It sounds like a dream job.
Working to keep residents and visitors alike safe in a community that experiences little crime.
Still, Sheriff Mike Borkovich is being challenged to fill positions vacated due to officer retirements.
“We’ve had three (road patrol) deputies retire in the past month. Another officer, in the corrections department, also retired,” Borkovich said. “There are also several others eligible to retire at any time.”
Sgts. Greg Hornkohl and Mike Bankey have retired.
John Donohue, assigned to Suttons Bay, is also retiring.
As the last of the Baby Boomers eye retirement, Borkovich is looking to youth to fill the ranks.
Deputy Dylan Grant has recently been promoted to sergeant. Also coming on are newcomer Abigail Sterly, 22, who will be mentored by 36-year veteran officer Mary Patterson. Craig Flees, a Cedar area native, is joining road patrol along with Robert Neumann, a retired police chief at the University of Michigan.
However, some positions remain unfilled.
As a result, the department has had to pull its TNT (Traverse Narcotics Team, regional drug enforcement) officer; drop down to one K-9 unit; and now has no representation on the regional dive team.
And the reduced staff will be left to cover what’s sure to be a busy summer on the peninsula.
This will likely require the deputies to take on more hours to cover shifts. There may also be a reduced police presence at events this summer.
“We usually are at the bridge walks (over Labor Day weekend) and the Dog Parade in Northport among others.
But we may have to pull deputies from special events,” the Sheriff said.
Borkovich sees a lack of affordable housing as a primary cause of staff shortages.
“It goes back to when Good Morning America named Leelanau County the most beautiful place in America,” the Sheriff said.
COVID is believed to have had an impact on housing as seasonal residents moved permanently to the county.
Growth of home stay businesses such as VRBO and Airbnb, have also played a role in the soaring housing costs, taking year-round homes off the market.
The average sale price for homes in Leelanau County last year was $810,931. The media sales price was $570,000.
“When you have the most expensive housing market in the state, it’s hard to attract new staff,” Borkovich said. “Young people can’t afford to move here.”
Entry level pay for deputies is $24.82 per hour. This grows to $30.93 after four years.
Some are forced to look beyond the county borders to find housing.
Previously, deputies with take-home vehicles were required to live within five miles of the county line.
This has been extended to 10 miles, to meet demand.
The minimum requirements for a law enforcement deputy are: U.S. citizen; 21 years old; associate’s degree or four years of full-time military service; MCOLES ( Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards ) licensable upon appointment; pass oral (board) interview, physical fitness test, background investigation, drug screening, medical and psychological evaluations.
Minimum requirements for a corrections deputy: U.S. citizen; 18 years old; graduation from an accredited high school-associate’s degree preferred, computer experience helpful; veterans are encouraged. Pass written test, oral (Board) interview, background investigation, drug screening, medical and psychological evaluations. Completion of the EMPCO Local Corrections Officer Exam and Local Corrections Officer Physical Agilities Test are also required. Firearms experience helpful as qualification is required within the first year.
