COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Details of a memorial service are being finalized, but the City of Coldwater has issued a written tribute to Director Public Safety Joe Scheid, who passed away Monday evening while at the Public Safety Building on Division Street. The tribute is below:
On the evening of August 3, 2026, the Coldwater community lost a dedicated leader, public servant, and friend with the unexpected passing of Director of Public Safety Joseph Scheid. His loss has left a profound impact on the City of Coldwater, the Department of Public Safety, and the many people whose lives he touched throughout his career.
Director Scheid devoted nearly three decades of his life to serving the City of Coldwater. After graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Emphasis, and completing the university’s Police Academy, he joined the Coldwater Police Department on December 8, 1996, as a Patrol Officer. Throughout his career, he steadily rose through the ranks, serving as Corporal, Sergeant, Deputy Director of Public Safety, Acting Director of Public Safety, and ultimately Director of Public Safety, a position he held beginning September 23, 2019. In preparation for leading Coldwater’s combined Police and Fire Department, Joe completed Fire Service Certification I and II, further demonstrating his commitment to serving the entire community.
Throughout his career, Joe took great pride in his work as a K-9 officer and K-9 Team Leader, as well as his involvement in specialized law enforcement efforts, including the CODE Team and drug enforcement initiatives. He became a strong advocate for addressing substance abuse in the community. Under his leadership, the Coldwater Department of Public Safety achieved accreditation through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, administered by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. He was also instrumental in strengthening relationships between law enforcement and young people through the establishment of School Resource Officer positions.
Beyond the badge, Joe believed that investing in the next generation was one of the greatest responsibilities of public service. Whether through his involvement in youth sports, personally congratulating Coldwater High School graduates with handwritten cards, or establishing the Coldwater Police and Fire Scholarship Fund to support future public safety professionals, he consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to the community.
The City of Coldwater extends its deepest gratitude to the members of the Coldwater Police Department and Coldwater Fire Department, LifeCare Ambulance Service, the Branch County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, Branch County Central Dispatch, city leadership, and the many community members who have offered their support and compassion during this difficult time.
Details regarding memorial services and additional opportunities to honor Director Scheid will be shared as arrangements are finalized. The community is asked to keep his family, friends, and all members of the Coldwater Department of Public Safety in their thoughts during this time.
Insight Hospital and Medical Center also issued a tribute to Sheid Tuesday:
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