Traverse City Mayor Jim Carruthers, left, and Traverse City Police Chief Jeff O'Brien hold a press conference on Monday along with City Manager Marty Colburn and the officers who will be investigating Traverse City Police officer Michael Peters, who flew a Confederate flag at a political rally on Friday.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — An outpouring of support brought a tear to Marshall Collins Jr.’s eye after Traverse City residents learned a city police officer displayed a Confederate battle flag at a political rally. 

Officer Michael Peters drove a pickup truck decorated with a Confederate battle flag to a Nov. 11 “Love Trumps Hate” rally at the Open Space, a public park in the lakeside city of 15,000. Peters then parked and drank a beer.

The flag drew a crowd, including Collins, who confronted Peters over what Collins considers a symbol of hate. Collins later learned Peters works in law enforcement.

“If you’re a role model to the community you do that on and off duty,” Collins said.

Traverse City Police Chief Jeff O’Brien on Sunday announced he suspended Peters.

“He is not working as a police officer,” said O’Brien. “I do not condone his actions.”

Peters’ behavior was intimidating and not a reflection of the department’s mission, O’Brien said.

O’Brien estimated about 100 people emailed him calling for Peters’ termination from the department. He and department leaders launched an internal investigation into whether Peters’ actions violated laws or the department’s code of conduct. O’Brien said any evidence of illegal behavior will be sent to Grand Traverse County prosecutors.

Peters’ union contract guarantees his pay during suspension and the investigation, O’Brien said. He penned a Facebook post that announced Peters’ suspension and addressed it to Traverse City citizens.

“I hear you!” he wrote. “Let me assure you that we hold our officers to a higher standard and the flag incident will be fully investigated.”

O’Brien spoke with him this morning and said he thinks Peters, a 18-year veteran with Traverse City Police, understands the ramifications of his actions. 

“We will get through this,” O’Brien said. “The community will get through this.”

O’Brien said he personally found Peters’ actions reprehensible, but noted Peters has a right to due process.

Two detectives will investigate whether Peters violated criminal law by drinking in public outside the Open Space. O’Brien said they’ll reach out to rallygoers and encouraged those who witnessed anything to contact police.

It’s not the first time Peters’ display of a Confederate flag drew a rebuke from police officials. O’Brien said Peters had parked his personal pickup truck — which displayed such a flag — in the city police parking lot. He said officials told Peters to stop. 

Collins, who is black, said Peters’ suspension is warranted. He said he received many “very, very positive” messages of support from the community.

“I’m proud to be part of this community,” he said.

Peters could not be reached for comment.

Matt Troutman and Carol Thompson write for the Traverse City, Michigan Record-Eagle.