The Police Officers Journal | Fall 2025

The

ON THE INSIDE:

Officers from 3 units receive Outstanding Service Awards – Pgs. 2-5

New Executive Committee members – Pgs. 6-8

POLC wins historic Act 312 cases – Pg. 11

Orchard Lake Police impressed with contract – Pg. 9

Police Officers Labor Council (POLC)

65 SB Gratiot Avenue

Mt. Clemens, MI 48043

(248) 524-3200

FAX: (248) 524-2752

POLC membership: www.polc.org

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIR:

Brian McNair

Chesterfield Township Police Dept.

VICE CHAIR:

Greg Alexander

Oscoda Township Police Dept.

Scott Beggs

Flat Rock Police Dept.

Joseph Bialy Canton Police Dept.

Adam Byrd

Van Buren Township Police Dept.

Esther Campbell Flint Police Dept.

Robert Gaiser

Caro City Police Dept.

Ryan Strunk

Battle Creek Police Dept.

Jacob Theisen

Royal Oak Police Dept.

DIRECTOR:

Jim Stachowski

Clinton Township PD (Retired)

MEMBER SERVICES

Christopher Watts

PUBLICATIONS

Executive Editor: Jennifer Gomori

6 Jackson Officers honored for heroic actions stopping bomb-wielding shooter

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Six Jackson Police Officers were among those honored with 2025 POLC Outstanding Service Awards for stopping a bomb-wielding gunman, who allegedly shot his brother and later fled from police.

Jackson Police Officers Abigail Albrecht, Jason Allison, Brad Elston, Trent Marcum, JC Solomon, and Sgt. Wesley Stanton were recognized with Outstanding Service Awards for their roles in the Nov. 6, 2024 incident.

Jackson County Central Dispatch received a Be On the Lookout (BOL) for Jacob Austin Hikes, 31, who reportedly shot his brother in Lenawee County. Jackson Police tracked the suspect using cell phone signals and Officer Allison located Hikes in a maroon van parked in a business parking lot on Argyle Street near Cooper Road. When he made contact with the vehicle, the driver sped away with Allison in pursuit, followed by Officers Albrecht and Solomon, sparking a 7-minute harrowing chase.

“During the pursuit, the suspect driver shot at officers while hurling explosive devices out of his vehicle in the direction of pursuing officers,” wrote POLC Labor Rep. Scott Blackwell in his Outstanding Service Award (OSA) nomination letter.

Hikes fled toward the City of Jackson, stopping on Orange Street, between Ganson Street and Michigan Avenue, where he opened his door and fired several rounds at police before reentering his vehicle. Officer Allison, who was in the lead vehicle, exited his patrol vehicle, to seek cover and returned fire. Stray bullets from Hikes’ weapon struck a home on Orange Street, nearly striking a resident, as it went through her hair, according to the Michigan State Police investigation.

“When he takes back off, Officer Brad Elston and I pick up the pursuit,” Sgt. Stanton said. “We chase him another 10 blocks or more. He comes to a stop and starts shooting at us. Officer Elston has to shoot through his car window to give enough time to get out of the car.”

The suspect stopped the vehicle and began shooting out of his passenger window at Jackson officers, who caught up with him on Elizabeth Street. “I saw he was pointing the rifle at us,” Elston said. “I jerked my car to the left and I fired six shots through the windshield. I exited my car and that’s when he unloaded on me.”

on page 3

Weiler Award recipient follows brother-in-law’s path into policing

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Oakland Community College Police Academy graduate Dylan Erskine’s interest in law enforcement was piqued at a young age by his brother-in-law. Erskine’s determination to follow his example was evident to those watching him excel in the academy.

The academy staff honored Erskine with the Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award. He graduated with an 89.88 percentile and was selected from among nine non-agency sponsored recruits in a graduating class of 66 on May 30, 2025.

Oakland Police Academy Director David Ceci said Erskine was chosen for his “Overall scores and well-rounded performance.”

The $500 Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award, which is sponsored by the POLC, is given twice yearly at the discretion of the police academy to graduates who have not been sponsored by any police agency. Qualifying cadets must pass the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification test and meet MCOLES employment standards to become certified Michigan Law Enforcement Officers.

“My brother-in-law was a police officer at Auburn Hills and he’s the one that got me into wanting to be a police officer. He was a pretty big inspiration,” Erskine said of recently promoted Auburn Hills Police Sgt. Tyler Deering Manning. “My sister met him in high school and he’s been

Jackson officers honored

continued from page 2

Elston wasn’t hit, but Sgt. Stanton, who had also exited his vehicle located behind Elston’s car, wasn’t as fortunate. “I was struck in the forearm. It came out my bicep and went into my side where the vest doesn’t cover. It went into my chest,” Stanton said. “I was struck with another bullet in the chest. The vest stopped that one.”

The wounded Sergeant returned fire, striking Hikes through his car window. “They believe I hit the suspect as he took back off,” Sgt. Stanton said.

While Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy Cameron Breining applied a torniquet to Stanton’s arm and drove him to a nearby hospital, Elston got back into his vehicle and heard over his radio that at least one officer had been shot. “I assumed there were some casualties behind my car when we stopped there,” Elston said. “It kind of pissed me off for lack of a better word. He was just taking off and I started chasing him (again).”

“Officers Jason Allison, JC Solomon and Abigail Albrecht fired at him, but the suspect was undeterred and again proceeded to flee in his vehicle,” Blackwell wrote. “Despite his vehicle being heavily damaged due to gunfire, Officer Elston was able to reengage the pursuit, while providing critical information over the radio to other officers in the area.”

The suspect stopped his vehicle next at the corner of Washington Avenue and South East Street and exited while shooting at Jackson Police Officers. Officer Elston proceeded into the area first, again taking gunfire from the suspect, followed by Officers Allison, Solomon, Albrecht

in the family for 10 years. When I was a lot younger, age 13, he was going into police work and I wanted to do what he was doing.”

While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Oakland University in Auburn Hills, Erskine decided to get a jump start on his career. He was hired as an Auburn Hills Police Cadet

Continued on page 7

and Marcum. “During this exchange of gunfire, the suspect, who was lying prone behind his vehicle for cover, was fatally shot by Officer Allison,” Blackwell wrote.

“Numerous explosives were located in the suspect’s vehicle, and investigators determined that the suspect had thrown several explosives out of his vehicle during the pursuit as there were explosions along with gunfire,” Blackwell wrote. “Multiple weapons and explosives were recovered during the investigation.”

“It would have been a pretty disastrous day if not that day, someday in the future,” said Jackson Police Local Union President Mike Galbreath referring to the stockpiled weapons at Hikes’ home.

Stanton underwent surgery to remove the bullet, returning to work five months later. “It was not fun. I heard differing things about how many rounds were fired. I heard between 400-500. I know for a fact when Officer Elston and I were involved, there were 70-plus rounds fired in that volley,” Stanton said. “Even though I got hit, it is a probably the best scenario for that caliber of event. The officers stepped up and performed very well! Except for Elston, the officers were all 2-½ to 4-year officers.”

Elston also thanked his coworkers for their courageous response.

“The six police officers were all justified in discharging their service weapons to protect their own lives, the lives of their fellow officers, and the community at large,” wrote Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Kelsey Guernsey, in a June 26, 2025 letter.

“The heroic actions of the officers of the Jackson Police Department prevented untold carnage and potential loss of life,” Blackwell wrote. d

Metro Police Authority Sergeant awarded for ending fiery police chase, stopping gunman

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Metro Police Authority of Genesee County Sgt. Blake Hiben was honored with a POLC Outstanding Service Award (OSA) for his heroic actions to end a fiery police chase and stop the suspect who had fired at least 10 rounds at police.

Police were dispatched on Feb. 27, 2025 for a suspicious vehicle traveling slowly through a neighborhood at Linden and Hill Roads with the lights off and a loud exhaust. Metro Police Authority of Genesee County Officer John Badal pulled the suspect over at the Meijer parking lot in Mundy Township.

“He advised me he had a warrant out of Detroit,” Officer Badal said. “He would not give me his name or driver’s license.”

The suspect, later identified as 39-year-old Robert Joseph Nowotny of Garden City, demanded to speak to Badal’s Sergeant and would only crack his window open one inch.

“I arrived on scene and he continued to be uncooperative,” Sgt. Hiben said. “We were awaiting another officer on scene to remove him from the vehicle. He started fumbling around with the keys and we told him not to start it up.”

“I just popped the window when he was getting ready to put it in gear,” Badal said of using the window punch. “It was at the same time he was taking off.” Both officers pursued the suspect northbound on Torrey Road, with Badal in the lead during the first half of the chase and Metro Police Officer Nichole Gillett joining and leading the second part of the half-hour long pursuit.

“The pursuit eventually went eastbound on Bristol Road in Flint, and the van lost its rear driver’s side tire, which began sparking for several miles,” Officer Badal wrote in his OSA nomination. “Eventually we entered the Davison Township area and the rear of the van became fully engulfed in fire and lit the roadway on fire from the leaking gas tank.”

“The tale end of the chase … it was kind of dragging that line of fire behind it,” Hiben said. “At that point, I was the third vehicle in the pursuit and I was driving an F-150 patrol vehicle. As (the van)

slowed, the fire was getting higher and higher.”

Hiben said it wasn’t safe for the other two officers to pull up behind the van since their cars were low to the ground and the flames from gasoline burning on the roadway were 2 to 3 feet high.

“The road was on fire so that kind of separated us which wasn’t good,” Badal said. “We couldn’t pair our cars with each other or else we’d have to park on the fire. Sgt. Hiben was on the left side of roadway, which would be the oncoming side and we were on the right side.”

“The driver of the van got out immediately and began firing handgun rounds directly at Sgt. Hiben’s cruiser while his cruiser was coming to a stop but still moving,” Badal wrote. “The suspect fired approximately 8 rounds through Sgt. Hiben’s driver’s side windshield and several more rounds through the front end of his cruiser from close range. Sgt. Hiben bailed out of his cruiser while still in gear, ran around behind and up the passenger side of his cruiser and returned fire striking the suspect and stopping the threat, where we eventually took the suspect into custody.”

“I was still moving when his door came open and I saw the gun come up,” Hiben said. “I remember glass flying around and at least one went through the headrest and two or three hit right about chest level, if I was still there. I slammed on the brakes and left it in gear, but the driver’s side front tire was on the shoulder so it wasn’t rolling forward.”

“I ran around the back side of the car. I was using the car as cover and concealment,” Hiben said. “I think it startled him that I emerged from the back of it. I think he thought I was dead.”

Davison Township Police arrived on scene and helped move the suspect away from the burning van. Seconds later, explosions were coming from the vehicle, which contained a large amount of ammunition.

“The vehicle was fully engulfed from the road on fire and the ammunition started going off so they dragged him up the road and started performing lifesaving measures,” Officer Badal said. “They were like AR 15 rounds. We didn’t know what it was. We thought it was fireworks.”

“Sgt. Hiben’s courageous selflessness, and willingness to stop the threat immediately, put an end of an extremely dangerous individual while no officers were injured in this incident,” Officer Badal wrote. “I would like to nominate Sgt. Hiben for his bravery and leadership supported by our agency.”

Sgt. Hiben has served with the Metro Police Authority since it was formed in 2017. He’s in his 21st year of law enforcement, having served with Flint and Saginaw police departments. In addition to his POLC Outstanding Service Award, he was awarded the first ever Metro Police Authority’s Meritorious Citation on June 18, 2025.

“I received a handful of accolades for this. I feel honored,” he said. “I’m not an awards seeker. I just view what I did as part of the job.”

Nowotny was arraigned on felony charges of assault with intent to murder, fleeing and eluding police officers in the third degree, felony firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon. Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said the Sergeant’s decision to use deadly force was justified. d

Barry County Deputies’ swift actions stop gunman from shooting family, police

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Barry County Sheriff’s Deputies Ricky Odette III and Caleb Skaggs understood the extreme danger of responding to a domestic dispute involving a suspect with a gun. Their brave and critical actions saved the lives of a woman, her three children, and themselves.

Deputies Odette and Skaggs were honored with 2025 POLC Outstanding Service Awards for their lifesaving response at the POLC/GELC Annual Conference in Traverse City on Sept. 12, 2025. The Oct. 28, 2024 incident began in a vehicle when the female caller told dispatch her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, 37, refused to drive her home. Then she tried to cancel the call saying he would take her home and she would call back if he didn’t. The deputies went to the home, located on the 7000 block of Kingsbury Rd. in Delton, MI, to check on the woman.

“As they were approaching, dispatch advised them that the wife had called back and stated that her husband was burning property inside the house, was holding a gun to her head, and was threatening to kill her and her children before the call disconnected,” wrote POLC Labor Rep. Scott Eager in his Outstanding Service Award (OSA) nomination letter. “Based upon the information from dispatch, Skaggs and Odette had a reasonable fear for the safety of the wife and her children.”

The deputies heard the couple arguing loudly and entered through the open front door, observed smoke and smelled something burning. They followed the yelling to the open door of the master bedroom. Deputy Skaggs entered the bedroom first and, seeing no weapon, ordered Johnson not to move as he walked toward him.

“He was a few feet away from the bed and she was sitting on the bed. When I got closer, he drew a gun from his waistband behind his back,” Skaggs said. “From my perspective, it felt kind of slow to me. I grabbed the underpart of his arm … I controlled his wrists with both my hands and pushed that hand and wrist into the window. I was evaluating how much control I had over his arm — whether the gun was slipping out, or the muzzle was moving in my direction. That’s what I was hyper focused on.”

Deputy Odette entered the room with his weapon drawn. “When I actually saw the gun, it was extended in the direction of us,” Odette said. “I remember saying ‘gun’ and Caleb grabbed his hand and gun and started fighting and wrestling over the gun.”

Odette quickly calculated the trajectory of his first shot. “There was hardly any time to even react. I knew I needed to shoot (Johnson) because I had no clue if Caleb was going to get the gun away from him,” however, Odette said, “I was worried about my bullet going through the suspect into Caleb.”

“Skaggs was unable to gain full control of the suspect’s gun and Odette saw the muzzle of the pistol moving in the direction of Skaggs’s chest and head,” Eager wrote. “Deputy Odette … reasonably believed his partner’s life was in jeopardy at that moment and fired several rounds into the suspect to eliminate the threat.”

When Skaggs moved out of the way, Odette fired and hit Johnson with all five shots. “As I saw the barrel of the gun going up toward Ca-

leb’s body, I knew I had to shoot the guy to get it to stop,” Odette said. “From the moment they started fighting, it was a second or two and that’s when I shot. It was very, very quick. There was zero chance (his wife) would ever get hit. I was basically shooting away from her.”

Johnson dropped the weapon and the deputies immediately began first aid on him until EMS arrived, however, he succumbed to his injuries.

“Deputy Skaggs’ actions, by immediately grabbing and re-directing suspect’s firearm, prevented the suspect from shooting his wife or the deputies. His decisive action and courage in that moment should be commended,” Eager wrote. “Deputy Odette displayed the same decisive action and courage by observing the threat to his partner and seeing that he had a clear shooting lane that would not endanger anyone else and eliminating that threat. Deputy Skaggs credits Deputy Odette with saving his life in that moment.”

“After the shooting, it started to get pretty smoky and we found out there were kids in the back part of the house,” Skaggs said.

“Some of the kids heard what was going on and the other kids were sleeping,” Odette said. “We had to go into their rooms to get the kids out of the house. The bathroom was on fire.”

Odette located a comforter ablaze in the bathroom and put the fire out in the shower.

The deputies were thankful for the OSA recognition. “When I look at this award, it’s more like because of what I did my partner and I got to go home that night. None of us died. I’m just very thankful,” Odette said. “I would say that 100 percent that God was looking over us that night to get us through this. One of us should have been shot or killed and somehow we made it out. It’s due to us having great training, and training outside of work, and the trust we have in each other. Caleb trusted me to be right behind him when he entered the room and he trusted that I wouldn’t shoot him.”

Deputy Skaggs said they were able to prevent a potentially tragic

Continued on page 11

4 elected to Executive Committee

Union members voted in four POLC/GELC Executive Committee members on Sept. 12 during the 2025 Annual POLC/GELC Business Meeting in Traverse City.

Re-elected to 2-year terms are: Greg Alexander of Oscoda Township Police Department; Robert Gaiser of Caro City Police Department; and Brian McNair of Chesterfield Township PD

Joseph Bialy, Canton Police Deputy Chief, was appointed in August to complete retired Committee member Joe Meier’s 2-year term, and was elected to another 2-year term in September. Flint Police Lt. Esther Campbell was appointed in September to complete retired Committee member Leigh Golden’s term. (See related articles pages 6-8)

Committee members again voted for McNair as Committee Chairman and Alexander as Vice Chairman. d

Flint Lieutenant brings wealth of union knowledge to Executive board

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Flint Police Lt. Esther Campbell is adept at juggling law enforcement and union leadership positions, which has prepared her well as a new POLC/GELC Executive Committee member.

Lt. Campbell was appointed in September 2025 to finish the term of retired Flint Capt. Leigh Golden on the Executive Committee.

“I was nominated by Capt. Leigh Golden. The interest has been to continue having a member from the Flint area remain on the board, carrying on for (former Committee members) Sgt. Rick Hetherington, the late Capt. Collin Birnie, and Capt. Leigh Golden’s seat as we have many members from the Genesee County area,” Campbell said.

Lt. Campbell joined Flint PD in August 1996, serving in several capacities such as the department’s first female K-9 Handler, and the first and only female SWAT Operator. She also held the roles of Field Training Officer (FTO), Vice and Narcotics Investigator/Expert, Homicide Detective Sergeant, Patrol Operations Lieutenant, Firearms/ Rifle Instructor, Less Lethal Weapons Instructor, Simunitions Instructor, and Special Investigations Unit Supervisor. She was promoted to Lieutenant in October 2021 and is currently assigned to Night Shift Patrol.

Her Union leadership is just as impressive. Campbell took on the role of Flint Police Officers Association Shift Steward early on in her career.

”It was intermittent between 1998 and 2014. As I moved positions within the department I had to relinquish the Shift Steward position,” Campbell said. “When I returned, I ran again and was elected.” Campbell has been a POLC member since her promotion to Sergeant in 2014. In September 2019, she was elected Vice President of the Flint

Police Sergeants Association (FPSA) and in 2020 she was elected FPSA President, a position she held until her promotion to Lieutenant in 2021. By March 2022, she was elected President of the Flint Police Captains and Lieutenants Association and has held that position ever since.

Campbell attended Ferris State University and Mott Community College and completed Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command in October 2016.

The mother of five children is mentoring one of her sons as secondgeneration law enforcement in her family.

“My son Mitchell Ross, 19 years old, was hired with the City of Flint Police Department in January 2024 and is currently working in the Patrol Division,” Campbell said. “He attended the Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy at Mott Community College, sponsored by the City of Flint, and graduated in May 2024. He was top or first among the Flint candidates in his class.” d

Executive Committee member retires, son becomes 2nd generation officer

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Flint Police Capt. Leigh Golden retired Sept. 1, 2025 after 29 years of service with the department and many years representing her comrades as a POLC Executive Committee member and Flint Captains and Lieutenants’ Local Union Board member.

She’s kicking off her retirement as her 19-year-old son, Charles Besson, is just beginning to carry on the family’s legacy in law enforcement as a newly sworn Flint Police Officer. He graduated from Law Enforcement Regional Training Academy (LERTA) on May 1, 2025.

“I plan to wait 2-3 years for him to get a place of his own and then I will be moving to Myrtle Beach,” she said. “I’m originally from South Carolina and spent every summer vacationing there. It is my happy place and I look forward to living out my retirement years there!”

Golden has been a Flint Captains and Lieutenants Association Board member since 2010, serving as Local Union Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer. She’s been involved in unions since joining the department in 1996, taking on the role of Flint Police Officers 3rd Shift Local Union Steward.

A POLC member for the past 23 years, since her promotion to Sergeant in 2002, she has served on the POLC/GELC Executive Committee member for the past 3-1/2 years.

“I will miss the camaraderie and the networking that being on the POLC Executive Committee allowed me,” Golden said, adding the most important thing she learned as an Executive Committee member is “the importance of protections such as PORAC that I believe is essential in today’s world of law enforcement.”

Golden served in several leadership positions with the Flint Police Department including: Captain of the Criminal Investigation Bureau and Captain of the Patrol Operations Bureau, having overseen both bureaus as a Lieutenant and Sergeant. As Support Services Bureau Captain, she

Weiler Award Recipient

continued from page 3

“I just went to the closest department and worked there 1 year,” he said. “I was basically working the front desk, taking non-emergency calls. I would handle lockouts and some PDAs (property damage accidents). You get your foot into the door and get exposure to what the job of a police officer is, which is really helpful! After I received my bachelors in Criminal Justice (in 2024), I went straight to the academy.”

The 23-year-old was hired as a full-time Auburn Hills Police Officer in June 2025 and now works alongside his brother-in-law in the same POLC-represented department.

He was especially proud to be named as the Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award recipient. “It was very heartwarming for me to have that hard work get some recognition,” Erskine said. “I am very grateful for the award and I’m happy that I received it and I’m happy that I went through that experience and got through the academy.

supervised the Crime Analysis and Crime Area Target Team, which she had been assigned to as an Officer. Golden was President of Flint Police Benefit Association and 2nd Vice President of FOP Lodge #126.

Retired Flint Police Capt. Leigh Golden served the department for 29 years.

She received an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Mott Community College and is a LERTA graduate. She graduated from the Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Institute at Central Michigan University in 2012 and Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command in 2013.

Currently, she sees recruitment and retention as the main challenges for unions. “I think that many municipalities need to wake up and start paying competitive wages and bring back benefits that have been previously stripped,” she said.

As she passes the baton to Flint Police Lt. Esther Campbell, who was appointed to the Executive Committee in September, she has a few words of wisdom to share.

“I would tell her to use forward thinking,” Golden said. “Police often resist change but, in these times, law enforcement is facing a lot of change and challenges. New ideas shouldn’t be disregarded just because of fear of change.” d

“My brother-in-law was a police officer at Auburn Hills . . . He was a big inspiration.”

“Every single day, I thought I should bring a lot of gumption. I wanted to be a sponge — to learn everything. I think that kind of came across to other people going to the academy. I wanted to be as well prepared as I could for whatever agency I went to.”

Erskine was really impressed with the academy and very thankful for the staff.

“It was actually wonderful. The instructors really cared about sending top products out the door and making sure we were really ready for what we were about to face,” he said. “They worked with us really well. I think a few people had family issues come up and the academy was fully understanding of that. I really appreciated that aspect.” d

Retired Executive Committee member extols value of a secure retirement

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Recently retired POLC/GELC Executive Committee member Joe Meier understands the importance of a secure retirement. When he departed Oak Park Department of Public Safety on July 31, after 25 years of service, he felt at ease knowing he had a Union-secured pension to support him.

“I was very fortunate. I started this job at 21 years old and I have a pension for the rest of my life,” Meier said. “You’re very, very grateful for a pension and healthcare knowing that is going to affect you and be with you a long time.”

He sees the erosion of retirement benefits as the primary concern unions are facing today and he feels fortunate to have been part of a Union fighting for those benefits.

“Pay raises can come and go. You look at what’s right in front of you, but on the backend you may be taking away a benefit,” Meier said. “You don’t realize the importance of those long-term benefits until you’re there.”

The retired Oak Park Public Safety Administrative Lieutenant/Fire Marshal has been a POLC member for the past decade, serving on the Executive Committee since June 2024 and on the Local Union Command board since 2018.

Meier started and supervised the department’s K9 unit after his promotion to Sergeant in 2015. The 47-year-old was hired by the department in 2000, getting his start in labor relations as the Police Officers Local Union Steward for 4 years. He was elected Vice President and then President of the Local Union Command board until his retirement.

An Entry Team Member on Oak Park Special Response Team from 2004 to 2010, he’s also served as an Field Training Officer, Evidence Technician, and a Less Lethal Instructor who was in charge of the program. Meier was a Detective before being promoted to Sergeant. In 2021, he advanced to Road Patrol Lieutenant and, by 2023, he was

promoted to Administrative Lieutenant/Fire Marshal, a dual Command role. In the “quasi-fire chief” position, he was in charge of the fire department, administrative duties, and fire training.

Meier earned an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Schoolcraft College, a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Studies from Siena Heights University, and is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s School of Police Staff and Command

“I’m just going to take a break, take a breath, and enjoy retirement for a little bit, then figure out where we go with the next chapter in life,” he said. “I’ll go back to work. I’m still young and I still have a 16-year-old I have to get through things.”

The number one thing he will miss is all the people involved in the POLC. “It’s a great, cohesive unit. Everyone works toward the common good with the goal of creating the best environment for everybody,” Meier said.

“Being on the (Executive) board made you realize the bigger picture of it all,” he said. “When you’re involved in the Local Union, you see things just in your unit. On the Committee, you actually see a much larger picture of what everything entails — the problems and challenges every department faces.”

Canton Police Deputy Chief Joseph Bialy was appointed in August to complete Meier’s 2-year term on the Executive Committee.

“Being on the (Executive) board made you realize the bigger picture of it all,” Meier said. “When you’re involved in the Local Union, you see things just in your unit. On the Committee,

you actually see

a

much

larger picture of what everything entails — the problems and challenges every department faces.”

Meier’s advice to new Committee members is to absorb information from everyone around them. “You have a wealth of knowledge from the Executive board and Labor Reps. There’s a lot of people to learn from, so gain as much knowledge as you possibly can. Keep an open mind about what others have to say about problems they’re facing.”

“I just want to thank the POLC for the opportunity to serve on the board,” Meier said. “It’s been a great experience and one of the moments I do treasure in my career.”

Meier was honored for his quarter century of service by the City of Oak Park during a July City Council meeting.

“He’s a highly decorated officer who has earned numerous commendations and awards throughout his distinguished career,” said Oak Park Public Safety Director Steve Cooper. d

Orchard Lake Police thrilled with ‘outstanding’ POLC service, contract

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Orchard Lake Police have been POLC members for quite some time now and their last contract really brought home the reasons why. The group received 13 percent pay increases and a plethora of other exceptional enhancements.

“It was 13 percent for the 3 years. We did awesome – (POLC Labor Rep.) Chris (Hild) is amazing,” said David McNealy, Orchard Lake Police Local Union Vice President.

The bargaining agreement became effective July 1, 2025 with a 5 percent increase the first year, followed by 4.5 percent hike the second year and another 3.5 percent pay increase effective July 1, 2027. Additionally, Sergeants pay differential increased from 7 percent to 12 percent above the top paid Patrol Officer. Detectives were formerly paid the same wage as the top paid Patrol Officer and now are receiving 3 percent above the top paid Patrol Officer.

The rest of the benefit enhancements were just as noteworthy.

“The most significant thing we asked for was our vesting years of service to be lowered,” McNealy said. “Originally, it was 7 years to vest in the 401(a) (Defined Contribution plan) and we were totally happy with 5! We have a small department and some of us vested in 7 years, and some were not vested, so getting it down to 5 years was very significant.”

Their Healthcare Retirement Savings Account vesting transformed substantially, with a three-fold reduction in years of service.

“Prior to (this contract), it was 20 years to vest. We got that down to 5 years!” he said. “It kicks in after retirement, but prior to that, you had to get almost 20 years (of service) to have access to it. There were some officers who would never access it.”

The City increased their contribution to Employees’ Healthcare Retirement Savings plans from $2,500 to $3,000 per year. Employees also received a boost in their annual Opt Out pay for declining health care insurance, which increased from $3,000 to $3,500.

Dental and Optical is now 100 percent covered by the Employer, with no out-of-pocket costs, and the annual benefits limit doubled from $1,000 to $2,000. Disability coverage also doubled.

“With injury, prior to this, on duty, you had 6 months of coverage. We got that increased to 1 year,” McNealy said. “You need time to recover.”

This is the first contract negotiations McNealy participated in as a POLC member, having been with the department only 1-1/2 years. He helped negotiate ‘quite a few’ agreements through POAM in the 10 years he served as West Bloomfield Township Police Local Union President. He described the experience as being ‘like night and day’.

“I retired from West Bloomfield Township and I was voted onto this board as Vice President because of my experience negotiating contracts,” McNealy said. “I was pleasantly surprised. Dealing with the other Union Business Agent, he just wasn’t as attentive and I think disinterested to be quite honest. Chris shepherded us through our negotia-

tions — he handled it. He had my immediate respect. As soon as I met him, I realized the Police Officers Labor Council was operating at a different level compared to my previous Union experience.”

Orchard Lake Police Local President Garet Malott, who has been with the department 14 years, has a longer history with POLC. He was voted onto the Local Board as Alternate Steward in 2013, advancing to President in 2020.

“The POLC has been great, and Chris is fantastic!” Malott said.

“I’ve always been very impressed with our representation, but I’d have to say Chris has been outstanding since becoming our Rep. back in 2020ish. Not only does he truly care about us, he is very knowledgeable and always available to talk.”

Other advancements in the bargaining agreement involved Personal Leave and Funeral Leave, which each increased from 24 hours to 36 hours, and most importantly those leaves were clarified in the CBA as the equivalent of three 12-hour workdays. “We’re on 12-hour shifts, so 24 hours is two days, or if you really look at it, 24 hours is one day,” McNealy said. “I had to go over this with our administration. It was not in the contract.”

“We got Funeral Leave under its own category with 36 hours for immediate family,” he said, adding there was just one line about Funeral Leave in the prior agreement. The new category details which family members are considered immediate family. “We specifically asked for that and our City was gracious enough to give us that,” McNealy said.

Employees now have the option to sell back up to 96 hours of Holiday Leave per year. “We had a pretty great contract, and this just made it that much better,” Malott said. “Our negotiations went great and our members are pleased with the results!”

“Chris was in constant contact with us via email, telephone, even though I know he has a significant workload and we’re a smaller agency,” McNealy said of the 11-member group. “He knew our community and he knew our police department. He knows our City Manager. I feel he negotiates in good faith. He really was plugged into us and that made me feel really good.

“If every Rep. works as hard as he does, there’s no stopping this Union from growing in my mind in Michigan. Chris is an outstanding representation of Police Officers Labor Council and I hope everyone is fortunate enough to have a Business Agent like him!” d

Member News

Contract Settlements

— As Reported by POLC/GELC Labor Reps

Grand Haven Department of Public Safety - Patrol Division

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2028.

Wages:

6% increase effective July 1, 2025.

5.5% increase effective July 1, 2026.

3% increase effective July 1, 2027.

Fringe Benefits: Sick Time was modified to conform to the Earned Sick Time Act. Bereavement Leave language changed from 3 consecutive days to 3 days. The list of individuals Bereavement Leave can be used for was greatly expanded. Health Care: Insurance Opt-out was increased by $500 per year at each coverage level.

Bargaining Team: Matt Padding, Nick Sheridan, Justin Canan and Tom Jones with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas.

Grand Rapids Community College Police

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2028.

Wages:

3.75% increase effective July 1, 2025.

3.75% increase effective July 1, 2026.

2.6% increase effective July 1, 2027.

Fringe Benefits: Union Representatives have a newly established Bank of 80 hours per year to share among Local Reps and use for Union Conferences. Employees parking fees can now be done through payroll deduction, pre-taxed. Sick Time was modified to conform to the Earned Sick Time Act. A Wellness Program and language were added to the CBA giving Officers 1-1/2 hours any day during the week to work out while on duty. Fitness Inactive was added to the CBA, allowing certified/sworn Employees who meet the physical fitness criteria in the CBA to receive an annual payment of $350.

Manning & Safety: Employees can choose whether they are paid out or collect Compensatory Time for their On-Call Time.

Bargaining Team: Michael DeKam, Tony Myers and Zachary Penniman with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas.

Orchard Lake Police

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2028.

Wages:

5% increase effective July 1, 2025.

4.5% increase effective July 1, 2026.

3.5% increase effective July 1, 2027.

*Sergeants pay differential increased from 7% above top paid Patrol Officer to 12% above top paid Patrol Officer.

**Detectives pay differential increased from the same as top paid Patrol Officer to 3% above the

top paid Patrol Officer.

Fringe Benefits: Employees receive 12 hours of additional Personal Leave for a total of 36 hours annually. The contract language was clarified so those hours equate to 3 days off since Employees work 12-hour shifts. With the prior 24 hours of Personal Leave, the contract was unclear if Employees would receive 1 or 2 workdays off as 24 hours is equivalent to 1 day. Funeral Leave was added as a separate section in the contract and increased from 24 hours to 36 hours, specifying which family members are considered immediate family members. Previously, Funeral Leave was also unclear whether 24 hours equated to 1 or 2 workdays off. Now, Employees receive 3 workdays of Funeral Leave. Employees can now sell back up to 96 hours of Holiday Leave Time per year.

Manning & Safety: Disability Pay doubled from 6 months to 1 year for injuries sustained on the job. Health Care: Dental and Optical insurance is funded 100% by the Employer now and benefit limits per person rose from $1,000 to $2,000 annually. Employees Opt Out payment for declining Health Care insurance increased from $3,000 to $3,500 per year. Retirement: The number of years Employees must work to be vested in their MERS 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan was lowered from 7 years to 5 years. Healthcare Retirement Savings Account vesting years to access benefits upon retirement was greatly reduced from 20 years to now only 5 years to be vested. The City also increased their contribution to each Employees’ Healthcare Retirement Savings Accounts from $2,500 to $3,000 per year.

Bargaining Team: Local Union President Garet Malott and Vice President David McNealy with POLC Labor Rep. Chris Hild.

Portland Police

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2028.

Wages:

3% increase effective July 1, 2025.

3% increase effective July 1, 2026.

3% increase effective July 1, 2027.

Fringe Benefits: FTO pay tripled from $1 per hour to $3 per hour. The Employer agreed to provide laundry facilities and laundry products to Employees while on duty. The Boot/Shoe Allowance increased from $240 to $300 per year. Sick Time was modified to conform to the Earned Sick Time Act.

Manning & Safety: Employees are allowed to reserve up to 21 days per year when they cannot be scheduled to work or otherwise mandated to work. Bargaining Team: Jason Smith and Brent Listerman with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas.

Portland City Employees

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2028.

Wages:

3% increase effective July 1, 2025.

3% increase effective July 1, 2026.

3% increase effective July 1, 2027.

Fringe Benefits: Employees’ prior discipline,

which is older than 3 years, will not be considered at the time of a new discipline. Establish a New Crew Leader position in the CBA with a starting pay of $23.89 hourly. Sick Time was modified to conform to the Earned Sick Time Act. Added 40 hours of Vacation Time at the time of hire. Previously, New Hires received no Vacation Time. The Uniform Stipend for Electrical Department Employees increased from $400 to $600 annually. The Uniform Stipend for all other bargaining unit Employees increased from $300 to $500 per year. Increased yearly Treatment and Distribution License Stipends by up to double the amount Employees previously received as follows:

• D4 = From $300 to $600

• D3 = From $600 to $1,200

• D2 = From $1,300 to $1,500

• S4 = From $200 to $400

• S3 = From $400 to $800

• S2 = From $900 to $1,100

Health Care: Long-term Disability increased from $2,500 maximum per month to $6,000 maximum monthly.

Bargaining Team: Rod Smith and Tim Krizov with GELC Labor Rep. David Thomas.

South Haven Police Supervisory New four-year agreement expires June 30, 2029. Wages:

3.5% increase effective July 1, 2025.

3% increase effective July 1, 2026.

3% increase effective July 1, 2027.

3% increase effective July 1, 2028.

Fringe Benefits: PTO was revised to conform with Earned Sick Time Act. Life insurance increased from $25,000 to $50,000. FTO Pay was added, giving Employees 12 hours of Compensatory Time for every completed FTO phase they supervise. All Employees now receive a cellular phone and phone plan paid for by Employer. Daylight Savings was added to the CBA, so in the spring, Employees must use 1 hour of PTO and in the fall, Employees who are working are compensated for 1 hour of OT. Plain cloths officers’ Clothing Allowance increased from $400 to $600 per year. Merit Achievement Pay increased from a maximum of $1,300 to $4,000 annually.

Manning & Safety: Overtime (OT) earned during Shift Differential (5 p.m. to 5 a.m.) will be paid at $.75 cents more per hour, instead of the $.50 cents per hour paid during scheduled hours.

Bargaining Team: Patrick Carlotto and Adam DeBoer with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas.

South Haven Police Non-Supervisory New four-year agreement expires June 30, 2029. Wages:

3% increase effective July 1, 2025.

3% increase effective July 1, 2026.

3% increase effective July 1, 2027.

3% increase effective July 1, 2028.

Fringe Benefits: PTO was revised to conform with

Continued on page 12

Arbitrations

ONE OF FIRST MICHIGAN CORRECTIONS ACT 312s A SUCCESS

Macomb County Sheriff’s Corrections Officers were awarded significant increases in their shift differentials following an arbitration decision in favor of the POLC’s Last Best Offer.

“This is an excellent result,” said POLC Labor Attorney Brendan Canfield, adding that this is a groundbreaking case for the state. “This proceeding appears to be one of the first Act 312s for corrections officers in the State of Michigan since the Legislature expanded 312 eligibility in 2024.”

Macomb County Corrections, which is comprised of 180 Corrections Officers represented by the POLC, were in the process of bargaining with the County and had reached agreement on key monetary issues.

“Macomb County has experienced recruitment and retention issues, at least in part due to substandard wages and benefits,” Canfield said.

To counteract these issues, the County offered to reinstate the Defined Benefit Pension. The Employer also agreed to wage increases of 5 percent in 2025, 3 percent in 2026 and another 3 percent in 2027. These same enhancements were offered to all other Macomb County law enforcement bargaining units.

However, the County refused to change Corrections Officers low shift differential of $.50 cents per hour for afternoons and $1 per hour for midnights, which have been in place since at least 1999. All other Macomb County law enforcement bargaining units have received 3 percent shift differentials for afternoons and 6 percent for midnights since at least 2017. Macomb County Deputies and Dispatchers have received 3 percent and 6 percent differentials since at least 1999.

The POLC advanced the matter to arbitration seeking 3 percent and 6 percent shift differentials with retroactivity back to Jan. 1, 2025. The County argued the wage and pension improvements were enough and therefore refused to increase the differentials. The Employer offered status quo, although they did not claim a lack of ability to pay.

The Arbitrator awarded the POLC’s Last Best Offer of 3 percent and 6 percent shift differential. He based his decision on “internal equity” with other County Employees already receiving this benefit. The Arbitrator also cited the impact of afternoon and midnight shift work on Employees as well as the inflationary impact of a shift differential that hasn’t changed in over 2-1/2 decades. The Arbitrator did not award retroactivity based on the wages and benefits being comparable to neighboring communities.

Deputies swift actions

continued from page 5

outcome by parking at the end of the driveway, turning off their headlights, and quietly approaching. “That’s what kept it from getting really out of hand,” Skaggs said. “In some cases, (police) would drive up with lights on and walk up. Jeremiah had a loaded AK47 and a total of seven guns in the room, and the window overlooked the driveway. It came

OCC PUBLIC SAFETY ACHIEVES MAJOR GAINS IN PREMIER ACT 312 AWARD

Oakland Community College (OCC) Campus Public Safety Officers received several considerable enhancements in their recent contract after the POLC fought for them in binding arbitration.

The Union and Employer had agreed to a 3-year term for their new contract after their prior bargaining agreement expired June 30, 2024. But when talks stalled over wages, Sick Leave payouts and Compensatory Time, the POLC brought the matters before an Act 312 Panel.

The majority of POLC proposals were awarded by the Panel Chairperson and the Act 312 Award is noteworthy in and of itself.

“It is believed that this is the first Act 312 Award issued for community college Campus Police/Public Safety Officers,” said POLC Labor Attorney Michael Akins.

The POLC sought wage increases of 5 percent annually for all 3 years for OCC Public Safety Officers. The Employer proposed 3.5 percent effective in Year 1, 4 percent in Year 2, and 3.5 percent in Year 3. The Arbitration Panel Chairperson adopted the Unions’ 5 percent offer for Year 1, followed by the Employer’s wage increases of 4 percent in Year 2, and 3.5 percent in the third year of the contract.

“That 12.5 percent increase over the life of the CBA is significantly greater than any 3-year period for the bargaining unit that anyone could recall, and significantly greater than what the Employer had originally proposed at the bargaining table,” Akins said. “Additionally, the Chair awarded retroactive wage increases back to July 1, 2024.”

The POLC sought to increase Sick Leave Payouts for unused Sick Time from 50 percent, up to a maximum of 96 hours paid, to 100 percent up to the same maximum. The Employer proposed maintaining status quo. The Arbitration Chairperson adopted the POLC’s Last Best Offer (LBO), which means members who have accumulated 12 days (at 8 hours a day), can receive the full 96 hours paid at retirement.

The POLC’s LBO for Compensatory Time was to increase the maximum accrual from 56 hours to 80 hours. The Employer’s LBO was to maintain status quo. Through post-hearing Panel discussions, the Employer accepted the Union’s LBO, which was reflected in the Act 312 Award.

Additionally, through collective bargaining, everyone in the unit was moved to the top step of wage scale effective July 1, 2025 and the annual Boot Allowance increased from $500 to $600, beginning July 1, 2025 d

down to sticking to those fundamentals because we wouldn’t have the opportunity to get into the room with him otherwise. If he started shooting at us from the window, it would have gotten bad. There was nothing to block us. He would have had all those hostages and a house on fire.”

The Barry County Prosecutor said Deputy Odette was justified when he shot and killed Johnson because he had threatened his wife with a gun and was struggling with Deputy Skaggs over the weapon at the time of the shooting. d

New Units

Seeing is believing prompting Chippewa County Corrections Officers to join POLC

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Chippewa County Corrections Officers were impressed with not only what they heard about the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC), but, more importantly, what they saw.

The 18-member group voted to switch representation in June 2025 after Local Union Board members did their research.

“Out of everyone that participated, it was unanimous. Twelve put in the cards to change out of the 18,” said Dave Hall, Chippewa County Corrections Officers Local Union President.

The group was looking for improved representation after spending more than a decade with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

“We were with the FOP all of 12 years,” Hall said. “This will be my fourth contract. It was just time for change. It was time to figure out a different direction and see if the grass was greener on the other side I suppose.”

Chippewa County Corrections Officers reached out to area law enforcement and corrections officers they knew to hear about their personal experiences with the Unions that represent them.

“We went through quite a process of calling people and we found that POLC has a very good record around the state,” Hall said. “I have so much respect for everyone we talked to. Police in the Sault (Ste. Marie) actually use them and they had nothing but good things to say about everything that had happened and we decided it was a good time for a change.”

POLC Membership Services Representative Christopher Watts and Labor Representative Michael Griffin met in person with Chippewa County Corrections Officers, showing them recently settled contracts and providing them with the information they needed to make their decision.

“Once they (neighboring departments) gave the green light, Chris and

Contracts

continued from page 10

Earned Sick Time Act. Life insurance increased from $25,000 to $50,000. FTO Pay was added, giving Employees 12 hours of Compensatory Time for every completed FTO phase they supervise. Daylight Savings was added to CBA, so in the spring, Employees must use 1 hour of PTO and in the fall, Employees who are working are compensated for 1 hour of OT. Plain cloths officers’ Clothing Allowance increased from $500 to $600 per year. Merit Achievement Pay increased from a maximum of $750 to $2,000 annually.

Manning & Safety: Overtime (OT) earned during Shift Differential (5 p.m. to 5 a.m.) will be paid at $.75 cents more per hour instead of the $.50 cents per hour paid during scheduled hours. Established a 5-year maximum rotation for special assignments/teams.

Mike came up and gave us the sales pitch and sealed the deal that the POLC was the way to go,” Hall said. “Really it was putting their money where their mouth was. They said, ‘Here’s our contracts. Here’s what we will do for you. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.’”

“They gave the pitch, but they really didn’t need to when they put the contracts they secured for everyone else down (in front of us),” Hall said. “That’s what we were looking for!”

Hall has already seen the 24/7 availability in action with POLC Labor Rep. John Stidham, who will assist the group with their next negotiations. Their current contract expires Dec. 31, 2025.

“John, Mike and Chris, every time I’ve called in the very short time we’ve been part of this Union, they’ve answered after the second ring or within an hour I’ve got a call, text, or email asking how they can help,” he said.

As POLC members, Chippewa County Corrections Officers liked the ability to obtain discounted PORAC Legal Defense Fund insurance for law enforcement officers and POLC Union Steward training for their Local Board members.

“The ability to go to training for me as the President and my Alternate to be able to learn how to better help our guys, especially through sticky situations, is huge!” Hall said. “Everything we do in law enforcement relies upon training and making sure we have the ability to get training is huge for me personally.”

Hall appreciates the assistance their members have already received from POLC Labor Reps. Stidham, Watts, and Griffin.

“I’ve already had two meetings with John, and numerous phone calls, and every question I get my answer,” he said. “Mike’s been great to deal with too. I hope we have a strong working relationship that lasts for years to come.” d

Bargaining Team: Michael Ledger, Kevin Wildey, and Denarie Melendez with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas.

Sturgis Fire Department

New three-year agreement expires Sept. 30, 2028.

Wages:

3% increase effective Oct. 1, 2025.

3% increase effective Oct. 1, 2026.

2.75% increase effective Oct. 1, 2027.

Fringe Benefits: Funeral Leave language changed to add death of a Step Child, Step Brother and Step Sister. Funeral Leave Time changed from 2 consecutive days to 7 calendar days. A Residency Allowance was established. Employees who live 8.5 miles or less from the fire station will receive $2,500 per year. The Boot/Shoe Allowance increased from $200 to $250 per year. Employees receive an additional $200 per year in Outerwear Clothing Allowance. Sick Time

was modified to conform to the Earned Sick Time Act.

Bargaining Team: Jacob Toth and Alex Chase with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas.

Wyoming Police Patrol

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2028.

Wages:

3.5% increase effective July 1, 2025.

3% increase effective July 1, 2026.

2% increase effective July 1, 2027.

Retirement: A Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP plan) was added to the contract. The Employer contribution to the Defined Contribution (DC) plan increased from 8% to 8.5%. Overtime and Holiday pay are now counted toward the contributions into the DC plan.

Reputation prompts Alpena County Corrections Officers to choose POLC

— By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Alpena County Corrections Officers did not feel like their representation needs were being met by their former union, especially when their pensions were frozen during their last contract negotiations.

The 16-member group voted unanimously to part ways with Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and join the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) in May 2025.

“I started here in 2020 and they were here before that,” said Ryan Wilson, Alpena County Corrections Local Union President, of the FOP. “I believe they’ve been with us for about 8 years.”

When Wilson was elected Local President, he wanted to start off on the right foot by becoming as well-educated in labor relations matters as he could.

“When I became Union President, I reached out to them. The Rep. told me, ‘I’ll be out there soon to meet up with you and give you all of our information and tell you all you need to know.’ A year and half later, I still have not met the person,” Wilson said in July.

“They were nonexistent to us. They never got a hold of us for anything,” he said. “Our last negotiations went horrible. They didn’t really fight for us at all. The only time we heard from them was when we reached out to them.”

Alpena County Corrections Officers were particularly displeased with FOP after their pensions were frozen despite the fact that FOP was able to maintain pension benefits for other Alpena County Employees they represented.

“I wasn’t a part of the last negotiations, but from speaking with the previous president, everything we asked for wasn’t followed through with,” Wilson said. “There was no fighting anything. If the County said ‘no’ the Union Rep. took it as a loss. Between Corrections, Road Division and Central Dispatch, we were the only department to fully get our

Contracts

pension pulled from us. It was frozen. Our Union Rep. represented Deputies and Central Dispatch and they were able to do the hybrid pensions.”

That meant existing Employees in those two groups kept their pensions, and all New Hires received 401(k)s instead of pensions. Corrections Officers were “completely frozen out of” their pensions and they all have 401(k)s now.

After hearing about the POLC from former Alcona County Corrections Officers, Wilson began checking out the Union.

“Part of the reason we chose POLC is a couple Employees here came from a different County department and they had POLC and they highly recommended them,” he said. “I started to research them and had meetings with (POLC Membership Services Representative) Chris Watts and I was sold. I had Chris come out to meet with our group and everyone else thought it was a good idea.”

Wilson said they were very interested in being able to partake in PORAC Legal Defense Fund law enforcement legal insurance through a discounted rate as POLC members.

“The big service is the legal protection. Everyone, they’re happy about that,” he said.

With their prior contract expiring Dec. 31, 2025, POLC Labor Rep. John Stidham was preparing the group for their first negotiations meeting in early August. But this time around, Alpena County Corrections Officers are getting timely responses to their concerns and Wilson is receiving long overdue Union training.

“Everything has been going great. Even before we were officially with POLC, I was in contact with Chris Watts. Chris would call me out of the blue and check in and see how we were doing,” he said. “When we moved over to John (Stidham), he’s been awesome too. Both Chris and John are very knowledgeable. I’m new to this Union stuff. They’ve been explaining things to me. They’ve been very helpful.” d

and $200 for emergency room visit.

Fringe Benefits: Bereavement Leave increased from 5 days to 8 days for death of a spouse or child. At Step 3 of the Grievance Process, the Union can now apply for and receive documents related to the disciplinary action of an Employee. A Vacation Accumulation schedule was added to the CBA, detailing how Employees’ years of service correlate with the amount of Vacation Time accumulated. It also includes the maximum amount that can be accumulated, by years of service, and the maximum that can be carried over to the next year, also by years of service.

Health Care: Co-pays were changed to $30 for office visit, $50 for specialist and $65 for urgent care

Bargaining Team: Dylan Pfingsten, Marcus Donker, Josh Yancho, Rachel Clore and Lee Atkinson with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas. Zeeland Police

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2028.

Wages:

4% increase effective July 1, 2025.

3% increase effective July 1, 2026.

3% increase effective July 1, 2027.

*Employees additionally received a $2.50 per hour Equity Wage Adjustment on July 1, 2025 before any across the board percentage increases.

Fringe Benefits: Employees now receive Martin Luther King Jr. Day as an added paid Holiday. The

Employer changed Overtime accrual from starting after 86 hours in a pay period to starting after 80 hours in a pay period. Sick Time was updated to conform to the Earned Sick Time Act Law. The Vacation accrual schedule was adjusted so Employees earn additional Vacation Time at a more accelerated rate. The maximum Vacation accrual is now reached 2 years earlier with 200 hours after 23 years of service, instead of topping out after 25 years. Manning & Safety: Shift bidding was changed from 4 times per year to 3 times per year.

continued from page 12 ®

Bargaining Team: Brian Breuker and Tom Michmerhuizen with POLC Labor Rep. David Thomas. d