competitors, Thompson placed 68th, earning his first President’s 100 Award, a highly sought after accomplishment among military and civilian competitors.”

Thompson has been a member of the MSP Pistol Team since 2004. Selected team members represent the MSP at national shooting matches. The 2012
team includes Sgt. David Van Lopik of the Paw Paw Post, Sgt. Michael Green of the Monroe Post, Sgt. Kym McNally of the Paw Paw Post, Tpr.

Timothy Halvorsen of the Cadillac Post, Tpr. Timothy Thompson of the Niles Post, Lt. Susan Fries of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, and  Det. Sgt. Steve Harshberger of the Alpena Post.