HASTINGS, Mich. — Matt Spencer, a second generation tow truck driver in Hastings, knows how dangerous working on the side of the road is.
"When I heard the news of that trooper that was struck, my heart went out to their family, I know what they're going through," said Matt. "I wish them the best."
Hearing news of the death of Michigan State Police Trooper Joel Popp, he said, is heartbreaking.
Popp was on I-75 in Saginaw County conducting a drunk driving investigation when an 81-year-old man hit two patrol cars, then stuck the trooper who was out of his cruiser.
"Loss is very difficult, especially when it's one of your own," said Lt. Michelle Robinson. "Our hearts are breaking for the family and personnel at the Tri Cities post."
"Trooper Popp is the second trooper this month to be struck by a vehicle while on the side of the road."
Robinson's plea for drivers is to give troopers space while performing traffic stops, the same as Matt's.
Keagan had parked his tow truck with his lights on in the median on M-6 near Caledonia. While he was outside of his truck, he was struck by a car. He also had his daughter with him in the truck.
"Keagan was a giver," said Matt. "He was a just big, kind hearted, rough around the edges at times, you know, spoke his mind. Very outspoken, but he would help anybody in a moment's notice."
Matt has been advocating for the Slow Down and Move Over movement ever since.
"You need to start paying attention to to your surroundings," said Matt. "A simple move over lane could save a life and we need the public's help. I'm begging the public slow down, move over, start thinking behind the wheel a little bit."
And for friends, family and colleagues of Popp, Matt has a message.
"Find the voice of your loved one, and start voicing it to the public," said Matt. "Start voiced to your local politicians, the state level. Everybody spread the word to your family members, to your friends, and have them start spreading the word. Slow down, move over for all roadside workers."
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.