Politics & Government

Pittsfield Township Board Approves Restructuring of Department of Public Safety

Two administrative positions will be rolled into a new fire chief position, and positions will be added in the police and fire ranks.

The board approved a restructuring of the that combines two administrative positions into a new fire chief position and allows for a new fire fighter position and police officer whose main responsibility is Saline High School.

The restructuring, which is also expected to save the township $47,586 annually, was approved by a 6-0 vote at Wednesday’s board meeting.

The township accepted the Department of Public Safety’s recommendation to roll the Fire Commander and Deputy Fire Director positions into a newly created Fire Chief position. According to the township, the savings created by this position will allow for the creation of an additional firefighter position that will remain vacant at this time.

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The restructuring was undertaken when the former Deputy Fire Director resigned in December 2010.  According to the Department of Public Safety, it was determined the Fire Commander assumed many of the Deputy Fire Director duties without a negative impact on the Fire Department.

In the police department, the Deputy Director of Police Services will now be known as Deputy Police Chief. As well, the department formally included the new Saline High School resource officer in its structure. The Saline Area Schools District is funding 50 percent of the position.

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The school position was questioned by board trustee Michael Yi, who asked if it was necessary.

Matt Harshberger, Director of Public Safety, said it was an important position.

“Saline High School is one of the biggest schools in the state,” he said. “That officer will provide on-site security, investigations, calls for service and facilitate any emergency response that may be needed.”

Supervisor Mandy Grewal said the partnership with the school district has been in the works for years.

“Three years ago there was a gun threat at the high school and it rudely awakened us to the potential dangers. It’s important to actively engage the schools and make them as safe as possible,” Grewal said.

Responding to a question from Trustee Gerald Krone, Harshberger said the position would be monitored and assessed over the course of the three-year contract.

In addition, a half-time administrative assistant position will be created.


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