After 41 Years, SPD is Happy to Call in the Reserves

In 41 years with the Saline Police Department, Larry Wiedmeyer has arrested more bad guys than he can remember.

Not bad, the city doesn’t pay him a dime.

Wiedmeyer is Sergeant of the Saline Police Department reserve officers.

Reserves don’t get paid, but they play an important role in the department. They ride along on patrol, providing an extra pair of eyes to the officer on duty. They help with felony prisoner transports. They work the parades and festivals. They assist with exercises for cadets. And they even make arrests if working alongside another officer.

Last week, officers in the Saline Police Department honored Wiedmeyer for his 41-years of service, surprising him with a small party in the station’s training room.

“He’s well respected and well liked in our department. Any time we need a volunteer, he shows up,” said Detective Don Lupi. “He’s helped with investigations. He works road trips. He’s here for us in numerous ways.”

SPD Sgt. Kevin Murphy agreed.

“He helps us immensely. He supervises 10 other reserves, and that’s like having an additional police department at times,” Murphy said.

More than 41 years ago, Wiedmeyer inquired Saline Deputy Police Chief Charlie Herbert about becoming a police officer.

“There wasn’t an opening. It was suggested I become a reserve. I thought about it and decided it would be a good way to get my foot in the door,” Wiedmeyer said.

For years, Wiedmeyer hoped he’d land a job a full-time police job, but it never materialized. Still, he said, he loves being a reserve.

“There’s no pay., But there’s nobody hollering at me and I can come and go as I please,” said Wiedmeyer, who retired from a career as a machinist at R&B and in Ann Arbor.

At 68 years old, Wiedmeyer still enjoys being part of the police force.

“I really enjoy the camaraderie. I sort of wish I’d gone into the military when I was younger. I really wanted to be part of a group,” said Wiedmeyer. “The Saline Police Department is a great group. We depend on each other. It’s not a game and it’s not television.”

In his 41 years, he’s had his share of dramatic moments. Years ago, after a break-in at the Tractor Supply Store, he was part of a high-speed chase that went south of Dundee nearly to the state line.

“It was a wild chase that finally ended when they went into a ditch,” Wiedmeyer remembered.

Wiedmeyer, who has had an artificial leg for 12 years, stayed with the driver of the truck while his partner chased down the passenger who took off running.

It was one of the more memorable experiences in an SPD uniform—experiences that Wiedmeyer cherishes.

“The officers here in Saline have accepted the reserves. Some departments don’t. But we’ve worked hard to gain their respect,” Wiedmeyer said.

Officer Chris Boulter was charged with the task of keeping Wiedmeyer busy as well wishers filed into the station for the surprise party.

“He’s a true cop. He’s not doing for the money or the check. He does it for love of the job and love of the community,” said Boulter. “To me, that’s just awesome.”

Wiedmeyer will be honored as the VFW Post 423’s 2011 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year at an awards luncheon to be held at 2 p.m., April 15. The VFW Post 423 is located at 3230 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor.