COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Sheriff Blankenship’s year-end review of his department is highlighting 2025 as a period of substantial operational advancement and improved public safety.
Blankenship says a key accomplishment was the reestablishment of 24-hour road patrol in April, providing full-day coverage for the first time since 2012 to ensure swift emergency response.
The Sheriff’s Office also focused on modern technology and transparency with the implementation of agency-wide body-worn and in-car cameras, aided by $100,000 in grant funding, alongside infrastructure upgrades including a new $60,000 marine patrol boat, the deployment of new AEDs, and a $195,000 investment in handguns and Tasers.
In addition Blankenship says revenue from housing out-of-county inmates from Macomb County had a projected revenue of $450,000.
He also says they were able to add dedicated courthouse security to enhance safety for staff, visitors, and judicial proceedings.
The Sheriff’s department also received approximately $100,000 in MCOLES grants to support police academy costs and enhance training opportunities.
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