(Cory Morse | MLive.com), Norton Shores Police Lt. Michael Kasher testifies on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 in the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Muskegon, Michigan. Local income taxes typically comprise some $9.6 million, representing about a third of the citys annual $27 million in revenue, according to Peterson. I wasnt closing in on him.. 6 month old girl dies in Muskegon shooting | WWMT Ypsilanti Police Department officers were dispatched to the intersection of Huron River Drive and LeForge Road around 10:20 a.m. on April 22, for a crash involving a train and pedestrian, police said. Without her, we really would have been in a lot of trouble, Kasher said. He was preceded in death by his parents. Join us today at noon in Custer Park as we plant an American sycamore tree in Walker Park with North Muskegon Public Schools. These include banning chokeholds, requiring de-escalation, warning before shooting, and outlawing shooting at moving vehicles, all of which Gawron said is current Muskegon city policy. He also believes Willis was watching Heeringa at the store. In November of 2017 Willis was found guilty of murdering Rebekah Bletsch in April of 2014. He was so humble about his life in the military as a PJ and law enforcement. Provide a work environment which stresses teamwork, recognizes the value of diversity and encourages professional development. Kayla Renie / Muskegon Chronicle via AP file. Police Reports: $12. GRAND BLANC TWP., MI - A 62-year-old man died Tuesday morning when he was hit by a vehicle while walking on Dort Highway, police said. William R. Wiebenga, Jr., age 69, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023. Police - City of Muskegon Kasher lived and breathed the case following Heeringas abduction from a gas station where she worked near Muskegon on April 26, 2013. Please limit your input to 500 characters. As the city continues to figure out what additional state and federal resources are available, there may be more flexibility within city coffers, Peterson said. OTIS (Offender Tracking Information System). Bluhm pleaded no contest to being an accessory after Heeringas murder and for lying to police. A Michigan police officer has been fired from the Muskegon Police Department following an inquiry into racist memorabilia found in his home that was for sale. Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net Muskegon, MI Crime Rates & Map - AreaVibes Share on Linked In That has become a rallying cry among activists across the country in ongoing protests against police brutality that sprung up more than a month ago following high-profile deaths of unarmed Black Americans at the hands of law enforcement officers. He previously told MLive that the city expects an ongoing downturn in its revenue because, as city residents lost their jobs during the pandemic, they would stop paying local income taxes. Norton Shores Police Lt. Michael Kasher makes a face as Jeffrey Willis speaks about the Norton Shores Police Department being corrupt before he was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2013 murder and kidnapping of Jessica Heeringa on Monday, June 18, 2018 at the Muskegon County Courthouse in Muskegon, Michigan. Jeffrey Willis is facing trial for the kidnapping and murder of Heeringa, who disappeared from her late-night job at a Norton Shores gas station in April 2013. My deepest condolences to all his family and many friends. The Police Department is on duty 24 hours a day. Muskegon Heights Police Department Police Chief: Maurice Sain Address: 2715 Baker Street Phone Number: 231-733-8900 Muskegon Police Department Director of Public Safety: Address: 980 Jefferson Phone Number: 231-724-6750 Muskegon Police Website North Muskegon Police Department Police Chief: Edward Viverette Address: 1114 Ruddiman Amid calls to shift funding from Muskegon police to social programs It's been such a difficult road for you both the past few years and we're keeping you and yours in our prayers. Muskegon Heights, MI 49444 This is a chance for the commission to move in the right direction, where we could actually make some change and listen to the voices of the community, he said. Police and Housing Commission staffers helps with the Commissions Back to School Bash! 1 injured, 1 killed in Muskegon shooting | wzzm13.com Oh, man, you dont have anybody. Oh man, you guys are sinking., I never read it, but people would tell me about it, he said. Mayor Sims shows off the Citys Bike Patrol Officers. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Help make Muskegon a safe community to live, work and play. Because for Michael Kasher, the case has an openness he cant ignore. Jessica Heeringa detective still lives with 'the void' and criticism 10 See more of Fitchburg Police Department on Facebook Area police agencies are committed to providing our community with safe streets and successful prosecutions. The other part of the case post-Willis that remains open and could always -- is an inability to connect Willis cousin Kevin Bluhm to Heeringas murder, Kasher said. files: 3. As the Chief of Police, I hope you find the information on this site useful. So, he goes out and he was patrolling; hes just lurking. We hope that you find the information on our website helpful and easy to find. Police Home Employee Contacts Property Check Request FOIA Request Contact Us Fruitport Township Police | 5825 Airline Hwy Fruitport, MI 49415 | Phone: 231 865-8477 | Fax: 231 865-2173 Office Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm M-F | After hours please contact Muskegon Central Dispatch 231-722-3524 Officer Todd Friend By checking "I agree", The Applicant or Authorized Agent affirms that all the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of his/her knowledge. At the same time, city commissioners have pledged to begin a series of public conversations and listening tours around the issue of policing, police reform, and demands for boosted community and social services. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Bill completed his law enforcement career as the Chief of Police for the City of Roosevelt Park. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Law Enforcement | Muskegon County, MI Muskegon's sole candidate for police chief offered role - WZZM13.com Inmate Search Look up inmates in Muskegon County. This results in 2.3 police officers per 1,000 residents which is 10% greater than the Michigan average and 30.1% less than the National average. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). I feel like I hurt some people through it. Investigators followed up on a tip, interviewing Willis and searching his van a couple weeks after Heeringa disappeared. Officer Brendan Zandi, Share on Facebook Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Muskegon County health department services move to new location, Costly basketball courts going into Grand Havens Mulligans Hollow, Star of HBO series partners with Muskegon organizations to highlight diversity in film. It is essential that all members, in the execution of their duties, act not for themselves but for the good of the public. 2715 Baker Street Muskegon Heights, MI 49444 Emergency: 911 Non Emergency: 231-733-8900 The mission of the Muskegon Heights Police Department is to maintain order, preserve public safety, and foster a better quality of life. Office: (231) 744-1621 Non Emergency: 231-733-8900. But if we earnestly commit to re-evaluating what were doing here, and developing some systemic changes, then we will position ourselves maybe to fix it over the course of, perhaps, this generation.. The suspended officers are listed below: Devon Bones, Holyoke Police Department. Sex offenders in Michigan There are a total of 40,460 sex offenders in Michigan. Thats something else Kasher has had to take on: the anger her loved ones have directed toward him for not focusing on bringing Heeringa home alive. It's been a long haul brother but it's finally over. Lt. Michael Kasher with the Norton Shores Police Department (in uniform) during a search warrant on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 3038 Bailey St. Her body has never been recovered. Please do not include personal or contact information. Top-requested sites to log in to services provided by the state, Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission Suspends Fifteen Law Enforcement Officers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Muskegon Police Department at 231-724-6750 or Silent Observer at 231-722-7463. The POST Commission is required to immediately suspend the certification of any officer who is arrested, charged or indicted for a felony, pursuant to M.G.L. Discover details about fingerprinting services offered by the Records Division. Police - City of Norton Shores This application may be denied for false statements and/or non payment of all fees owed to the City of Muskegon Heights. However, we can not guarantee any accuracy of the information presented on our website. Officer Chris Woodard By law, the city had to pass a budget by the start of a new fiscal year, which is July 1. Bill was one of kind. Hes convinced that Bluhm was more involved than he let on. It was their assistance, including the establishment of a tip line and system to prioritize them which eventually numbered over 2,000 that helped the Norton Shores department that some thought was too small solve the case, Kasher said. Records | Muskegon County, MI Chris McIntireAddress: 345 Northland Drive, NE - RockfordPhone Number: 616-842-2100, Police Chief: Robert J. RoughtAddress: 8778 Ferry StreetPhone Number: 231-893-0810, Police Chief: Tim ThielbarAddress: 1990 E Apple AvenuePhone Number: 231-777-1666, Police Chief: Jon GaleAddress: 4814 HenryPhone Number: 231-733-2691Norton Shores Website, Chief: Roger D. SquiersAddress: 405 E ColbyPhone Number: 231-894-2317, Sheriff: Michael PoulinAddress: 25 W Walton AvenuePhone Number: 231-724-6351Sheriff Department Website, Police Chief: Maurice SainAddress: 2715 Baker StreetPhone Number: 231-733-8900, Director of Public Safety:Address: 980 JeffersonPhone Number: 231-724-6750Muskegon Police Website, Police Chief: Edward ViveretteAddress: 1114 RuddimanPhone Number: 231-744-4313Police Department Website, Police Chief: David BooneAddress: 900 Oakridge RoadPhone Number: 231-755-3721Roosevelt Park Police Department Website, Muskegon County Prosecutor's Office990 Terrace Street 5th FloorMuskegon, MI 49442Phone: 231-724-6435Fax: 231-724-6685. Johnsons name has been evoked locally when activists have decried other Black Americans killed by police, such as George Floyd, a Minnesota man who died when a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, and Breonna Taylor, a Grand Rapids native who was killed in her Lousville, Kentucky, home. In addition to the Chief of Police, the Department includes two lieutenants, six sergeants, six corporals, twenty-three police officers, three full-time clerks and several part-time/seasonal cadets. (MLive file photo). Read more about the Jessica Heeringa case. Officer Katie Brandt He served 15 months in jail and five years of probation. Police spending increases by nearly $600K in new Muskegon budget - mlive (MLive file photo). Published by Muskegon Chronicle from Apr. This is connected to the arrest of Jeffery Willis who is a suspect in the April attempted kidnapping on West River Road in Muskegon County. In 2011, he took the job in Muskegon, managing both the city's police and fire departments. To contact a police officer or report an emergency, dial 911. Business Hours and Staff Regular office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. The part that involves the lack of a body and, hence, Heeringas familys apparent refusal to believe that she died, that she was murdered by Willis. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, POST Commission Suspends Fifteen Law Enforcement Officers, is, for POST Commission Suspends Fifteen Law Enforcement Officers, Call Cindy Campbell, Director of Communications at, Email Cindy Campbell, Director of Communications at, Bryan Custadio, Fall River Police Department, Leon Davis, Springfield Police Department, Ernest Fontaine, Fitchburg State University Police Department, Nicholas Hoar, Fall River Police Department, Keith O'Donnell, Somerville Police Department, Brian Pomeroy, West Springfield Police Department, Kevin Rooney, Watertown Police Department, Matthew Sheehan, Massachusetts State Police, Colby Turner, Worcester Police Department, The list of suspended law enforcement officers can be found in the Data and Reports section of. (231) 724-6351. The POST Commission was established as part of a 2020 criminal justice reform law to focus on efforts to improve public safety and increase trust between members of law enforcement and the public. Officer Charles Anderson was. Phone: : 231-724-6442 or Toll-Free 877-521-JOBS (5627) Fax: : 231-724-6840. Freedom of Information Act FOIA online request form access. Please list three(3) Emergency Contacts that have agreed to respond and grant access to the alarm site. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Kasher retired in 2019 after 29 years and now works as assistant director of campus safety at Hope College. I worked with Bill at MPD years ago. Lewis has since dedicated a decade to Muskegon. Julie, we are so sorry for your loss. Muskegon Police Officers provide for public safety by maintaining order, responding to emergencies, protecting people and property, promoting good community relations, and patrolling assigned area to prevent crime; enforce laws, ordinances and traffic regulations, control crowds, and arrest violators; and may perform a specialized police activity Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com. Employment Opportunities View current job listings with Muskegon County. Labor Contracts | Muskegon County, MI The budget planning process was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Peterson. POST Commission Suspends Fifteen Law Enforcement Officers. Hilson, Muskegon's current county prosecutor, told The Muskegon Chronicle that he might re-evaluate the 2009 shooting, depending on the results of the Police Department's internal . Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the official website. Police Department | City of Muskegon Heights Above left, Lt. Michael Kasher with the Norton Shores Police Department exits the courtroom Wednesday in Muskegon after Jeffrey Willis was found guilty of kidnapping and murdering Jessica Heeringa in April 2013. Bluhm told investigators he saw Willis with Heeringas dead body in a basement and helped move it to Willis van. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Everybody goes, Well its gone cold. Youd keep hearing that, Kasher said. The Muskegon County COPS Board consists of law enforcement leaders from each police department, and including Prosecutor Hilson on the COPS Board helps to bring a coordinated approach to law enforcement. I dont know if he thought it was going to be that night or not. The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Employment - City of Muskegon Regular business hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. You did your job and your watch has come to and. Commissioners engaged in robust discussions of the budget at earlier work sessions prior to their final vote on June 23, with some community members calling for significant transformation to how the city conducts and pays for policing. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. He was born October 2, 1953 in Grand Haven, MI to William R. and Evelyn (Broersma) Wiebenga, Sr. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. He even said he would lead police to her burial site, only to take them on a wild goose chase. Theirs was a love story for the ages. The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission is charged with creating a mandatory certification process for police officers, as well as processes for decertification, suspension of certification, and retraining in the event of certain misconduct. Muskegon County has a unified system for public announcements. The Norton Shores Police Department is a full-service law enforcement organization, consisting of 41 dedicated employees. Several commissioners said they would continue to engage in conversations around city funding, with Michael Ramsey and Ken Johnson both saying they hoped the body would find ways of moving money towards social and community programs. That was, as Kasher puts it, pre-Willis -- before Jeffrey Willis became the prime suspect through his involvement in two other cases involving kidnapping and murder. This is a privately owned website and is not owned and operated by any state government organization. This page is not a substitute for reporting crime. Willis is charged with the homicide of Rebekah Bletsch in 2014, the kidnapping of a teenage girl in April of 2016, and he is a person of interest in the disappearance of Jessica Heeringa. We love you both. We have tried our best to keep the data accurate and up-to-date. I did not know Mr. Wiebenga, however his obituary tells me he was indeed an unselfish man and an American hero. The Muskegon Police Department said the human remains were found late Monday night near Summit Avenue and 6th Street in Muskegon Heights. MUSKEGON COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS - StateRecords.org Regular office hours are 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. The POST Commission is charged with creating a mandatory certification process for police officers, as well as processes for decertification, suspension of certification, or reprimand in the event of certain misconduct. Abandoned Vehicle TR-52/Bill of Sale: $60. Information on North Muskegon Public Schools Tech and Security Millage Renewal. View All Links . Freedom of Information Act Requests (FOIA), Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE), Michigan State Police Sex Offender Registry, Abandoned Vehicle TR-52/Bill of Sale: $60, Fingerprints on a MI-R008 card or FBI card (Expungements, Name Change, Liquor License, Silencer): $18, Background Check: $30 (Corresponding Reports: $6). People criticized us and said, Is this too big for you? he said. Investigators know from many witness interviews that he frequented the Exxon station and would chat with her. Strong law enforcement has made a difference in Muskegon County. "Hero" is a word he never attributed to himself, but those who knew him did. 990 Terrace Street 1st Floor Muskegon MI 49442. Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello on. 25, 2023. Sign up for the City of Muskegon's electronic newsletter, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. Bill worked as a Road Patrol Deputy at the Omaha Police Department and the Box Butte Sheriff Department. Information about the Pistol Purchase Permit process. North Muskegon Police Department 1114 Ruddiman Drive North Muskegon, MI 49445 (231) 744 - 4313 He has moved on from Norton Shores Police. Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions you may have concerning this site. From uniformed patrol officers to narcotics investigators to bureau detectives, Muskegon County is protected twenty-four hours a day by hard-working, street savvy law enforcement officers. A law enforcement officer whose certification is suspended can request a hearing before a commissioner within 15 days. Find useful services for victim assistance. A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00-5:00 PM Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Julie Wiebenga's Residence. A small memorial with balloons and a teddy bear could be . North Muskegon Public Schools TECH and SECURITY Millage Renewal VOTE - May 2, 2023, Garbage, Recycling, and Yard Waste Services, Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau, City of North Muskegon, Michigan - City Hall. Before casting the lone dissenting vote on the budget, City Commissioner Willie German expressed dismay that changes had not been made to the police budget to reflect community concerns.