COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) - The City of Coldwater will continue to have a Public Safety Department. City officials have been reviewing the administrative operations for police and fire services since the passing in January of Public Safety Director Brett Pehrson. 

The Coldwater City Council last night approved the appointment of acting director of police services Mark Bartell as Public Safety Director and Rich Sherman as Fire Chief.  City Manager Jeff Budd told the Council that Mark and Rich have been doing the same job as deputy directors since 1984 and have developed a unique teamwork  that compliments each other.

They believe it’s in the city’s best interest to move from 3 administrators down to two while giving other officers and firefighters an opportunity to enhance and specialize in certain roles.

In addition to the two promotions, the organizational flow chart calls for the creation of the position of deputy public safety director, a post Budd says is key to the future of the departments to provide for continuity and transfer of institutional knowledge when Bartell and Sherman ultimately decide to retire. Budd also stressed last night’s announcement will not require any additional employees within the police or fire departments.