IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – At tonight’s Dickinson County Board meeting, Undersheriff Aaron Rochon brought welcome news regarding the county’s public safety initiatives. Rochon announced that Dickinson County had been awarded a state grant for its Academy recruits, securing significant funding to bolster the local police force.
“We just got notice today that the grant for all 5 of our academy recruits was granted,” Rochon informed the board. “So we got the full $24,000 for them. Costs for those recruits are very minimal now, so hopefully the governor keeps that funding, and we can utilize that.”
According to Rochon, the grant comes from the Public Safety Academy Assistance Program, established by the state legislature and the governor to support smaller law enforcement agencies in funding new recruits. Rochon emphasized the importance of this program, stating to WZMQ, “Without that funding option, I feel that smaller departments such as ours and other local U.P. agencies would have a hard time replacing their personnel.”
The county received $24,000 for each of its recruits, which is the maximum amount provided by the grant. Although the total cost slightly exceeds the grant amount, Rochon assured the board that “the cost to the county is very minimal.”
The funding will cover 3 full-time and 2 part-time recruits, who are expected to graduate in the middle of August. Rochon expressed relief at this development, noting, “It means we finally get back up to staffing levels, and we can breathe easy again. We’re running a little short right now, picking up overtime and what not, to maintain our coverage levels. But it’s not easy when you go 3, 4, 5 people down.”
In addition to the grant news, County Controller Brian Bousley announced that Undersheriff Rochon will be sworn in at the Dickinson County Courthouse on Friday morning, marking another milestone in the county’s efforts to enhance its public safety infrastructure.
The board meeting underscored the critical role of state support in maintaining effective law enforcement, particularly for smaller communities. The Public Safety Academy Assistance Program is proving to be an essential resource, ensuring that Dickinson County can continue to protect and serve its residents effectively.
