Cometkent
In an article called County sheriff merges traffic squad, reserve unit, by Sherry Kuyt, the sheriff Lawrence Stelma reveals that he is a fraud and a complete liar.
Here is the story:
County sheriff merges traffic squad, reserve unit
by Sherry Kuyt
Tuesday August 04, 2009, 11:51 AM
The Kent County Sheriff's Department will eliminate its reserve unit, in part to save money, according to Lt. Kevin Kelley.
As of Sept. 1, the reserve unit will cease to exist and will merge with another existing group, the Kent County Traffic Squad.
"After a thorough analysis and much consideration, it has become apparent that it is in the best interest of all to merge the two independent units into one all-volunteer cohesive organization," Kelley said last week.
"This is more than a name and uniform change, it is an operational and philosophical change as well."
Kelley said financial considerations were a major factor in the decision.
The reserve unit consisted of about 35 paid officers who were contracted out to perform crowd and traffic control at athletic events, parades, and other events in the community. The county provided their training and equipment.
According to the organization Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), the Kent County reserve unit was started in 1965, and its members logged about 1,000 hours of paid service last year.
The Kent County Sheriff's Department Traffic Squad, begun in 1917, is strictly a volunteer organization, and its members buy their own uniforms and equipment and pay for their own training. They must be supervised by a sworn deputy while working.
Kelley said the Traffic Squad performs many other duties besides traffic control. The squad's Enforcement Unit regularly assigns officers to assist the Sheriff's Department with a second officer in cruisers as well as additional support personnel for the Marine and Parks Division.
The squad also provides auxiliary law enforcement personnel to assist all law enforcement agencies in Kent County whenever there is need for additional trained manpower.
In 2005, the group established the IT Forensics Analysis Unit to assist the Sheriff's Department as well as other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies with computer-related criminal investigations. In 2006, the squad expanded to include a mounted unit.
Members of the Traffic Squad also participate in fund-raising activities for the department.
For more information about the Traffic Squad, visit their Web site at trafficsquad.com, or contact Captain Donley G. De Groot at (616) 632-6181 ext. 4219.
This story is 100% lies. The reserve unit is not even paid by the sheriff department and they buy all of their own equipment. According to the article, it says that financial considerations were a major factor. How can this be when the sheriff's department had no financial responsibility for the reserve unit? Sadly the main reason for the loss of this amazing group of people (the reserve unit) is 100% political. Lawrence Stelma used to be the liaison officer for the "traffic squad" and because of this had ties to this rag tag unit of people who don't even have thorough background checks done. The facts show that Stelma is a liar and a fraud and has decided to close the reserve unit because he had motives that were completely baseless and fraudulent.
The people of Kent County, Michigan have been lied to by their sheriff and it is time to make it known that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. The position of sheriff is supposed to be filled by a person of integrity and honor yet sheriff Stelma does not have these qualities. Between lies and senseless political maneuvers such as this, he has proven that he is unable to use rational thought and instead has decided to be a completely illogical human being. This should upset all members of this community.
You have been lied to by your sheriff. Contact your sheriff to let him know that you will not allow this kind of behavior to continue.
Sheriff's Office Phone:(616) 632-6111 Fax:(616) 632-6122
Here is the story:
County sheriff merges traffic squad, reserve unit
by Sherry Kuyt
Tuesday August 04, 2009, 11:51 AM
The Kent County Sheriff's Department will eliminate its reserve unit, in part to save money, according to Lt. Kevin Kelley.
As of Sept. 1, the reserve unit will cease to exist and will merge with another existing group, the Kent County Traffic Squad.
"After a thorough analysis and much consideration, it has become apparent that it is in the best interest of all to merge the two independent units into one all-volunteer cohesive organization," Kelley said last week.
"This is more than a name and uniform change, it is an operational and philosophical change as well."
Kelley said financial considerations were a major factor in the decision.
The reserve unit consisted of about 35 paid officers who were contracted out to perform crowd and traffic control at athletic events, parades, and other events in the community. The county provided their training and equipment.
According to the organization Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), the Kent County reserve unit was started in 1965, and its members logged about 1,000 hours of paid service last year.
The Kent County Sheriff's Department Traffic Squad, begun in 1917, is strictly a volunteer organization, and its members buy their own uniforms and equipment and pay for their own training. They must be supervised by a sworn deputy while working.
Kelley said the Traffic Squad performs many other duties besides traffic control. The squad's Enforcement Unit regularly assigns officers to assist the Sheriff's Department with a second officer in cruisers as well as additional support personnel for the Marine and Parks Division.
The squad also provides auxiliary law enforcement personnel to assist all law enforcement agencies in Kent County whenever there is need for additional trained manpower.
In 2005, the group established the IT Forensics Analysis Unit to assist the Sheriff's Department as well as other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies with computer-related criminal investigations. In 2006, the squad expanded to include a mounted unit.
Members of the Traffic Squad also participate in fund-raising activities for the department.
For more information about the Traffic Squad, visit their Web site at trafficsquad.com, or contact Captain Donley G. De Groot at (616) 632-6181 ext. 4219.
This story is 100% lies. The reserve unit is not even paid by the sheriff department and they buy all of their own equipment. According to the article, it says that financial considerations were a major factor. How can this be when the sheriff's department had no financial responsibility for the reserve unit? Sadly the main reason for the loss of this amazing group of people (the reserve unit) is 100% political. Lawrence Stelma used to be the liaison officer for the "traffic squad" and because of this had ties to this rag tag unit of people who don't even have thorough background checks done. The facts show that Stelma is a liar and a fraud and has decided to close the reserve unit because he had motives that were completely baseless and fraudulent.
The people of Kent County, Michigan have been lied to by their sheriff and it is time to make it known that this type of behavior will not be tolerated. The position of sheriff is supposed to be filled by a person of integrity and honor yet sheriff Stelma does not have these qualities. Between lies and senseless political maneuvers such as this, he has proven that he is unable to use rational thought and instead has decided to be a completely illogical human being. This should upset all members of this community.
You have been lied to by your sheriff. Contact your sheriff to let him know that you will not allow this kind of behavior to continue.
Sheriff's Office Phone:(616) 632-6111 Fax:(616) 632-6122