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GLADSTONE -- As post commander, she's responsible for allocating the resources for Michigan State Police services in Menominee and Delta County.

First Lieutenant Karen McCormack is retiring after 25 years with the State Police.

Her last day is February 29.

McCormack started out as a trooper in 1987.

“There're so many people that I’ve met along the way and have been able to assist,” explains McCormack. “You just hope in some small way that you’ve made life better for the people in the Upper Peninsula."

And she has.

There are many memories she'd rather forget, like heinous crimes and the aftermath of terrible accidents.

Instead, she says she'll remember the better times.

She really enjoyed improving the lives of children who were crime victims.

A post commander's top priority is public safety.

“It's also very important for me to know that I’ve been able to hold accountable those people that have done something criminal or victimized another human being. That’s rewarding," said McCormack.

There have been many changes during her journey.

Law enforcement has become a more mobile environment, where the patrol cars are used as offices.

When McCormack first started, it was the basic gear: a radio and a weapon.

Now she'll turn in her gun and badge, but she's still not ready for total retirement.

First Lieutenant Karen McCormack is also a certified horse trainer. Some of her post-retirement plans include spending time at her ranch, K & M ranch in Forsythe Township, where she'll give horseback riding lessons and spend time with her horses.