Michigan’s first Black state trooper: ‘I just wanted to be an officer’ Former officer says last year’s protests were a step in the right direction Tags: GRAND LEDGE, Mich. – When it comes down to legacy, retired officer Jack Hall has left a footprint in Michigan history. Hall was the first African American Michigan State Trooper. He’s retired now, but not too much has changed, at least from his perspective. “I was really surprised when I found out I was going to be the first. It really didn’t mean much. I just wanted to be an officer,” Hall said.