IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Aaron Rochon, formerly the undersheriff of Dickinson County, was sworn in as the new sheriff in a ceremony held in the Circuit Courtroom. Judge Mary Barglind administered the oath, with the event drawing a significant turnout from family, friends, and officials from various law enforcement agencies, including the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iron Mountain Police Department, and the Michigan State Police Iron Mountain Post.
Sheriff Rochon, who has served as undersheriff for the past 2 years, emphasized his commitment to upholding his office with honor. “The message that I would like to send is, you know, we’ve always run our office with the kind of integrity and quality that we found the public deserved. None of that’s going to change,” Rochon stated.
Reflecting on his career, Rochon said, “I’ve been Undersheriff for the last 2 years under Sheriff Scott Rutter, and today I got sworn in as the next sheriff of Dickinson County.” He expressed his continuous drive for improvement, saying, “I’m the type of person that’s always going to try to find ways to benefit either the public or help our staff do their job easier to serve, but it all revolves around our service to the citizens of Dickinson County. So until the day I walk out the door, I will continuously look for better and different ways of doing that.”
Rochon also shared his gratitude to those who have supported him, stating, “I appreciate all those who helped guide me to this day today. It really meant a lot to me that I wanted to make sure that message was passed along.”
Judge Mary Barglind addressed the significance of the ceremony, noting, “This is a big day. I’m so glad to see a great turnout, because it’s really a historical moment for our county, and we gather here today to mark and celebrate this momentous occasion.”
She also highlighted the history of the sheriff’s office, dating back to 1857, and acknowledged the past sheriffs. “These are the men that led Dickinson County as sheriffs going back to, like I said, 1857. I don’t think I missed any of them. I mention these names even though we don’t remember them, we didn’t know them, but so that we can reflect upon the importance that the office holds to our county, and to our citizens.”
Judge Barglind honored Sheriff Scott Rutter, who recently retired, stating, “Scott, we wish you the best in your retirement. It is well deserved. But today is about a new sheriff in town, and his name is Aaron Rochon. He will be joining this list of esteemed individuals who were elected or appointed to lead Dickinson County as Sheriff. So today, let’s all welcome our new Sheriff.”
Judge Barglind emphasized the responsibilities of the new role. “This badge represents the values of courage. It represents the value of dedication. Aaron has earned this position. He has worked hard and diligently throughout his career. He has the experience, he has the education, and the unwavering dedication to get this job done, and to do it right. It’s not an easy job, especially in today’s world. The problems appear amplified, and the need for integrity and calm, thoughtful leadership in law enforcement has never been greater. So, Aaron, we believe in you. We believe in your abilities to lead this county with fairness, to inspire integrity, and to protect all of us in this community with valor.”
