FLUSHING TOWNSHIP (WJRT) -
(03/18/13) - A year ago, a Mid-Michigan police department was dissolved and three officers were laid off. Now it's reorganizing and plans to have the recalled officers back on patrol by May 1.
For the past 12 months, the Genesee County Sheriff's Department has provided a police presence in Flushing Township. That move came after the township board voted to get rid of the police department in a money saving move.
In January, an arbitrator awarded the three officers their jobs back after they sued the township, saying the board violated their contracts. Township officials recently voted to restart the department.
"It was a hard decision to make because we had to weed out the personal. We had to make a business decision," said Rian Birchmeier, Flushing Township supervisor.
The three officers report for duty Tuesday morning, March 19. The acting chief, Brian Fairchild, is a former Flushing Township police sergeant.
"We're going to spend a large portion of the next six weeks updating our certifications in certain areas like first aid, driving and shooting, things like that, to where we bring all the officers back up to speed to meet the Michigan law enforcement requirements," Fairchild said.
When the police department was dissolved, everything was sold off - all the cars and guns, everything needed to operate a police department. So they're starting from scratch.
"Everything from bullet proof vests to weapons to police cars to slim-jims to unlock vehicle doors, PBTs for breath testing, cameras. You name it, everything has to be repurchased," Fairchild said.
The contract with the sheriff department ends April 30. Fairchild believes there can be round-the-clock patrols with his officers.
"With the four officers we have, we can schedule 24/7 coverage," Fairchild said.
Fairchild had 23 years of service with the department previously and is ready to take command.
"Brand new police department, brand new attitude. We're going forward," he said.
