2025 Mavti douglas m. mcCallister achievement award winner

---

• The MAVTI Awards Committee, which includes D/Sgt. Douglas M. McCallister, selected Detective Danielle Trigger of the Troy Police Department—currently assigned to the Michigan State Police (MSP) MDART Auto Theft Team—as the recipient of the 2025 Douglas M. McCallister Achievement Award.

• Detective Danielle Trigger, a ten‑year veteran of the Troy Police Department, has distinguished herself through a wide range of assignments. Beginning her career in the Lock‑Up Division, she advanced to road patrol, served as a Field Training Officer, and ultimately earned a position in the Detective Bureau.

• Most recently, Det. Trigger played a pivotal role in a large‑scale investigation that uncovered an active social media group chat used to buy and sell stolen vehicles and parts, as well as to place orders for specific vehicles to be stolen. Since its launch in November 2023, the investigation has continued to generate viable suspects and criminal cases, many of which have already resulted in arrests and convictions.

• Det. Trigger’s tireless drive and determination have been central to the success of this complex investigation. Beyond her fieldwork, she has demonstrated exceptional skill in transforming case intelligence into clear, accessible presentations for audiences outside of law enforcement. These electronic case summaries have proven invaluable in communicating investigative findings and strengthening collaboration.

• The operation has yielded significant results, including multiple arrests (all resulting in convictions to date), the discovery of a chop shop, recovery of firearms linked to multiple shootings, and seizure of pro‑pad devices tied to hundreds of stolen vehicles. The case remains active, with search warrants and arrests continuing as recently as July 2025.

• MAVTI proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Detective Danielle Trigger. Her leadership, perseverance, and innovative approach embody the values of MAVTI and serve as an inspiration to the next generation of investigators.

The MAVTI Douglas M. McCallister Achievement Award is a living namesake award in honor of retired Michigan State Police (MSP) Lansing CID Auto Theft Unit member D/Sgt. Douglas McCallister, who served twenty-five years with the MSP and retired in 2000 and is a founding member of MAVTI in 2001. Doug then went on to serve as the MAVTI Training Coordinator from 2001-2010. D/Sgt. McCallister was well known and respected by his law enforcement peers, and was one of the best vehicle theft investigators, and vehicle identification experts in the United States.

Nomination criteria for this prestigious award must meet the follow:

1. Nominee must be an MCOLES licensed police officer in good standing
2. Nominee can be either uniform or plain clothes assigned
3. Nominee has shown excellence in the fight against vehicle theft during the current fiscal year
4. Nominee initiated an outstanding vehicle theft investigation(s) and/ or has performed a high-level of patrol activity as it relates to vehicle theft and recovery, or nominee gave his/ her life in the line of duty while assigned to a vehicle theft task force, or during the course of a stolen vehicle related incident.
5. Nominee must be nominated by a work site direct supervisor, Chief, Sheriff, or Post Commander
6. Nominations shall be submitted to MAVTI via email at MAVTI_Training@yahoo.com no later than September 30th, 2025