LINCOLN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) — Marty Mugerdichian went through Michigan State Motor Carrier Officer Recruit School with Officer Daniel Kerstetter in 2023.
He told 7 News Detroit, "I remember him just telling me how excited he was about being in the class and being accepted. He couldn’t wait to get into the class and start."
Mugerdichian said training was rigorous, one of the hardest things either man had ever done, but along the way, Kerstetter was focused on building others up.
"I remember telling my wife, ‘man this guy is, this is a special guy,'" said Mugerdichian.
VIDEO: Full interview: 'He wanted to give back.' Marty reflects on his friendship with Officer Kerstetter:
Kerstetter graduated and was approaching two years as a motor carrier officer, mostly working in the Wayne County region, when his patrol car was hit on I-75 near Dix in Lincoln Park on Friday morning.
Related Video: MSP motor carrier officer has passed away following Friday crash
He was sitting inside the car performing a traffic stop on a semi when his car was hit from behind. He was pinned between the two vehicles and died from his injuries Sunday night.
"All I can say is, if you met him, if you knew him, he was just a genuine good person," said Mugerdichian.
Michigan State Police held a procession Monday morning taking Kerstetter's body from Detroit Medical Center to Verheyden Funderal Home in Detroit.
Police agencies across the state, as well as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, posted their condolences online.
A hero even after death, family has opted to extend Kerstetter's legacy by donating his organs to several recipients in need.
Related Video: Chopper captures line of MSP vehicles outside hospital after crash
Kerstetter was an assistant equipment manager and worked with the Detroit Red Wings for about five years.
"He had a vibrant impact on our staff. He was always making us laugh. He fit in very well," Red Wings head equipment manager Paul Boyer said. "He was a very hard worker and I could see how he would be very good at his job with Michigan State Police. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty."
Boyer said he learned of the tragic crash from his wife.
"My wife and his sister are very good friends, so my wife called me immediately once she found out. I was in Traverse City with the prospect team and was actually getting ready to come back, but she called me immediately," Boyer said.
During his time with the Red Wings, Boyer said Kerstetter was very good at his job and helpful to his teammates.
"He was very skilled at what he did. He was a good craftsman. If there was something I couldn't fix or I needed an idea, he would just jump on it and take it over. He was good with his hands and he's very skilled like that," Boyer said.
Kerstetter leaves behind a wife and three children.
"I remember him saying ... ‘I just want my family to be proud of me.’ I was like, 'not only your family, there are a lot of people I’m sure that are very proud of you, including me,'" said Mugerdichian.
Services to honor Kerstetter's life have been announced and are listed below:
- Public visitation: Thursday, Sept. 19 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Chas. Verheyden, Inc.
16300 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230
- Chas. Verheyden, Inc.
- Funeral service: Friday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m.
- St. Paul Catholic Church
157 Lake Shore Road
Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
- St. Paul Catholic Church
- Donations to the Fallen Trooper Memorial:
- Check payable to: MSTAF-FTM
- Mail to: Michigan State Police Troopers Association
1715 Abbey Road, Suite B
East Lansing, MI 48823
- Mail to: Michigan State Police Troopers Association
- Check payable to: MSTAF-FTM
