Winter Staffing of Island Police Reduced by One

During the Public Safety meeting Friday, September 7, the committee voted to reduce the winter staffing levels at the Mackinac Island Police Department by one.

This year, the department will operate with five officers, rather than six. Interim Police Chief Jim Marks will patrol part-time.

"The department will be able to function and still provide full services to the community of Mackinac Island," said Chief Marks, adding that coverage will continue 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services include responding to complaints and providing senior citizen transportation.

Committee member Jason St. Onge called for a vote after suggesting the department be reduced to four members from January through March. Armand "Smi" Horn and Armin Porter voted against that reduction.

"I feel the pulse of the community is to try to save money and keep taxes low," Mr. St. Onge, later told the Town Crier.

"I can't see why we need five guys in the middle of January to police 400 people," said Mr. St. Onge, who said he supported the police chief's efforts.

Police officers are Jim Marks, Kenneth Hardy, Andrew Dziobak, Cory Kaminen, and Randy Gagnon. The position held last year by Police Lieutenant Pete Komblevitz will not be filled.