Board Honors Smalligan, Green at Retirements

4/1/2024

L-R Commissioners Mike Kruithof Paul Mellema Brenda Bird, Ken De Laat, Retiring Central Dispatch Director Phil Smalligan, Commissioners Jim Maike and Btryan Kolk

Phil Green and Board Chair Bryan Kolk

Officers recognized for length of service, deputies of the year

Photos by Misty Ingersoll

Last Wednesday the County Board of Commissioners meeting room was undoubtedly the safest place to be as it was filled with law enforcement and other public safety personnel from around the area who packed the room along with former employees and co-workers.

To begin with Sheriff Bob Mendham and Lieutenant John Borgman handed out pins commemorating years of service. Deputies Tyler Selby, Trevor Sherman, Clint Hicks, Rachael Botello, Dave Kalinowski, Heather Kelly, Pat Fetterly, Korey Sitzema, Brian Van Singel, and Zac Cantu have served for 5 years while Dylan Wimmer was recognized for 10 years and Deputy Pat Green topped the group having reached 20 years with the department.
Retiring deputy Phil Green received an award for his 25 years.
Deputy Jonathon Vanderwall and Sergeant Dustin Runions were named Deputies of the Year.

Following the awards from the Sheriff’s Office two of the county’s best were honored by the Board.

Central Dispatch Director Phil Smalligan started as a part time dispatcher 22 years ago before quickly being promoted to full time. In 2020 stepped into the leadership role at Central Dispatch providing vision and leadership to the department.

Phil Green has served a quarter of a century with the Sheriffs OfficeWhile performing a number of duties in his career Phil is perhaps best known for being the K9 officer partnering with Turbo and Remi the worthy canine collaborators who served many years alongside Green.
The former deputy spoke to the crowd as he thanked the many friends, colleagues, and mentors he has encountered in his years of service to the NCSO.

In other business the Board approved four to the Newaygo County Mental Health Board, Kathy Broome, Helen Taube and Ken DeLaat were reappointed while Lori Schultz was appointed to fill a vacancy.

The Board also approved a three year contract with Republic Services for Household Hazardous Waste events. This year's Household Hazardous Waste Day is Saturday May 18th and will once again be held at the Newaygo County Road Commission.