Sheriff reports to Commissioners all six new deputy positions are filled

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Sheriff’s Deputies are now on patrol  at night.

Branch County Sheriff John Pollock told the Board of Commissioners during their work session on Thursday that all six positions that were added to the 2024 County Budget by the Commissioners have been filled.

Background checks still have to be performed on a couple of hires but Pollock estimated 24 hour service would start next spring.

Complaints from county residents about the lack of 24 hour coverage led Commissioners to address the issue during last year’s budget negotiations.

It was estimated the six additional deputies would cost the county between $721,000 and $1 million annually over the next seven years. ARPA and Opioid settlements fund partially funded the new positions.