County Board Honors Gerencer, Correction Officers

L-R Bernie Gerencer, Board Chair Bryan Kolk

At the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners retiring Newaygo County Central Dispatch icon Bernie Gerencer was honored for his 35 year Newaygo County career providing assistance to the community from the 911 Dispatch Center.

Reading from a resolution of recognition Board Chair Bryan Kolk shared:
”Throughout his tenure, Bernie has made significant contributions to the operations and success of Newaygo County Central Dispatch, providing invaluable assistance to all first responders, while ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents of Newaygo County, and when needed, stepping into leadership roles for the betterment of the 911 Center.
“Bernie's calm and steady presence under pressure, along with his exceptional knowledge and experience, has helped to navigate countless emergency situations, making him an indispensable asset to the Central Dispatch team and the community as a whole.
“Bernie's dedication to his profession and his unwavering work ethic have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, supervisors, and the many individuals whose lives he has positively impacted throughout his career. 
“Bernie's dedication to his profession and his unwavering work ethic have earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, supervisors, and the many individuals whose lives he has positively impacted throughout his career. “
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Also honored at the meeting were the correction officers involved in lifesaving efforts at the jail. The recognition read:
“On the morning of October 6th, 2024, Corrections Deputies responded to a critical incident in housing unit Delta 3. A detainee was actively trying to commit suicide by hanging and appeared to be non-responsive. All Deputies involved responded without hesitation and took actions to preserve the life of the detainee. The detainee was moved to a safe and secure location where lifesaving efforts could continue until EMS arrived to assist in the incident.
“Due to the prompt, professional, and proficient efforts displayed by all, the detainee is still alive today. The men and women involved with this incident uphold the highest standards of the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office. It is beyond any doubt that their actions saved the life of a detainee that morning.”

Lifesaving honirees Gabe Sanchez, Leeane Schaffer, Pili Taitin, Mateo Botello, Brant Kutzli, Dennis Stapler, David Cook, Chad Palmiter, Sheriff Mendham