Mortgage Paid Off for Family of Michigan Trooper Killed in Line of Duty
MICHIGAN — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage of a Michigan State Police trooper’s family just ahead of the Fourth of July, honoring a fallen hero who gave his life in service during a January 2024 traffic stop.
Trooper Joel Popp, of the MSP Tri-City Post, was tragically killed when he was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop in Saginaw County. He is survived by his wife, Stefanie, and their young daughter.
To help ease the burden left by his passing, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting first responder and Gold Star families, announced that it had fully paid off the family’s mortgage, according to WOODTV, on their home in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
‘He Wanted to Make a Difference’
Stefanie Popp described her late husband as a deeply committed man who made a life-altering career change to serve the public.
“He left his original career after 17 years to join the Michigan State Police at age 35 because he wanted to help make a difference,” she said in a statement.
The family had purchased their home less than a year before Joel’s unexpected death. The mortgage payoff, Stefanie said, ensures that their daughter can remain in the same school district and maintain a stable home life during an emotionally turbulent time.
“With the support from Tunnel to Towers, our daughter will be able to stay in the school district and in our home, providing so much stability at a time where there is so much change,” she added.
Support Continues for Foster Children and Memorial Fund
Beyond raising their daughter, Stefanie has since dedicated herself to community work, partnering with the Foster Families Navigation & Resource Center and launching the Trooper Joel Popp Memorial Fund in honor of her husband’s legacy.
“This mortgage payoff will also allow our daughter and me to continue to provide a safe and loving home to our current and future foster children for years to come while spending our time and resources giving back to the community,” she said.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, founded in the wake of 9/11, continues to support the families of first responders and military members who die in the line of duty. The organization has grown into a national force for good, particularly around national holidays like Independence Day, when they highlight the service and sacrifice of American heroes.
Do you know a local first responder or military family in need of community support? Share their story with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, and help us shine a light on those who serve — and those left behind.
