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J urnal The Police Officers

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 3 • FALL 2026

ON THE INSIDE: Longtime Research Analyst retiring – Pg. 3 Executive Committee elections – Pg. 9 Six Officers honored with Outstanding Service Awards – Pgs. 4-7 Unions negotiate excellent contracts – Pgs. 8-10

VOLUME 36, NUMBER 3 • FALL 2026

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.

Adam Byrd

Van Buren Township Police Dept.

Esther Campbell Flint Police Dept.

Robert Gaiser

Caro City Police Dept.

Ryan Strunk

Battle Creek Police Dept.

Oakland Police Academy Squad Leader ‘really proud’ to receive Weiler Award — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

akland Police Academy graduate Jordan Garijo stood out as a leader in his class, earning the Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award at the July 30, 2026 graduation ceremony. The 28-year-old was one of five pre-service recruits in a graduating class of 27. He ranked 11th overall academically. The $500 Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award, which is sponsored by the Police Officers Labor Council (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. “It was a little bit of a surprise to me, because you’re so focused on what feels like trying to keep up because we’re learning and making mistakes,” Garijo said. “It doesn’t feel like you’re going above and beyond and being that stand out individual. When they called my name off, it made me feel really proud! Even though I felt like I was just scraping by, I really did stand out … I did a lot better than I gave myself credit for!” “It would be nice to use (the award) to help me out in a bachelor’s degree in a little bit,” he said. “Right now, I’m just trying to find a place to work before any of that.” Garijo was a Squad Leader throughout the 19-week Oakland Community College Police Academy and truly led by example. He assisted academy instructors with classroom setup, organizing training events, and ensured recruits experiencing problems that were interfering with academy attendance received help from academy staff to address those issues. “Garijo is an all-around great person and someone you can’t help but like. He has an excellent attitude and a strong work ethic, making him a pleasure to work with,” said David Ceci, Director of the Oakland Police Academy. “He consistently put forth his best effort, never complained, and approached every task with a positive mindset. His good sense of humor and ability to not take himself too seriously made him easy to train and enjoyable to be around. He is the kind of student who makes a lasting, positive impression.” Coming from a family with a strong military background, Garijo’s maternal grandfather is a U.S. Army Veteran and both of his paternal uncles have served, one in the Marines and the other in the Continued on page 11

Jacob Theisen

Royal Oak Police Dept.

Thomas Wietecha Roseville Police Dept.

DIRECTOR: Jim Stachowski

Clinton Township PD (Retired) MEMBER SERVICES Christopher Watts PUBLICATIONS Executive Editor: Jennifer Gomori

Photo courtesy of Oakland Police Academy

Oakland Police Academy graduate Jordan Garijo (left) is honored with the Richard R. Weiler Scholarship Award by Academy Director David Ceci.

The Police Officers Journal

Ciccone retiring after 4 decades of service to Union members — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

fter 40-plus years with the Unions, POLC/GELC Research Analyst Nancy Ciccone is retiring in December 2026, and has been busy training her replacement to make the transition smooth for everyone. Ciccone is primarily responsible for research and preparation of comparable data for contract negotiations, Act 312 arbitrations and Fact Findings. She also serves as an expert witness in all of the contract arbitration and Fact-Finding proceedings. “It’s been an interesting and fascinating career for sure,” Ciccone said. “I have had the honor to work for a first-class organization and with great people that have helped transform the rights, wages, benefits and overall working conditions of public sector employees. I hope I have made a contribution to and left a lasting impact on this important community of hard-working individuals.” She is part of the original staff, coming on board after former POLC/ GELC Director Richard Weiler became the first Director in 1984. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree in Industrial and Labor Rela-

tions from Wayne State University, she was hired by the POLC in the mid-1980s. Ciccone has become an integral part of the organization over the years. She enjoys helping with the Annual POLC/GELC Conference planning, assisting with the selection of speakers, venues, Photo by Dave Millar, Photographic Impressions North and leisure activities. She’s in- POLC/GELC Research Analyst Nancy volved with recruiting efforts by Ciccone was honored at the 2026 participating in educational Union Annual Conference. meetings with prospective members and assisting with Union elections. She also lends her expertise to processing grievances and selecting arbitrators. Her retirement plans include spending more time with family and friends, traveling, biking, and volunteering. d

New Research Analyst has personal, family history rooted in unions — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

s Stacey Menzo prepares to step into the POLC/GELC Research Analyst position in January 2027, she brings 24 years of experience in education, years of service in her teachers’ union and a family history rooted in law enforcement and organized labor. Her father, Robert Figurski, is a former POLC/GELC Director and current Labor Representative who served with the Detroit and Warren police departments. Other members of her family have worked in law enforcement and education, making union involvement a familiar part of her life. “Growing up, I saw firsthand the importance of unions and the difference they can make in people’s lives,” Menzo said. “My dad has always been passionate about unions and standing up for what is right. That is something that has always stayed with me.” She has carried those values throughout her teaching career. For approximately 22 years, Menzo has served as either a Building Representative or Alternate Representative for the Warren Education Association (WEA), advocating for fellow educators and helping address workplace concerns. Her union involvement has given her valuable experience interpreting collective bargaining agreements, communicating with members, and understanding the importance of having a strong union. The Research Analyst opportunity came along as Menzo was considering what she wanted to do after retiring from teaching. Her father mentioned a possible opening, and she visited the union office to learn more. After discussing the position with Director Jim Stachowski, he

provided her with the opportunity to work alongside longtime Research Analyst Nancy Ciccone, who is retiring in December. Seeing the work firsthand, Menzo could picture herself making the transition to a new career. Menzo has worked with the POLC/GELC while continuing her career in education and plans to retire from teaching at the end of the school year. Her education Stacey Menzo includes a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University, with studies in science, English language arts and child development, and a master’s degree in the art of teaching from Marygrove College. She is grateful for the privilege of working alongside a team dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers, public safety personnel, and governmental employees. “It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to work for an organization that genuinely cares about the work they do and the people they represent,” Menzo said. “I am excited to be part of that team, continue learning, and contribute in any way I can.” d

www.polc.org • 3

The Police Officers Journal

Berrien Deputy’s split-second decision stops gunman, earning him OS Award — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

n less than 2 minutes, Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputy Cal Landon’s roadside investigation turned into a foot chase with him being fired upon and making a split-second decision that saved his life. Landon was honored with a 2026 POLC Outstanding Service Award for his rapid response to stop the threat to himself and the community. The incident began when Deputy Landon stopped around 6 p.m. June 30, 2025 to investigate a car with a blown out rear window that was parked partially on a private driveway and partially on the shoulder of Third Street, south of Fort Street in Niles Township. “That didn’t look normal. That’s what made me turn around and make contact with them,” Deputy Landon said. A man and woman were walking in a grassy area of the commercial property. As they returned to the vehicle, which had an Indiana license plate, Deputy Landon asked them for identification. The male, later identified as 48-year-old Joshua Coffey of South Bend, told Landon that he “maybe” had identification in the car. Landon asked Coffey to get his ID. “I switched over to my channel for running plates and did that when I was talking to the guy,” Landon said. As Coffey approached the driver’s side of his vehicle, he quickly changed directions, fleeing across the road. “Deputy Landon pursued the suspect on foot and called for assistance. As Landon was chasing Coffey, Landon drew his Taser and warned Coffey that he was going to get tased,” wrote POLC Labor Rep. Scott Eager in his Outstanding Service Award nomination letter. The foot chase entered a park where Coffey slowed down as he reached a tree and fence and turned toward Deputy Landon. “As Coffey faced Landon, he shielded his right hip and arm from Deputy Landon’s view,” Eager wrote. “Landon continued to warn Coffey that he was going to get tased and to get on the ground while simultaneously transitioning his taser from his gun hand to his weak hand. Coffey continued to blade his body as Deputy Landon ordered him to show his hands.” Coffey yelled “No!” and acted like he was surrendering, holding out his left arm in front of him while putting his head down. “As Coffey did this, he quickly took a kneeling shooting position, drew his right arm up with a pistol in hand and fired several shots at Deputy Landon at close range,” Eager wrote. “Deputy Landon reacted quickly by moving, ditching his taser, drawing his duty weapon and returning fire, all in less than one second.” “I stopped giving commands after he stopped to kneel, then he started shooting,” Deputy Landon said. “I don’t think I was dodging the bullets, but it was just kind of what they teach us in the academy — get off the X. Due to the way the brain processes information, if the person sees you move off that X to a different location, they need time to think and come at me again. That was my best attempt to get the hell out of there really — to get a safe distance.” Due to Landon’s instant reaction to the fast-paced dynamic situation, he was able to fire at the suspect while falling. “His aim was true and 4 • FALL 2026

Photo by Dave Millar, Photographic Impressions North

POLC Director Jim Stachowski (left) honors Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputy Cal Landon with an Outstanding Service Award.

accurate, striking Coffey even as Landon was falling backward onto the ground,” Eager wrote. “Deputy Landon fell backward far enough that his body-cam was pointed at the sky. Landon immediately popped back up into a sitting position, reacquired the lethal threat of Coffey, and fired one round.” “When I had gotten up to a knee, I shot one final time. I was informed that all of my shots had hit,” the Deputy said. “Everything happened so fast. I really didn’t have time to think. The training at the department periodically just kicked in and I did what I had to do.” Coffey died as a result of his injuries. “Miraculously, Deputy Landon was not struck by any of the rounds that Coffey fired at him from a very close range. Sheriff Chuck Heit, in press accounts, credited this to the grace of God, Landon’s personal courage, and training,” Eager wrote. The female suspect, who had fled in the vehicle when the foot chase began, was located by St. Joseph County, Indiana Police just over the state line, where she was stopped and questioned, but ultimately not charged as she was uninvolved with the shooting. Michigan State Police conducted an investigation, clearing Deputy Landon of any wrongdoing. “Deputy Landon’s actions and skill that day are in keeping with the highest standards of law enforcement and he should be recognized with the Outstanding Service Award,” Eager wrote. “I’m entirely grateful. It’s an excellent thing to receive and be recognized for, especially for this early in my career,” said Landon, who had been with the Sheriff’s Office for nearly 2 years when the incident occurred. “Unfortunately, it was for these circumstances. We don’t choose what happens to us. I got very, very lucky that day! I had someone watching over me definitely.” d

The Police Officers Journal

Flint Officer risks his life freeing victim, 2 officers help save him — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

hree Flint Police Officers are being honored with 2026 POLC Outstanding Service Awards (OSA) for their lifesaving efforts. Ofc. Michael Catlin was shot multiple times while risking his life to save a woman from a gunman. Lt. Terry VanKeuren, Jr. and Ofc. Brett Morin’s immediate and decisive actions helped save Catlin’s life. Ofc. Catlin drove past the victim’s parents’ home, on the 6700 block of Colonial Drive, at 9:27 p.m. March 31, 2026, as part of a surveillance detail searching for the suspect, Delon Savage, 47, of Flint. Savage had entered his ex-girlfriend’s home the night before, held a gun to her head and threatened to shoot her. Wanted on several felony warrants from that incident and previously charged with homicide; Catlin saw Savage in front of the parents’ home pistol whipping the victim. “Ofc. Catlin feared the victim was in immediate imminent danger of death, risked his own life, approached and engaged the armed suspect,” wrote Flint Police Lt. Esther Campbell, a POLC Executive Committee member, in her OSA nomination letter. “You can hear her screaming with my windows up. He has a gun and he’s dragging her out to his car. He has the back door open and is trying to stuff her in the car,” Catlin said. “He’s kidnapping her and trying to kill her. If I don’t do something, she’s probably not here today. I pop out immediately. I yell ‘Police, drop the gun!’ I don’t make it past the front of my car before he starts shooting. I can’t shoot back. He has her in front of him.” Catlin was struck several times in the hip and legs and fell to the ground severely wounded. The victim got away from Savage as he retreated into his car’s back seat. Catlin radioed the rest of the Special Investigation Unit — Lt. VanKeuren, Ofc. Morin, and Ofc. Jacen Bausick — that he was shot.

Photo by Dave Millar, Photographic Impressions North

POLC Director Jim Stachowski (left to right) congratulates Flint Police Lt. Terry VanKeuren, Jr. and Officers Michael Catlin and Brett Morin on their 2026 OS Awards.

“I’m on my back behind my car, playing turtle, rolling and returning fire,” Catlin said. “I’m just trying to keep him in the car. If he advances, he’s over the top of (my) car … and kills me. About the time that Jacen shows up, the bad guy climbs in the front seat and takes off.” Ofc. Bausick pursued Savage’s vehicle, with Flint Patrol Officers joining the pursuit. Lt. VanKeuren found Ofc. Catlin laying on the ground bleeding profusely and called an ambulance. “I finally realize where he’s shot at,” VanKeuren said. “He’s in and out of consciousness, just giving me the thousand yard stare.” “I’m kind of big guy — I’m 6-foot-3, 260 pounds in gear. I’m fumbling with the tourniquet,” Catlin said. “I severed my femoral artery and shattered my femur. I tried to get it on, but I passed out.” VanKeuren applied the tourniquet to Catlin’s leg and attempted to load him into his Tahoe, but it was too high off the ground. “Lt. VanKeuren Jr., realizing the severity of the dire situation Ofc. Catlin was facing, made another quick and deliberate decision, and began to load Ofc. Catlin into the backseat of his own vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu, which was much lower to the ground,” Campbell wrote. Ofc. Morin arrived and helped get Catlin in the back seat and hopped in with him to render first aid as VanKeuren raced to Hurley hospital. “Ofc. Morin tightened the tourniquet more on Ofc. Catlin’s leg and with his bare hands began to apply immediate pressure to other areas of his leg that he observed gunshot wounds; to stop the blood loss. He also offered continuous reassurance to Ofc. Catlin. Ofc. Morin later described his actions as ‘putting his fingers in all the holes he saw blood coming from,’” Campbell wrote. “He was still able to talk to me because he felt pain. You could see the whites of his eyes. They were slowing rolling to the back of his head,” Morin said. “I had his legs propped up and his foot wasn’t allowing me to close the door. The first right turn Jr. takes, the door flew open on my side … and I had to slam the car door shut. The whole sequence of events was kind of wild.” Catlin joked that it looked like a ‘clown car’ with the three taller stature men inside. Realizing they’d left their radios in their cars, Morin had Catlin unlock his cell phone so Morin could call 911 to notify the hospital they were on the way. The patrol car’s tire was also going flat, damaged from gunshots. “L.T. was driving like NASCAR. One hundred percent — they’re the reason I’m still here today,” Catlin said. “We pull into Hurley and the back gates are shut still. We ram the back gate and everyone outside Hurley panics. We’re in an unmarked car.” “It was about 5 minutes to get him from point A to point B and I don’t think they were ready to call him in,” Morin said. “We did that all on a flat so it’s kind of impressive we didn’t crash.” Continued on page 7

www.polc.org • 5

The Police Officers Journal

Bath Twp. Police honored for brave response to knife-wielding assailant — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

ath Township Police Sgt. Marcus Siedelberg and Officer Jacob Belknap were honored with 2026 POLC Outstanding Service Awards for their brave response during a chaotic 7-minute chase involving a suspect breaking into homes, assaulting residents, and holding a hostage at knifepoint. “Throughout that time, Sgt. Siedelberg and Ofc. Belknap displayed personal courage and outstanding tactics, while staying in the fight until the offender was in custody and the community was safe,” POLC Labor Rep. Scott Eager wrote in his nomination for the Outstanding Service Awards. Sgt. Siedelberg arrived at a home on Nichols Road around 2:27 p.m. July 12, 2025 following 911 calls reporting a man trespassing in people’s yards attempting to break into cars, before entering the garage on Nichols. Siedelberg was met by a man on the porch, who said he and his roommate were being beaten by an intruder. “Sgt. Siedelberg attempted to call the suspect out to the door of the house, but he did not comply. Siedelberg heard screams from inside and entered the residence,” Eager wrote. “Siedelberg announced his presence and heard the victim say, ‘he’s stabbing me.’” “I was making my way through the home trying to figure out where the victim and the suspect were,” the 13-year department veteran said. “It was hard to decipher based on the echoing.” Ofc. Belknap arrived next, racing from his car into the home. “My first concern was the safety of the homeowners, and I knew Marcus was in there by himself and I wanted to get there as fast as I could,” said Belknap, who was with the department nearly 2 years.

Photo by Dave Millar, Photographic Impressions North

POLC Director Jim Stachowski (left to right) honors Bath Township Police Sgt. Marcus Siedelberg and Ofc. Jacob Belknap with their 2026 Outstanding Service Awards.

The officers met up and entered the living room, locating the offender holding a knife to the victim’s neck. Siedelberg ordered him to drop the knife. The suspect moved the victim toward a side door, and while Siedelberg continued his commands, the suspect let go of the victim and ran out the door. The victim had non-life-threatening injuries. “Sgt. Siedelberg followed the suspect, knife still in hand and wearing a backpack, out the back door, while Ofc. Belknap exited through the garage in attempt to flank him,” Eager wrote. “The suspect ran toward the roadway, ignoring commands to drop the knife, stop, and get on the ground. The suspect posed a continuing threat to the public as he ran through the residential neighborhood, so Siedelberg and Belknap fired several shots at the suspect as he ran.” “The suspect committed several felony crimes, including holding a victim hostage at knifepoint,” the Sergeant said. “I did not want to take a chance for the suspect to break into another home and take another person hostage. The suspect was an inherently violent felon who posed an imminent threat of serious injury or death to the residents of Bath Township.” The suspect, Bailey William Glazier, 27, of East Lansing, crossed the street running to the back yard of a house on English Oak Dr. Both officers followed, ordering Glazier to get down and drop the knife. Ignoring commands, Glazier fled to the rear of the house while officers fired several more shots at him. “It’s really just trying to stay calm in situations like that, although that’s much easier said than done,” Belknap said. “I was trying to put myself in the best position to stop the threat to the public.” “I knew that I needed to stop the threat as soon as possible because the suspect would not comply with the commands to drop the knife and to get onto the ground as the suspect continued to run towards a highly populated subdivision,” Siedelberg said. Glazier entered the English Oak Dr. home through an open garage door and locked it. With cars in the garage, officers feared for the residents’ safety. They attempted to kick-in the front and garage doors while continuing to yell ‘Police, open the door’. “There’s a good chance he was holding the homeowners hostage with a knife or stabbing or hurting them and we had to do everything we could to make sure that did not happen,” Siedelberg said. When the homeowner opened the door, officers ordered her to evacuate. She said her daughter was upstairs, but before officers could enter, Glazier fled out a slider door and ran toward the nextdoor neighbor’s house. Ignoring officers’ commands once again, Sgt. Siedelberg fired one shot at Glazier. He ran into the neighbor’s open garage, where officers took him to the floor. Refusing to put his hands Continued on page 7

6 • FALL 2026

The Police Officers Journal Bath Twp. Police – continued from page 6 behind his back after being ordered twice, Siedelberg deployed his Taser and Glazier complied. While handcuffing him, officers observed several gunshot wounds to his torso and called for EMS while they began first aid. Glazier was transported to the hospital in stable condition. The victims at the Nichols Rd. home were treated at the scene, with the hostage having superficial lacerations. Neither officer was injured and both were placed on administrative leave during the incident investigation. They have been cleared of wrongdoing. Glazier was charged with: assault with intent to murder; two counts each of first-degree home invasion, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer; misdemeanor assault and battery and breaking/entering without the owner’s permission. He pled not guilty by reason of insanity and was ordered to be treated at a psychiatric facility. “I’m thankful my leadership trains our department in situations like this and we were able to make high risk decisions as quickly as possible,” said Siedelberg, who appreciates his department and Eager for continually checking that he and Belknap were okay following the incident and got them what they needed. “It was quite a hectic, chaotic day. I was just glad I could be there and do everything in my power to stop that. The training I’ve been through played a big part in my reaction to it and the outcome of the situation,”

Flint Officers – continued from page 5 “Lt. VanKeuren Jr., knowing each second counted to try and save Ofc. Catlin’s life, jumped out of the car and began yelling at medical staff that an officer was shot to get Ofc. Catlin inside as quickly as possible,” Campbell wrote. “I went inside and let the trauma nurses know what we had going on so they were as ready as they could be. The nurse told me after he went up to the OR that his blood pressure was 50 over 30 and he didn’t have much longer,” VanKeuren said. Losing consciousness from blood loss, Catlin was given a blood transfusion and rushed into surgery in critical condition. After many hours of extensive surgeries, Ofc. Catlin survived. “Lt. VanKeuren Jr.’s and Ofc. Morin’s quick decision making, unusual alertness, and immediate action, saved the life of Ofc. Catlin. Without them, Ofc. Catlin may not have survived his injuries while waiting for medical treatment,” Campbell wrote. “The collaborative efforts of Lt. VanKeuren Jr. and Ofc. Morin displays the highest in law enforcement standards when it comes to saving the life of a fellow officer shot in the line of duty.” “Ofc. Catlin’s service in the line of duty requiring exceptional bravery and courage in risking his own life, in which a life was saved, perpetuates the highest standards in law enforcement,” she wrote. “Without Ofc. Catlin intervening, the female victim would likely have been a fatality of domestic violence.” Savage shot at police during the car chase, fled on foot with the gun, and was struck by a police cruiser. He was arrested and taken to the

Sgt. Marcus Siedelberg

Ofc. Jacob Belknap

Belknap said of his law enforcement and Marines Corps training. “The fact that we are getting accolades in the climate of today’s law enforcement means the world to me!” “It’s recognition that I did not believe I would be receiving, and to get the recognition from such a big corporation is outstanding. I was in shock and very thankful to have such an excellent Labor Union!” Siedelberg said. “In today’s day and age, it is very important. It makes officers feel they’re still needed to help the community. It’s awesome — it really is — to show that support for us!” d hospital. Arraigned on 27 felony charges, including assault with intent to murder and assaulting a police officer causing serious impairment, he was referred for a mental competency evaluation. Catlin returned to light duty work at the end of June and said he’s nearly done walking with a cane. He is undergoing physical therapy, with a sixth and seventh operation planned to remove one more bullet. “It was incredible to watch everyone from our team, patrol, and hospital staff. It was really impressive how well all these different units worked together for the best outcome,” Catlin said. All three were extremely grateful to receive POLC OS Awards and impressed by the younger patrol officers who caught the suspect. “It’s an honor that I think the guys deserve more than I do,” Catlin said. “I wasn’t going to sit there and let this woman get kidnapped or murdered. I am thankful for all the training to put me in the spot where I had the ability to survive this gunfire. If it wasn’t for Brett and L.T. and Jacen, I wouldn’t be here. They saved my life.” “It’s overwhelming — it’s very unexpected,” VanKeuren said. “I feel very appreciated by my peers. It was very chaotic. It was two totally separate scenes, where Catlin was shot and where they finally got (Savage) out.” “I’m ecstatic to even be nominated and for you guys to accept and honor us for what we did,” Morin said. “This is amazing! I just wish it wasn’t at almost the cost of losing my brother. I couldn’t be more proud of the team and the guys I work with. I felt like I just solved a problem, as many officers would. The greatest award we had is Catlin is alive and breathing today!” d

www.polc.org • 7

Member News Contract Settlements

— As Reported by POLC/GELC Labor Reps

Auburn Hills Command

New three-year agreement expires Dec. 31, 2028. Wages: 5% increase for Sergeants effective Jan. 1, 2026. 6% increase for Lieutenants effective Jan. 1, 2026. 2.5% increase for all Employees effective Jan. 1, 2027. 3% increase all Employees effective Jan. 1, 2028. * Lieutenants received the extra 1% increase over Sergeants in the first year of the agreement as compensation for their rotating on-call responsibilities. Previously, Lieutenants did not receive any additional compensation for being on-call. ** All Employees received a $1,500 lump sum signing bonus. Retirement: Effective Jan. 1, 2026, for Employees hired after Jan. 1, 2012, who did not have City Retirement Health Care and prescription drug coverage, the Employer will increase its contribution to the Employee’s 457 Deferred Compensation Plan by 1% for Employees who complete 10 years of service, for a total Employer contribution of 4%. Upon completion of 20 years of service, the Employer will increase that contribution to the 457 plan to 5% of Employee’s base wage. Manning & Safety: A new Disciplinary Action, Demotion, was added to the Discipline and Discharge policy, as an option which is less severe than termination but more severe than a suspension. Contract Language: The Union and the City agreed to make several modifications to the existing contractual language throughout the contract to help clarify the existing language. Bargaining Team: Local Union President Lt. Brad Brasil, Lt. Michelle Hesse and Lt. Brandon Hollenbeck with POLC Labor Representative James O’Connor.

Bath Charter Township Police Command

New three-year agreement expires Dec. 31, 2028. Wages: 9% increase effective Jan. 1, 2026. 3.5% increase effective Jan. 1, 2027. 3% increase effective Jan. 1, 2028. * The previous complicated pay formula, which was based on the top Patrol Officer rate and included Longevity when applicable, was replaced. ** Sergeants now receive a Wage Differential of 12.5% above the top paid Patrol Officer’s wage (currently Detective). This amounts to a 5% increase over their prior Pay Differential. The Differential, added on top of the wage increases Patrol Officers received in their contract, is reflected in the percentages above. *** Lieutenants Wage Differential is 7.5% above the 2,184-hour annual salary of the Sergeant, so

8 • FALL 2026

they also receive the 5% boost to their Differ-

ential. This further benefits Lieutenants, as they work less hours (than Sergeants) at 2,080 hours annually. The Differential, added on top of the wage increases Patrol Officers received in their contract, is reflected in the percentages above. **** Employees receive a $1,500 Lump Sum payment each year of the contract. Manning & Safety: Members will now receive a 14-day notice prior to any change in the regular schedule, with the exception of emergencies. Previously, schedule changes could be made anytime at the Chief’s discretion. Fringe Benefits: Juneteenth was added as a paid Holiday. Health Care: Employees have a new medical plan, and the Employer sought to have Employees pay a portion of the new premium, however, through Union negotiations, the Employer agreed to pay 100% of the premiums. Employees will no longer receive $1,500 per year through an Employer-run medical reimbursement account. To receive those funds, Employees were required to submit receipts. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) were established for Employees and the Employer will pay $250 annually into each Employee’s FSA. Medical Insurance Opt-Out payments are included in the contract at a set rate. Employees who Opt Out receive a monthly payment from the Employer as follows: $150 for Single; $370 for two-person; and $600 for family. Previously, payments would fluctuate depending on insurance costs. Bargaining Team: Local Union President Bryan Miller and Lt. Chris Hamilton with POLC Labor Representative Scott Eager.

Coloma Township Police

New three-year agreement expires March 31, 2029. Wages: 4% increase effective April 1, 2026. 4% increase effective April 1, 2027. 4% increase effective April 1, 2028. Manning & Safety: Annual Special Instructor/ Certification Pay was added as follows: Firearms Instructor receives $600; Taser Instructor is paid $500; and Property Room Officer is paid $400. Bargaining Team: Phil Kennedy with POLC Labor Representative Scott Eager.

City of Marshall Patrol Officers

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2029. Wages: 10.5% increase effective July 1, 2026. 3% increase effective July 1, 2027. 3% increase effective July 1, 2028. Fringe Benefits: Comp Time increased from 48 hours to 60 hours. New Hires are provided 80 hours of paid Vacation Time. Previously, New Hires had to complete a year of service before they received the Vacation Time. Existing Employees hired prior to July 1, 2026 also received increases in their Vacation Time. They now receive Vacation Time 1 year earlier than the previous contract. Additionally, Members

may now carry over up to 40 hours of Vacation Time to the following year. Manning & Safety: Field Training Officers now receive 1 hour of Comp Time per shift spent training a new Officer. Contract language was adjusted to allow for 10-hour or 12-hour shifts upon mutual agreement between the Employer and Employees. Members who work on a paid Holiday now receive 1-1/2 times their base hourly pay for all hours worked. Bargaining Team: Jacob Patterson and Scott Keller with POLC Labor Representative Scott Eager.

City of Marshall Police Command

New three-year agreement expires June 30, 2029. Wages: 11.5% increase effective July 1, 2026. 3% increase effective July 1, 2027. 3% increase effective July 1, 2028. * The Wage Differential for Command Officers above the Top Patrol Pay Rate increased from 14% to 15%. The Differential increase added on top of the wage increases Patrol Officers received in their contract is reflected in the above percentages. Fringe Benefits: Comp Time increased from 48 hours to 60 hours. New Hires are provided 80 hours of paid Vacation Time. Previously, New Hires had to complete a year of service before they received the Vacation Time. Existing Employees hired prior to July 1, 2026 also received increases in their Vacation Time. They were given their Vacation Time 1 year earlier than what was in the prior contract. Additionally, Members may now carry over up to 40 hours of Vacation Time to the following year. Manning & Safety: Contract language was adjusted to allow for 10-hour or 12-hour shifts upon mutual agreement between the Employer and Employees. Members who work on a paid Holiday now receive 1-1/2 times their base hourly pay for all hours worked. Bargaining Team: Roberta Ritsema and Sean Brown with POLC Labor Representative Scott Eager.

Orchard Lake Village DPW & Clerical

New three-year agreement expires Dec. 31, 2028. Wages: 5% increase effective Jan. 1, 2026. 4.5% increase effective Jan. 1, 2027. 3.5% increase effective Jan. 1, 2028. ** DPW Employees receive $1,500 annual On-Call Stipends each year of the bargaining agreement. Retirement: Vesting for the Pension Plan was reduced from 7 years to 5 years. Fringe Benefits: If Independence Day falls on a Thursday, Employees will now be entitled to Friday off with regular pay as well as the Holiday. Personal Leave was increased from 24 hours per fiscal year to 32 hours. Continued on page 9

Members re-elect 5 to Executive Committee

nion members re-elected five POLC/GELC Executive Committee members during the 2026 Annual Business Meeting in Traverse City on Sept. 25. Committee members who were re-elected to two-year terms are: Scott Beggs of Flat Rock Police Department; Adam Byrd of Van Buren Township Police Department; Esther Campbell of Flint Police Department; Ryan Strunk of Battle Creek Police Department; and Jacob Theisen of Royal Oak PD. The Executive Committee is the governing body of the organization. There are nine Executive Committee members and each year approximately half of the board has terms that expire, which are elected by the delegate body at the Annual Meeting and Conference. During the Business Meeting, Committee members voted to reelect Brian McNair of Chesterfield Township PD as Executive Committee Chairman and Greg Alexander of Oscoda Township PD as Vice-Chairman. The Committee also includes Robert Gaiser of Caro City PD. Executive Committee member Joseph Bialy departed after accepting the Canton Police Chief position. After the Conference, Committee members appointed Thomas Wietecha of Roseville PD to fill the remainder of his two-year term. d The five re-elected POLC/GELC Executive Committee members are (above left to right) Jacob Theisen of Royal Oak Police Dept., Ryan Strunk of Battle Creek Police Dept., Esther Campbell of Flint Police Dept., Scott Beggs of Flat Rock Police Dept., and Adam Byrd of Van Buren Township Police Dept. POLC/GELC Executive Committee members are (left to right) Robert Gaiser of Caro City Police Dept., Jacob Theisen of Royal Oak Police Dept., Chairman Brian McNair of Chesterfield Township Police Dept., Ryan Strunk of Battle Creek Police Dept., Vice-Chairman Greg Alexander of Oscoda Township Police Dept., Scott Beggs of Flat Rock Police Dept., Adam Byrd of Van Buren Township Police Dept. and Esther Campbell of Flint Police Dept. Photos by Dave Millar, Photographic Impressions North

Contracts

continued from page 8 Health Care: Employees who Opt Out of health insurance coverage provided by the City will receive a boost in their annual Opt Out Stipend from $3,000 formerly to $3,500. The Employer’s contribution to the Health Savings Plan rose from $2,500 per Employee to $3,000. Employees will now be vested in their Health Savings Plan 2 years earlier, at 5 years

instead of 7 years of employment. Optical and Dental benefits were combined with an annual cap of $2,000 per individual. Previously, Employees received $1,000 maximum in Dental benefits per person and $400 per person for Optical benefits. The age limit for coverage for Employees’ children was also raised from under 22 to under 23 years of age. Manning & Safety: The Employer will pay Employees’ the difference between Worker’s Compensation benefits and their regular pay for up to 6 months

while they are on leave, unless the Employee’s doctor determines a likeliness to return to work within an additional 6-month period. The Union and Employer agree to meet and discuss an extension of the Employer’s payments with this determination. Bargaining Team: Local Union Steward Danielle Hixson and Alternate Steward Zachary Baekelandt with GELC Labor Representative Christopher Hild.

www.polc.org • 9

Member News Bath Township Command nets 15.5% wage increases, lauds Union intervention — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

ath Township Command Officers are thankful the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) was there to help them navigate some major changes, while securing excellent benefits, in between contract talks. In their latest bargaining agreement, the Union further advocated for them, bringing in 15.5 percent wage increases. The group gained a 9 percent increase in pay in the first year of their 3-year bargaining agreement, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, followed by a 3.5 percent increase in 2027 and 3 percent more effective Jan. 1, 2028. Command was able to build on the contract enhancements their POLC Labor Rep. Scott Eager helped Bath Township Patrol Officers obtain. “We were at 5 percent above Road Patrol and the Road Patrol contract added the Detective would be 5 percent above them. So, we made that change and we ended up above the Detective pay too,” said Sgt. Bryan Miller, Bath Township Command Local Union President. Sergeants now receive a Wage Differential of 12.5 percent above the top paid Patrol Officer’s wage (currently Detective). Lieutenants’ Wage Differential is 7.5 percent above the 2,184-hour annual salary of the Sergeant, further benefitting Lieutenants who work less hours than Sergeants, at 2,080 hours annually. “Everybody else works 84 hours a pay period to get the 12-hour shift. (Lieutenants) work an 80-hour pay period,” Miller said. The wage enhancements replaced a complicated pay formula, which was based on the top Patrol Officer rate and included Longevity when applicable. “I think worth noting too is mainly just the help that Scott gave us. We went through changes to our pension plan, changes to our medical insurance, and it was a lot and more than we could handle,” Miller said. “Scott handled so much. He did the math for us on his time and was a great mediator for us and the Township!” Prior to negotiations, Township officials sought to move all Township Employees in the pension plan from Defined Benefit (DB) to Defined Contribution (DC) plans, and changed the Township’s medical insurance plan, which impacted all Township Employees. “All within a year, we hashed out the pension changes and they brought up the medical and insurance changes and we hashed through that, and then we got to the contract,” he said. “They changed other Employees to Defined Contribution. The guys who have been here didn’t

“With inflation and changes in prices and everything, I think it looks like a huge adjustment!” Miller said of the wage increases. “It brought us back up to the top tier pay in the area.” 10 • FALL 2026

want to make a change halfway through (their career) so that was where Scott was huge in figuring out the best way to where we could keep Defined Benefit and get rid of the unpaid liability. We had to drop a quarter of a percentage and we lost the cost-of-living adjustment, but that’s where our contract negotiations came up big to try to make up for some of that.” Eager negotiated maintaining the DB pensions for existing Command and Patrol Officers, establishing a Letter of Agreement (LOA) for both groups, which was included in their latest contracts. New Hires in both units have DC pension plans. The Employer also sought to have Members pay a portion of the new medical insurance premium, however, Eager fought and successfully maintained the Employer paying 100 percent of Command’s premiums. “Scott was big on negotiating there because our prior contract said our plan needed to be comparable,” Miller said. “We had really good insurance coverage before where we didn’t have to pay anything. They ended up taking away the premiums, but we still have copayments.” Due to insurance restrictions, Miller said, the Employer ended their prior Medical Reimbursement Accounts, which required Employees to submit receipts to receive reimbursements. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) were established instead, with the Employer contributing $250 annually per Employee. Since the Employer had previously contributed $1,500 annually to each Employee’s Medical Reimbursement Account, the Union negotiated $1,500 lump sum payments for Employees each year of the contract. Medical Insurance Opt-Out payments were added to the contract at a monthly amount of: $150 for Single; $370 for two-person; and $600 for family. “The payments fluctuated every year, according to the overall cost, and now it’s a flat rate,” Miller said. “You can kind of plan your budget based on that instead of the changes every year.” Juneteenth was added as a paid Holiday and Employees now receive a 14-day notice prior to any change in their regular schedule, with the exception of emergencies. “It was essentially at the sole discretion of the Chief before. You could get your schedule changed the next day without notice, so that is big too!” Miller said. “The big thing to me is the help that Scott gave us! In prior negotiations with the Township, it would just be us sitting down with the Township Superintendent and we got what we got,” Miller said, referring to when Command was not represented by the POLC. “The Township has an attorney leading negotiations now, and Scott’s experience in the field made it so you could be confident you weren’t getting taken advantage of.” “With inflation and changes in prices and everything, I think it looks like a huge adjustment!” Miller said of the wage increases. “It brought us back up to the top tier pay in the area.” d

New Units Allen Park Lieutenants & Sergeants join for professional services, affordability — By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

llen Park Lieutenants and Sergeants Association has always represented their own members independently, but changing times prompted them to join a professional law enforcement labor union. “I just recently became the (Local) Union President. We were our own entity,” said Lt. Steve Segrest, President of Allen Park Lieutenants and Sergeants’ Association. “We had some lack of response getting a qualified labor attorney and then there was minor stuff that we would usually handle — just grievances and stuff like that. Because we didn’t have a third person in the wheel, we could resolve things, but administrations change and unions change and those relationships don’t always stay connected.” The 11-member group voted unanimously in favor of joining the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC) in June 2026. With their contract expiring in July 2027, they wanted to be ‘well-prepared’ for their next contract negotiations. “Not having a labor attorney, I was left with just not having the resources,” Segrest said. “We have six lieutenants and five sergeants. I put it to them that we needed a union.” The group sought information from a few professional law enforcement labor unions. Their choice became clear after meeting with each of them and hearing glowing recommendations about the POLC. “They presented their resources and we opted for POLC due to professionalism, the qualifications, and their price points and all the benefits you guys offer,” he said. “On top of that would be the recommendations

Weiler Award honoree continued from page 2

Army. “My aunt, who is married to my uncle that was in the Army, was also in the Army, and that’s actually where they met,” he said. While Garijo is also a military veteran, he said his family background wasn’t the main driver for his decision to enlist. “Coming out of high school I worked in a machine shop and I did not like that at all. It was the same repetition every single day — I knew what I was going to do before I even got to work,” he said. “I needed a little of stimulus, something that keeps you on your toes a little bit. As a little kid, I always thought that going into the Army would be cool. When machine shop didn’t work out, I thought ‘if I don’t do it now, I probably never will.’” Initially, Garijo planned to serve 20 to 25 years and retire, but after a couple years, he knew that was not the long-term path for him. He served as a U.S. Army Calvary Scout Specialist from 2018 to 2022. “I decided I will do my tour and I’ll get out and do what I’ve always — deep down — wanted to do, which is go into law enforcement,” he said. “When I got out, I started the classes and then going through the academy.”

from other agencies in the Union. We talked with Taylor Police (Command) and they had nothing but good things to say. One of the former POLC Board members was Steve McInchak, and he was the (Downriver) SWAT (Team) Commander and now he’s the Flat Rock Police Chief, and he still plugs (the POLC) because he thought you do such good work.” They were particularly impressed with the noteworthy resources the POLC offers members. “They brought their Research Analyst Nancy (Ciccone) in as well for the first (recruitment) meeting,” he said, noting that the POLC was transparent, letting them know Ciccone would be retiring and is in the process of training her replacement. “The other Unions did not bring their analyst in and that’s a big factor in the contract. You bring the biggest tool you’ve got!” “PORAC (Legal Defense Fund) is affordable and the (Union) dues are just a set rate as opposed to a percentage,” he said. “The bigger unions felt like they are fundraising organizations as opposed to a service organization, like the POLC.” Allen Park Sergeants and Lieutenants feel confident they made the right choice based on the responsiveness they have already received, a full year before their contract expires. “I talked with our (POLC) Representative John Huizdos several times. He is very pleasant dealing with everyone and an intelligent, good guy,” Segrest said. “He did a meeting with our board members. We’ve got a good understanding of what’s going on. As far as being available, I’ve had no issues.” d

He enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at St. Clair Community College. He later transferred those credits, took another course at Oakland Community College (OCC) and used his credits from the Oakland Police Academy to complete a degree in General Studies at OCC. Garijo described Oakland Police Academy as an overall great experience because of the ‘respectful and accommodating’ instructors, who helped recruits clear any hurdles to their training. “They really made sure if you had things you were struggling in that they got you the assistance you need. They didn’t let you drown,” Garijo said. “They really gave you the tools and support you need to get caught up. I really enjoyed how involved Director Ceci was. It didn’t feel like it was run off of fear. You could talk about personal issues — there was no judgment. It was ‘what can we do to help?’ If you needed time off, (you could take it) and make up the training. It was a nice relief when something did happen (outside of the academy), you can handle it and be wherever you need to be to handle it. All those combined made it a lot easier to make it through the training, and to ask questions when you need to, to retain the information and be comfortable with the instructors. It’s a great police academy!” d