Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ SHERIFF & JAIL (LAW) & SAFETY~
Public Safety
~ PUBLICLY SPEAKING ~
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Please do not copy the photos on this site, many of which have been submitted by private individuals...
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos.
E-mail = My personal FOIAed e-mail already made public in 2017, so now posted on "Publicly Speaking"
On 29 September 1876, Petoskey's FIRST burglary was reported at the Fox, Rose & Buttars store.
When the county seat was located at St. James, Beaver Island the FIRST sheriff was a Mormon Joshua L. Miller. In 1855 Thomas Smith, a "mainlander", succeeded Miller as sheriff. So 1855 is the date officially recognized as the beginning date for the Emmet County Sheriff Office.
Asa W. Aldrich who served four years in the Civil War
was the Sheriff of Emmet County in 1876-78.
It was expensive to take all offenders to the County facility at Little Traverse (Harbor Springs).
1879
1879
F.J. Smith was elected Emmet County Sheriff in 1886, again in 1894, and re-elected in 1896.
Perry F. Powers ~ A History of Northern Michigan and Its People 1912 Volume III segments below explain Flavel J. Smith's bravery during his early years as he served in his brother's stead during the Civil War.
Charles Pratt served as Emmet County Sheriff from 1886-1890, became city marshal, chief of police and in 1894, because of his impressive record, was appointed U.S. Marshall by President Grover Cleveland. Charles Pratt died in 1912. In 1960 Mrs. Pratt was living at 459 Bay Street, Petoskey, Michigan. That home is on the corner of Division and Bay streets, and in 2019 is across the street from the Emmet County Sheriff's office and jail.
Judge John S. Shurtleff
passed away 7 February 1893
passed away 7 February 1893
David R. Jones served as Emmet County Sheriff for four terms in the 1890s. Mr. Jones worked hard to arrange for the establishment of Wilderness State Park in what was then the Emmet County Game Refuge. It was through his work and that of Thomas Bryant, then local conservation office, that the necessary land was obtained and the park established. When Mr. Bryant was elected sheriff, Mr. Jones became one of his deputies, serving until Mr. Jone's health failed about four years before he passed. During Mr. Jones' early days in Petoskey he was a member of the firm of Bull, Bauerle & Jones which bought a wooden dish factory and enlarged its lines into the forerunner of what is now the Michigan Maple Block Company.
Article Below: Architect Mead of Harbor Springs designed several area buildings of significance,
and was hired to make the new jail drawings.
and was hired to make the new jail drawings.
Floyd L. Austin, one of the FIRST Marshals of the City of Petoskey... passed away in 1910.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
1899 > ~ Local Fire Department
1899 > ~ Local Fire Department
About 1912
Photo Below: Petoskey Hose Company with volunteer Firemen, probably in costume for a parade, in front of the Herrick Livery on Mitchell Street, with the Methodist and Presbyterian churches in the background... on unpaved main street.
Photo Below: Petoskey Hose Company with volunteer Firemen, in costume for a parade,
with OLD fire fighting equipment...
with OLD fire fighting equipment...
Article Below: A Lookback at Famous Bay Area Fires
1976
1976
1907 ~ Emmet County to Have Fine New Jail
Photo Below:
The poor condition of the old jail (note bars on windows) is evident... ready to be razed (see next article).
The poor condition of the old jail (note bars on windows) is evident... ready to be razed (see next article).
Article Below: The Emmet County jail which was being built in the 1907 article above,
was being torn down in 1967... so lasted 60 years.
was being torn down in 1967... so lasted 60 years.
1966 Article Below: The new jail was being built on Bay Street,
whereas the old jail that was torn down the year after in 1967 (shown above),
had been located on the corner of Division and Lake streets.
whereas the old jail that was torn down the year after in 1967 (shown above),
had been located on the corner of Division and Lake streets.
~ Sheriff Purple ~
Sheriff Purple was first elected to be Emmet County sheriff in 1912.
Sheriff Purple lost his life in the line of duty in 1923.
His wife Nellie Purple was the Jail Matron.
Sheriff Purple lost his life in the line of duty in 1923.
His wife Nellie Purple was the Jail Matron.
Above Right Obituary for Mrs. Nellie Purple told:, "She operated her first business at Brutus [The Purple Inn], the former family home. When her building there was destroyed by fire she came to Petoskey and for several years has had a place on Arlington avenue overlooking the bay [Mrs. Purple's Gift & Tea Shop]." The photo above of the house of Mrs. Purple's Gift & Tea Shop had been the FIRST hospital in Petoskey; lived in, and operated by, the Drs. Reycraft [Click HERE to access information about the house being the hospital]. The Arlington Avenue house was next owned by the Bertram Rowe Family. Bertram had been employed in the music department of Bay View when he died in 1958 at a very early age, leaving his wife Marie with 4 children. The Bay View community helped provide a home for Marie Rowe and her children in the house that Mrs. Purple had used as her Tea House and Gift Shop [Click HERE for information about the Rowes and the Arlington Avenue house]. The Purple Inn which was destroyed by fire in 1937 has additional information that may be accessed on this same web site on the Brutus web page by clicking HERE.
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Photo Below: Mrs. Nellie Purple and her father Samuel Midgley...
Article Below Right : Samuel Midgley, was the father of Emmet County Jail Matron Nellie Purple noted above.
Samuel Midgley led an amazing life as an Emmet County Pioneer, at least 100 years old at the time of the article.
Samuel passed away at 101, about a year later, 17 January 1945 in Hillsdale, Michigan.
Samuel Midgley led an amazing life as an Emmet County Pioneer, at least 100 years old at the time of the article.
Samuel passed away at 101, about a year later, 17 January 1945 in Hillsdale, Michigan.
From the information below, "Mrs. Purple's Gift and Tea Shop" on Arlington Avenue had been owned by Dr. Blum, followed by Bertram and Marie Rowe owning the house. More information about Bertram and Marie having owned this home may be accessed on the Bay View web page of this same web site by clicking HERE.
Not another Emmet County sheriff, other than Sheriff Purple, has lost his life in the line of duty since 1923 ...
as of 2022.
as of 2022.
~ Emmet County Probate Court History... First Session held in 1857 ~
~ George Carpenter was Sheriff until 1930 ~
1939
~ Sheriff Bryant Saved Cabinet of History ~
~ Sheriff Bryant Saved Cabinet of History ~
1941
~ Span of 33rd Judicial Circuit from 1891 Creation to 1941 ~
~ Span of 33rd Judicial Circuit from 1891 Creation to 1941 ~
1942
~ Leon Miller Named Probate Judge by Governor VanWagoner ~
~ Leon Miller Named Probate Judge by Governor VanWagoner ~
1925 > 1945
Motorcycle Patrolmen (Brothers)
Motorcycle Patrolmen (Brothers)
1947
Officer Lew Conant
Officer Lew Conant
1948
~ Jail Has Been Condemned ~
~ Jail Has Been Condemned ~
1949
~ Considering Jail Condemnation ~
~ Considering Jail Condemnation ~
1949
1950
Petoskey City Police officer Robert Russell was killed in the line of duty.
A prowler was reported at a local business where Officer Russell and his partner investigated.
Upon entering the front of the business, Russell was shot four times by one of the two suspects, ending his life.
Both men were charged with Officer Russell's murder.
Petoskey City Police officer Robert Russell was killed in the line of duty.
A prowler was reported at a local business where Officer Russell and his partner investigated.
Upon entering the front of the business, Russell was shot four times by one of the two suspects, ending his life.
Both men were charged with Officer Russell's murder.
Richard Zink became Under Sheriff to his father-in-law Sheriff Frank West... Later, Richard Zink became the Sheriff.
Beverly (West) Zink passed away 15 August 2021. Richard Zink was the Emmet County Sheriff and Beverly worked as the Emmet County Jail Matron and cook, starting in 1964. They were inseparable until Richard's death in 1990.
1952
Resort-Bear Creek Fire Department
Located at Elizabeth Street, Petoskey, Michigan
Resort-Bear Creek Fire Department
Located at Elizabeth Street, Petoskey, Michigan
1954
TOP
1954
1955
The two photos below include Frank West and Richard Zink.
Petoskey City Police
1955
1955
Photo Below: Earl Doernenburg served the City of Petoskey Police Department for 36 years.
He retired from the police force in 1991. |
Photo Below: Philo R. Wakeford was Petoskey's police chief from 1942 until his retirement in 1962.
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State Police Post in Petoskey
1956
1956
1956: The house had been located on a corner on Jackson Street, Petoskey, Michigan,
before being moved to the southern city limits on US-131 to become the new Petoskey State Police Post.
before being moved to the southern city limits on US-131 to become the new Petoskey State Police Post.
State Police Post Groundbreaking
1965
In 2017 (and a few years before) this post is a satellite of the Gaylord police post...
1965
In 2017 (and a few years before) this post is a satellite of the Gaylord police post...
Two 1965 Photos Above: In 2019 this post seems to be used only as a satellite to the Gaylord, Michigan, post as shown in the two 2021 photos below of the same Petoskey Post on the M118 and US31 corner.
(1877 ~ 1960)
Judge Edward E. Gilbert moved from Kalamazoo to Boyne Falls in 1877 with his parents. He came to Petoksey in 1898 and opened a law partnership which lasted only a year due to “financial reasons.” Gilbert walked across the ice from Petoskey to Harbor Springs, then the county seat, to represent his FIRST client in Emmet circuit court on 24 February 1899.
Gilbert had correspondence with Andrew Carnegie which helped lead to a $12,500 grant which formed the basis of establishing the Petoskey Public Library, being a member of the original board of trustees.
Gilbert headed the Emmet County “drys” in 1909 to get local options on the ballot, which went on to dry out the county; winning by 600 votes.
In 1910 he was defeated by six votes for becoming county prosecutor. Two years later he was elected probate judge. He conducted his practice by bicycle or horse for many years; buying his first auto in 1916.
Judge Edward E. Gilbert moved from Kalamazoo to Boyne Falls in 1877 with his parents. He came to Petoksey in 1898 and opened a law partnership which lasted only a year due to “financial reasons.” Gilbert walked across the ice from Petoskey to Harbor Springs, then the county seat, to represent his FIRST client in Emmet circuit court on 24 February 1899.
Gilbert had correspondence with Andrew Carnegie which helped lead to a $12,500 grant which formed the basis of establishing the Petoskey Public Library, being a member of the original board of trustees.
Gilbert headed the Emmet County “drys” in 1909 to get local options on the ballot, which went on to dry out the county; winning by 600 votes.
In 1910 he was defeated by six votes for becoming county prosecutor. Two years later he was elected probate judge. He conducted his practice by bicycle or horse for many years; buying his first auto in 1916.
Clifford Fosmore... Emmet County Deputy
1964
1964
A New Sheriff... All Relative (Frank West > Richard "Dick" Zink)
1965
1965
Article/Photos Below of Buildings to be Razed in 1967:
1) Old Mitchell Street Post Office
2) Temporary quarters of the county offices and sheriff's residence on Division Street
3) Adjoining jail on Lake Street
1) Old Mitchell Street Post Office
2) Temporary quarters of the county offices and sheriff's residence on Division Street
3) Adjoining jail on Lake Street
Article Below: The jail walls were found to be of brick five rows deep as it was being razed.
Two Photos Below: The Elks Building was being demolished to clear the location
for the new Sheriff's Station and Emmet County Court House.
for the new Sheriff's Station and Emmet County Court House.
Photos Below associated with the Emmet County "new building" and "jail" are from the
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspapers (1965).
Greenwood Photo Archive Collection from Petoskey Newspapers (1965).
Emmet County Sheriff Riot Equipment
May 1968
May 1968
Robison Murders
1968
1968
Elmer Livingston Deputy Sheriff for 20 Years Has Rites
1969
1969
John Kilborn was elected Emmet County Sheriff in 1940 and held office for fourteen years.
Mrs. Ferne (Gallop) Kilborn was the jail matron and the wife of John Kilborn, the Emmet County Sheriff.
1971 and 1989
Mrs. Ferne (Gallop) Kilborn was the jail matron and the wife of John Kilborn, the Emmet County Sheriff.
1971 and 1989
John KIlborn was an interesting man who told of his life adventures in the Early Days of the area.
Jeff Bodzick ~ Emmet County Sheriff
1991
1991
1993 Article Below: Emmet County Sheriff Jeffrey P. Bodzick announced the appointment of
Peter A. Wallin as undersheriff of Emmet County,
replacing Thomas G. Rigg who returned to the road patrol division.
Peter A. Wallin as undersheriff of Emmet County,
replacing Thomas G. Rigg who returned to the road patrol division.
Emmet County Sheriff's Department in New Building
2002
2002
It was announced in the 14 February 2024 Petoskey News Review that Sheriff Wallin would be retiring on 31 December 2024. Wallin had worked with two previous Emmet County sheriffs; Sheriff Richard Zink in 1981 and later Sheriff Jeffrey Bodzick. Wallin worked road patrol with various other duties, until Bodzick unexpectedly passed away in 2002, when Wallin was appointed sheriff by a panel of probate court judge, county clerk, and county prosecutor in 2002. Wallin had to run for election beginning in 2004, and has been re-elected for five terms. Wallin appreciates the Emmet Count voters that he must answer to, and protect. Wallin complimented his staff, and noted that Undersheriff Matt Leirstein has announced his campaign for sheriff, being endorsed by Wallin.
George Thomas Lasater served Charlevoix County, MIchigan, as Sheriff for 32 years.
He proudly supported the military in multiple ways;
writing books honoring the veterans, creating memorial monuments to honor the military.
2022
He proudly supported the military in multiple ways;
writing books honoring the veterans, creating memorial monuments to honor the military.
2022
Camp Pellston
Emmet County to Take Over Camp Pellston
2001
2001
Camp Pellston, an Honor's Prison, to be Razed after Closing in 2002
2011
2011
In the Beginning of Camp Pellston...
A 1998 Bond for $3.2 million funded a Jail addition on the new Jail.
1953
Lakeview Academy is a court and Char-Em Intermediate School District facilitated program
which was created in 2002.
which was created in 2002.
Article Above: McCune and Brighter built the original building which house the Lakeview Academy in 2021, as seen in the 2008 photo below. The building originally house a laundromat and dry cleaners on the first floor, with offices located on the top floor.
~ Northern Michigan's Blisswood Mass Murder in Good Hart ~
Robison Family
25 June 1968
Robison Family
25 June 1968
The Robison Family Murders is chronicled on a blog titled Michigan's Other Side.
Photo Below: The Michigan State Police Post (satellite station) is located in Petoskey
very near the corner of M-119 and US 31 North.
very near the corner of M-119 and US 31 North.
This list below of statistics is interesting, not just for the number of vaccinated individuals in the Michigan Department of Corrections facilities through 11 June 2021. The 32,631 total population of the Michigan Correctional facilities is a BIG NUMBER! Consider that Petoskey has about 6,000 people as residents in 2021. Emmet County has only a little over 34,000 people on the 2020 census.
~ Retirement of Sergeant Dennis Jessick ~
2023
2023
Photo Below: Emmet County Sheriff Pete Wallin (left) announced the retirement of Sergeant Dennis Jessick (right) for 15 June 2023. Jessick served in both the Marine and Snowmobile Divisions. Jessick, a member of the Search and Rescue Team, was a founding member of the Emmet County Sheriff's Office Dive Rescue and Recovery Team. Jessick instructed boater safety and snowmobile safety classes and mentored many of the Deputies of the Sheriffs' Office. He also served as the Sheriff's office official photographer capturing so many memorable events. Click HERE to learn how Jessick has been instrumental in every year of public viewing of The Crucifix in Little Traverse Bay.
The RE-hiring by Emmet County Prosecutor Jim Linderman of Michael Schuitema as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney was announced by the county's administrator on 7 August 2023, as shown below. The following links will connect to the happenings of February 2020 for Schuitema originally leaving service with the county:
Click HERE to access the Detroit Free Press article about:
"$350 fine for prosecutor's hit-and-run sparks outrage in northern Michigan"
Click HERE to access the Petoskey News Review article about:
"Emmet County chief assistant prosecutor pleads guilty to leaving traffic crash scene"
Click HERE to access the UpNorthLive article about:
"Emmet County assistant prosecutor remains on the job following charge in crash"
Click HERE to access Reuters about:
"Ex-prosecutor in hit-and-run readmitted to Michigan bar"
Click HERE to access the Detroit Free Press article about:
"$350 fine for prosecutor's hit-and-run sparks outrage in northern Michigan"
Click HERE to access the Petoskey News Review article about:
"Emmet County chief assistant prosecutor pleads guilty to leaving traffic crash scene"
Click HERE to access the UpNorthLive article about:
"Emmet County assistant prosecutor remains on the job following charge in crash"
Click HERE to access Reuters about:
"Ex-prosecutor in hit-and-run readmitted to Michigan bar"
Schuitema originally left Petoskey after his above noted "hit-and-run" in 2021. In 2023, Schuitema was hired back into the previous same position by Emmet County Prosecutor, Jim Linderman (also his previous superior).
Emmet County Prosecutor Jim Linderman, retired 29 February 2024, after 40 years of service in the community he grew up. In 1975 Linderman began working in the prosecutor’s office, in various roles; appointments, legal service, and chief assistant prosecutor, before first being elected in 2004. The people of Emmet County reelected Linderman every four years since, most recently in November 2020. Linderman’s role will be filled for the finish of his term by an appointment from the circuit judge.
The 23 March 2024 Petoskey News Review headline read: "Interim prosecuting attorney named."
Michael Schuitema was appointed as Prosecuting Attorney for Emmet County. The 29 February 2024 appointment was for the balance of the current term, ending 31 December 2024. While a brief history of his background was reported in the article, no mention was written of Schuitema's criminal history in Emmet County regarding his "Hit-and-Run" crash.