Sheriff Office News
News regarding events and accomplishments of our members will appear below.
October 30, 2023
October 3, 2023
Congrats to Deputy Eric Rohring for completing the Michigan State Police TEAM (Teaching, Educating and Mentoring) Instructor School last week. He will be using the curriculum as the School Resource Officer
September 25, 2023
August 30, 2023
August 24, 2023
Today we celebrated ACO Chuck Hill who is retiring after serving 22 years.
August 23, 2023
Deputies Hall and Rohring joined Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition and Kalkaska Conservation District in a "Hike & Camp" event for Kalkaska County youth ages 10-16.
June 15, 2023
We would like to welcome and congratulate Deputy Jacob Birgy graduated from Kirtland Community College Police Academy Class '56.
March 3, 202
July 11, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office is a little late with welcoming Special Deputy Barlog, Correctional Officer Ames, Correctional Officer Duran, and Correctional Officer Shaw, but we still would like to welcome them.
June 26, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office would like to welcome Special Deputy Jacob Birgy aboard. You can find Special Deputy Birgy patrolling out on the waters.
April 12, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office would like to thank and recognize our Animal Control Staff during this Animal Control Staff week April 10 through April 16.
April 12, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office would like to thank and recognize our dispatchers during this Telecommunicators week April 10 through April 16.
August 26, 2021
Promotion's Within the Sheriff's Office are an honor and a burden. With the added responsibilities of managing people and projects, it is common to get calls as home outside your shift hours. With the burden falls on those promoted within the Sheriff's Office, we recognize that the burden transfer to significant others. As a show of support and dedication to the profession Sergeant Kyle Beaver's badge was pinned by his wife Kayla, Sergeant Mike Tilley's badge was pinned by his wife Allison, and Sergeant Joe Leach's badge was pinned by his girlfriend Mindy. The dedication of our loved ones standing behind our men and woman of Law Enforcement is extremely important.
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August 1, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Corporal Mike Tilley to Sergeant and Corrections Deputy Jordan Ingersoll to Corporal. Congratulations Sergeant Tilley and Corporal Ingersoll!
July 5, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Deputy Kyle Beaver to Sergeant. Congratulations Sergeant Beaver!
May 2, 2021
In honor of National Corrections Officer Week Sheriff Whiteford and Undersheriff Wagner thank all the Corrections staff for their dedication and hard work at the Kalkaska County Jail.
April 11, 2021
In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Sheriff Whiteford and Undersheriff Wagner thank all the 911 Dispatch staff for their dedication and hard work they put forth to help the citizens, visitors and public safety staff of Kalkaska County.
April 14, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Corrections Deputy Frank Israel to Corrections Corporal. Congratulations to Corporal Israel.
February 14, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Corrections Deputies Todd Harger and Joe Leach to Corrections Sergeants. Sheriff Whiteford also promoted Corrections Deputy Mike Tilley to Corrections Corporal. Congratulations to Sergeant Harger, Sergeant Leach and Corporal Tilley.
January 2021-
Sheriff Whiteford implemented the use of body cameras in the Kalkaska County Jail. This implementation will increase the safety of Officers and Inmates along with adding more accountability and transparency to the Kalkaska County Jail
February 6, 2020 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the promotion of Barbara Gonzales to Sergeant. Sgt. Gonzales will be assigned as a supervisor for Dispatch and LEIN services. Sgt. Gonzales has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff's Office since 2001.
September 17, 2019 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the promotion of Paul Belanger to Sergeant. Sgt. Belanger will be assigned as a supervisor for Road Patrol. Sgt. Belanger has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office since 2012. Sgt. Belanger has worked as a Traffic Enforcement Officer and road patrol deputy. Congratulations to Sgt. Belanger!
April 10, 2019 -
Beginning in 2017 U/S Wagner and Sgt. Griffith began testing and evaluation of the Armor Express Traverse carrier as an alternative to the traditional concealed body armor for patrol officers. The Armor Express Traverse external carrier was selected for its ability to both carry our existing body armor panels, but also for its ability to relocate equipment from our duty belts. Several studies have shown that police officers are succeptable to lower back injuries due to the equipment they carry on their duty belts.
As of April 10, 2019 all patrol officers of the Kalkaska Sheriff Office are wearing the new external body armor. Several officers who have a history of chonic back pain have seen almost immediate elimination of symptoms while on duty.
We would like to thank the Kalkaska Eagles 4496 for their fundraising efforts which helped off set the cost of this transition.
November 29, 2018 -
Between November 1 and December 31, you may notice uniformed personnel with beards and administrative staff wearing jeans. This is part of a fundraiser inspired by the popular "No Shave November." Kalkaska County Offices in collaboration with Kalkaska Village Offices raised funds and Jack's Sport Shop donated numerous pair of winter boots, many pair of mittens and gloves and packages of socks to help out the AMAZING students of Kalkaska Public Schools and Forest Area Community Schools. Thank you to all that donated to this cause.
May 21, 2018 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the appointment of Sgt. David Wagner as Kalkaska County Undersheriff. Undersheriff Wagner has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office since 2002 having been assigned as a Corrections Officer, Road Patrol Deputy, Narcotics Detective, Road Patrol Sergeant and most recently the Central Dispatch Sergeant. Undersheriff Wagner has been a member of the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Task Force Emergency Response Team and is one of three firearms instructors for the department as well as a Hunter Safety Instructor.
April 30, 2018 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the retirement of Undersheriff Harry Shipp after 26 years of dedicated service to the Kalkaska County Sheriff Office and 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. We wish Harry all the best with his additional time for hunting and fishing.
March 6, 2017 -
Deputy Kyle Beaver recently completed the Drug Recognition Expert training program through the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. The program is the top tier of the OWI Enforcement Pyramid. DRE's are trained in the seven drug categories, human physiology and the signs and symptoms as they relate to the drug impaired driver. They are trained to conduct a standardized and systematic twelve step evaluation of a drug impaired driver and determine the category of drugs most likely causing that impairment.
The training consisted of three phases. Phase I and Phase II involved seventy two hours (two weeks) of classroom lecture and hands-on instruction. Phase III involved 40 hours of field training during which Deputy Beaver was required to perform evaluations on subjects known to be under the influence of drugs and or drug alcohol combinations. Phase III of the training occured at the Maricopa County Jail in Phoenix, Arizona.
December 19, 2016 -
Kalkaska County Sheriff Patrick Whiteford recently completed a two-week training program designesd for newly elected sheriffs sponsored by the Michigan Sheriff's Association (MSA). MSA CEO/Executive Director Terrance L. Jungel said, "The New Sheriffs' Leadership Institute consists of two weeks of highly intesive training. Graduation from the school proves that Sheriff Whiteford is dedicated to protecting the citizens of Kalkaska County and the Office of Sheriff." The topics addressed included The Role of the Sheriff, Secondary Road Patrol, Corrections, Crime Victims' Rights, Mental Health, Preparing a Budget, The Role of the Undersheriff, Media Relations, Internal Investigations and Line of Duty Death.
August 3, 2016 -
The Public Servants for Outdoor Safety will be hosting a Hunter and Bow Safety Class on Sunday, August 28, 2016. Pre-Registration and home study from the text is required. This course is free to all ages. Children under 10 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. 2016 Hunter Safety Flyer
April 12, 2016 -
The Kalkaska County Sheriff Office will be hosting an ORV/ATV Safety Class on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Anyone under the age of 16 must have an ORV Safety Certificate to operate an ORV/ATV on land open to the public. There will be a $25.00 charge for the class and all participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre Registraiton is required.
January 24, 2016 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the promotion of Eric Johnson and Kevin Schaub to Sergeant. Sgt's Johnson and Schaub will be assigned as supervisors for Road Patrol. Sgt. Johnson and Sgt. Schaub have been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office for almost 20 and 15 years respectively. Sgt. Johnson has worked as a Community Policing Officer, Traffic Enforcement Officer and Narcotics Detective as well as having been a member of the NMMATF ERT. Sgt. Schaub has been a Community Policing Officer, Traffic Enforcement Officer and K-9 Handler. Congratulations to Sgt. Johnson and Sgt. Schaub!
January 4, 2016 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the appointment of Sgt. Harry Shipp as Kalkaska County Undersheriff. Undersheriff Shipp has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office for 24 years having been assigned as a Corrections Officer, Road Patrol Deputy, Corrections Sergeant, Road Patrol Sergeant and has been a member of the Kalkaska Sheriff Office Dive Team and is one of three firearms instructors for the department. Shipp also previously served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years achieving the rank of Warrant Officer.
December 29, 2015 -
The Kalkaska Sheriff Office announces the appointment of Patrick J Whiteford as Kalkaska County Sheriff on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. Whiteford was appointed by a three member panel consisting of Probate Court Judge Hon. Lynn Buday, Kalkaska County Prosecutor Michael Perreault and Kalkaska County Clerk Deborah Hill. Whiteford will serve the remainder of the original term of Sheriff David Israel, who retired on February 28, 2015. Sheriff Abraham C. DeVol was appointed as Israel's successor but passed away unexpectedly on November 28. The current term ends on December 31, 2016 pending the results of the general election in November 2016.
November 28, 2015 -
Undersheriff Pat Whiteford regrets to announce the passing of Sheriff Abraham C DeVol on Saturday, November 28, 2015. Sheriff DeVol was appointed Sheriff on March 1, 2015 after former Sheriff David Israel retired. Sheriff DeVol started with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office in 1996 advancing through the ranks as Deputy, Sergeant, Undersheriff and Sheriff. Our deepest condolences go to the Sheriff's family.
January 7, 2015 -
Beginning January 7, 2015 the Kalkaska Sheriff Office implemented a body mounted video camera program for all patrol officers. The body cameras are worn by all deputies while on patrol. The cameras are used for the recording of traffic stops, arrests and documentation of unusual, critical or exceptional situations.
Beginning in October, 2014 Deputy Foerster began research, testing and evaluation of body mounted camera systems and it was determined that the VieVu LE3 best met the needs of the Sheriff Office. The cameras provide high quality audio and HD video in a user friendly, robust package.
October 30, 2023
Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officers Matthew Kniss recently completed a local corrections officer training academy held at Kirtland Community College.
The four-week Local Corrections Officer Academy offers a comprehensive, interactive instruction program in various disciplines specific to Local Correction Officers. Training topics include custody and security, defensive tactics, first aid (including CPR and AED procedures), prisoner mental health and suicide awareness, fire safety and interpersonal communications. The Academy, certified by the Michigan Sheriffs’ Coordinating and Training Council, is an important element of providing the necessary skills for maintaining a safe, secure environment for Correction Officers, inmates and county residents.
October 3, 2023
Congrats to Deputy Eric Rohring for completing the Michigan State Police TEAM (Teaching, Educating and Mentoring) Instructor School last week. He will be using the curriculum as the School Resource Officer
September 25, 2023
We would like to thank Ken Maitre, a local VFW member, for thinking about the Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office.
Maitre came across the "The Fallen Shield" which is a sculpture with a sense of profound mourning, an officer grieves the loss of one of his distinguished own.
This sculpture was created in honor of two line of duty deaths.
August 30, 2023
Deputy Mackenzie Hall was recognized by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Michigan for his phenomenal efforts of 41 OWI arrests for the year of 2022.
The mission of MADD is to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking.
Today we celebrated ACO Chuck Hill who is retiring after serving 22 years.
August 23, 2023
Deputies Hall and Rohring joined Live Well Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition and Kalkaska Conservation District in a "Hike & Camp" event for Kalkaska County youth ages 10-16.
They hiked the North Country Trail and went fishing.
Camp was set up at Guernsey Lake with a campfire, s'mores and a night out under the stars.
June 15, 2023
We would like to welcome and congratulate Deputy Jacob Birgy graduated from Kirtland Community College Police Academy Class '56.
March 3, 202
Kalkaska County Central Dispatch received a report of a missing disabled veteran driving a silver Toyota van on Saturday February 18th, 2023, at 10:36 pm. The disabled veteran had a cell phone on his person and was able to provide coordinates of his location.
Sergeant Paul Belanger responded to the area of Moorestown Rd and Six Point Rd in Garfield Township. Sgt. Belanger began searching on foot and located the disabled veteran who was asleep in his vehicle at the base of a hill in a swamp. The disabled veteran stated he had been following his GPS and got stuck, he attempted to signal passing snowmobilers for two days without success.
Garfield Fire Department and Kalkaska EMS responded to the scene. The disabled veteran was medically checked out and transported by Kalkaska EMS to a local hotel.
November 10,2022
We would like to congratulate our newest addition Correctional Officer Tiffany Marlow.
October 6, 2022
We would like to congratulate and recognize Jacob Birgy for completing and graduating Kirtland Community College's local Correction's Academy last Friday, September 30th, 2022.
July 11, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office is a little late with welcoming Special Deputy Barlog, Correctional Officer Ames, Correctional Officer Duran, and Correctional Officer Shaw, but we still would like to welcome them.
June 26, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office would like to welcome Special Deputy Jacob Birgy aboard. You can find Special Deputy Birgy patrolling out on the waters.
April 12, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office would like to thank and recognize our Animal Control Staff during this Animal Control Staff week April 10 through April 16.
April 12, 2022
The Kalkaska Sheriff's Office would like to thank and recognize our dispatchers during this Telecommunicators week April 10 through April 16.
August 26, 2021
Promotion's Within the Sheriff's Office are an honor and a burden. With the added responsibilities of managing people and projects, it is common to get calls as home outside your shift hours. With the burden falls on those promoted within the Sheriff's Office, we recognize that the burden transfer to significant others. As a show of support and dedication to the profession Sergeant Kyle Beaver's badge was pinned by his wife Kayla, Sergeant Mike Tilley's badge was pinned by his wife Allison, and Sergeant Joe Leach's badge was pinned by his girlfriend Mindy. The dedication of our loved ones standing behind our men and woman of Law Enforcement is extremely important.
August 1, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Corporal Mike Tilley to Sergeant and Corrections Deputy Jordan Ingersoll to Corporal. Congratulations Sergeant Tilley and Corporal Ingersoll!
July 5, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Deputy Kyle Beaver to Sergeant. Congratulations Sergeant Beaver!
May 2, 2021
In honor of National Corrections Officer Week Sheriff Whiteford and Undersheriff Wagner thank all the Corrections staff for their dedication and hard work at the Kalkaska County Jail.
April 11, 2021
In honor of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Sheriff Whiteford and Undersheriff Wagner thank all the 911 Dispatch staff for their dedication and hard work they put forth to help the citizens, visitors and public safety staff of Kalkaska County.
April 14, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Corrections Deputy Frank Israel to Corrections Corporal. Congratulations to Corporal Israel.
February 14, 2021
Sheriff Whiteford promoted Corrections Deputies Todd Harger and Joe Leach to Corrections Sergeants. Sheriff Whiteford also promoted Corrections Deputy Mike Tilley to Corrections Corporal. Congratulations to Sergeant Harger, Sergeant Leach and Corporal Tilley.
January 2021-
Sheriff Whiteford implemented the use of body cameras in the Kalkaska County Jail. This implementation will increase the safety of Officers and Inmates along with adding more accountability and transparency to the Kalkaska County Jail
February 6, 2020 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the promotion of Barbara Gonzales to Sergeant. Sgt. Gonzales will be assigned as a supervisor for Dispatch and LEIN services. Sgt. Gonzales has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff's Office since 2001.
September 17, 2019 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the promotion of Paul Belanger to Sergeant. Sgt. Belanger will be assigned as a supervisor for Road Patrol. Sgt. Belanger has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office since 2012. Sgt. Belanger has worked as a Traffic Enforcement Officer and road patrol deputy. Congratulations to Sgt. Belanger!
April 10, 2019 -
Beginning in 2017 U/S Wagner and Sgt. Griffith began testing and evaluation of the Armor Express Traverse carrier as an alternative to the traditional concealed body armor for patrol officers. The Armor Express Traverse external carrier was selected for its ability to both carry our existing body armor panels, but also for its ability to relocate equipment from our duty belts. Several studies have shown that police officers are succeptable to lower back injuries due to the equipment they carry on their duty belts.
As of April 10, 2019 all patrol officers of the Kalkaska Sheriff Office are wearing the new external body armor. Several officers who have a history of chonic back pain have seen almost immediate elimination of symptoms while on duty.
We would like to thank the Kalkaska Eagles 4496 for their fundraising efforts which helped off set the cost of this transition.
November 29, 2018 -
Between November 1 and December 31, you may notice uniformed personnel with beards and administrative staff wearing jeans. This is part of a fundraiser inspired by the popular "No Shave November." Kalkaska County Offices in collaboration with Kalkaska Village Offices raised funds and Jack's Sport Shop donated numerous pair of winter boots, many pair of mittens and gloves and packages of socks to help out the AMAZING students of Kalkaska Public Schools and Forest Area Community Schools. Thank you to all that donated to this cause.
May 21, 2018 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the appointment of Sgt. David Wagner as Kalkaska County Undersheriff. Undersheriff Wagner has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office since 2002 having been assigned as a Corrections Officer, Road Patrol Deputy, Narcotics Detective, Road Patrol Sergeant and most recently the Central Dispatch Sergeant. Undersheriff Wagner has been a member of the Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Task Force Emergency Response Team and is one of three firearms instructors for the department as well as a Hunter Safety Instructor.
April 30, 2018 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the retirement of Undersheriff Harry Shipp after 26 years of dedicated service to the Kalkaska County Sheriff Office and 20 years of service in the United States Marine Corps. We wish Harry all the best with his additional time for hunting and fishing.
March 6, 2017 -
Deputy Kyle Beaver recently completed the Drug Recognition Expert training program through the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. The program is the top tier of the OWI Enforcement Pyramid. DRE's are trained in the seven drug categories, human physiology and the signs and symptoms as they relate to the drug impaired driver. They are trained to conduct a standardized and systematic twelve step evaluation of a drug impaired driver and determine the category of drugs most likely causing that impairment.
The training consisted of three phases. Phase I and Phase II involved seventy two hours (two weeks) of classroom lecture and hands-on instruction. Phase III involved 40 hours of field training during which Deputy Beaver was required to perform evaluations on subjects known to be under the influence of drugs and or drug alcohol combinations. Phase III of the training occured at the Maricopa County Jail in Phoenix, Arizona.
December 19, 2016 -
Kalkaska County Sheriff Patrick Whiteford recently completed a two-week training program designesd for newly elected sheriffs sponsored by the Michigan Sheriff's Association (MSA). MSA CEO/Executive Director Terrance L. Jungel said, "The New Sheriffs' Leadership Institute consists of two weeks of highly intesive training. Graduation from the school proves that Sheriff Whiteford is dedicated to protecting the citizens of Kalkaska County and the Office of Sheriff." The topics addressed included The Role of the Sheriff, Secondary Road Patrol, Corrections, Crime Victims' Rights, Mental Health, Preparing a Budget, The Role of the Undersheriff, Media Relations, Internal Investigations and Line of Duty Death.
August 3, 2016 -
The Public Servants for Outdoor Safety will be hosting a Hunter and Bow Safety Class on Sunday, August 28, 2016. Pre-Registration and home study from the text is required. This course is free to all ages. Children under 10 years of age, must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. 2016 Hunter Safety Flyer
April 12, 2016 -
The Kalkaska County Sheriff Office will be hosting an ORV/ATV Safety Class on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Anyone under the age of 16 must have an ORV Safety Certificate to operate an ORV/ATV on land open to the public. There will be a $25.00 charge for the class and all participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre Registraiton is required.
January 24, 2016 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the promotion of Eric Johnson and Kevin Schaub to Sergeant. Sgt's Johnson and Schaub will be assigned as supervisors for Road Patrol. Sgt. Johnson and Sgt. Schaub have been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office for almost 20 and 15 years respectively. Sgt. Johnson has worked as a Community Policing Officer, Traffic Enforcement Officer and Narcotics Detective as well as having been a member of the NMMATF ERT. Sgt. Schaub has been a Community Policing Officer, Traffic Enforcement Officer and K-9 Handler. Congratulations to Sgt. Johnson and Sgt. Schaub!
January 4, 2016 -
Sheriff Patrick Whiteford announces the appointment of Sgt. Harry Shipp as Kalkaska County Undersheriff. Undersheriff Shipp has been with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office for 24 years having been assigned as a Corrections Officer, Road Patrol Deputy, Corrections Sergeant, Road Patrol Sergeant and has been a member of the Kalkaska Sheriff Office Dive Team and is one of three firearms instructors for the department. Shipp also previously served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years achieving the rank of Warrant Officer.
December 29, 2015 -
The Kalkaska Sheriff Office announces the appointment of Patrick J Whiteford as Kalkaska County Sheriff on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. Whiteford was appointed by a three member panel consisting of Probate Court Judge Hon. Lynn Buday, Kalkaska County Prosecutor Michael Perreault and Kalkaska County Clerk Deborah Hill. Whiteford will serve the remainder of the original term of Sheriff David Israel, who retired on February 28, 2015. Sheriff Abraham C. DeVol was appointed as Israel's successor but passed away unexpectedly on November 28. The current term ends on December 31, 2016 pending the results of the general election in November 2016.
November 28, 2015 -
Undersheriff Pat Whiteford regrets to announce the passing of Sheriff Abraham C DeVol on Saturday, November 28, 2015. Sheriff DeVol was appointed Sheriff on March 1, 2015 after former Sheriff David Israel retired. Sheriff DeVol started with the Kalkaska Sheriff Office in 1996 advancing through the ranks as Deputy, Sergeant, Undersheriff and Sheriff. Our deepest condolences go to the Sheriff's family.
January 7, 2015 -
Beginning January 7, 2015 the Kalkaska Sheriff Office implemented a body mounted video camera program for all patrol officers. The body cameras are worn by all deputies while on patrol. The cameras are used for the recording of traffic stops, arrests and documentation of unusual, critical or exceptional situations.
Beginning in October, 2014 Deputy Foerster began research, testing and evaluation of body mounted camera systems and it was determined that the VieVu LE3 best met the needs of the Sheriff Office. The cameras provide high quality audio and HD video in a user friendly, robust package.