Letter To The Editor: Sheriff Responds To Former Undersheriff’s Letter

​Letter To The Editor: Sheriff Responds To Former Undersheriff’s Letter

We recognize and thank Brian Boyd for his 27 years of service to the people of Newaygo County.
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On May 25th, Brian Boyd typed a letter of support for Sheriff Pat Hedlund freely and voluntarily after being unable to attend a campaign fundraiser that he offered to attend on the same date.  To this day, Brian has not spoken to any member of the Sheriff Hedlund campaign, or the Sheriff himself, to rescind his support.  All correspondence and...

 ...conversation between Sheriff Hedlund and Brian since his resignation has been positive and upbeat.  It is unfortunate that he is now attempting to make it look like he was not a willing participant in writing the letter or working with campaign staff.

 The public needs to know that the Sheriff did require him to step outside of his comfort zone and address the negative behavior of his subordinates.  This is something Brian did not like doing and something that he was not comfortable with.

We respect Brian and his right to support any or no political candidate and then to later change his mind about that support.  What we would expect though, is for Brian to have notified the Sheriff or one of the campaign committee members regarding his change of heart.  This did not happen.  He freely offered support.  In fact, to our knowledge, today is the first time we were informed that Brian has publicly endorsed another candidate besides Sheriff Hedlund.  

The last time the Sheriff spoke with Brian was on June 10th when the Sheriff was graciously checking out an employment opportunity for his former undersheriff.  Additionally, Brian was previously an active and willing participant in campaign strategy meetings bringing a wealth of learned political advice to the table.  When Brian resigned on May 31st with June 10th being his last paid day, he indicated that the reason he was quitting was partially because of the toxicity of the road patrol command staff, including the road patrol Lieutenant and the fact that he was between the union members and the Sheriff.

We continue to wish Brian the best.  He has the right to endorse whomever he wants and is free to “flip-flop” whenever he chooses.

Realizing that he now states he no longer supports Sheriff Hedlund, we completely understand his prerogative to do so.  We recognize that many officers in Newaygo County are under incredible pressure from the POAM (Police Union) and some union members.  The same union that has endorsed Sheriff Hedlund’s opponent.  Such practices during Sheriff’s elections by police unions are not uncommon.
Pat Hedlund remains a Sheriff for the people.  He represents the people.  He works for the people.  He DOES NOT represent nor work for a Union.
 
Over 40 state, county, city and township leaders have endorsed Pat Hedlund for Newaygo County Sheriff.
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Respectfully,
Pat Hedlund Newaygo County Sheriff
The Committee to Retain Pat Hedlund for Newaygo County Sheriff

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