COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Sheriff John Pollack told the Board of Commissioners during their work session on Thursday they will have to address several equipment issues in his department.
Commissioners put several Sheriff Department budget items on hold at the first of the year until now and Pollack requested that several items be reconsidered.
He indicated the department’s vehicles are aging.
The delivery of a new boat for the Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol has fallen behind due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pollack told Commissioners it’s getting to the point where the equipment is not serviceable. He added the department’s Tac Gear was over 20 years old and that the helmets had no face shields.
Commissioner Leonard Kolcz said the Marine Patrol was so busy during the Fourth of July holiday weekend they were unable to cover the north chain of lakes.
Pollack said in his memo to Commissioners that in order to protect the public, they need additional staff and the replacement of three decommissioned boats. They also need additional training funds to meet current areas of concern and equipment to carry out calls for service.
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