Lenox Townships boosts police presence

Deal with sheriff's office gives township 24-hour patrols

Candice Williams / The Detroit News

Lenox Township -- This mostly rural northern Macomb community is beefing up its police coverage to provide 24-hour patrols starting today.

Officials say the extra coverage from the Macomb County Sheriff's Department is needed as calls have increased in recent years, particularly for breaking and entering, in the down economy.

"We wanted to nip this in the bud before this got worse," Township Supervisor Ron Trombly said. "With all the cutbacks that's one thing I felt we couldn't jeopardize. We're taking every precaution that we can."

The County Board of Commissioners approved last week the township's three-year contract with the Sheriff's Office for a little more than $500,000. It doubles the township's dedicated coverage from two to four deputies.

For years, the township was without dedicated patrols from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and periodically without day and afternoon coverage when one of the two deputies was on vacation.

When there was an emergency during the night, Lenox Township would get a response from the one Sheriff's car that covers Bruce, Armada, Richmond and Ray townships. Or they would get help from nearby New Haven or the Michigan State Police.

Not having an officer dedicated to the township is a disadvantage, Sheriff Capt. Dave Teske said.

"Sometimes response times are critical," he said. "If you have an officer in your township, obviously you'd get a quicker response time. (Lenox) decided to step up and do it themselves. We understand some of the other townships can't afford it." Deputy Christopher Cory, who has patrolled the township during the day shift for 10 years, said he's glad for the extra help.

"We all applauded when it got approved," he said.

The township's Board of Trustees will discuss the new public safety measure during its meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Resident Mickey Bronson, 58, a retired Roseville firefighter who moved to the area four years ago, said he was pleased to hear of the increased coverage.

"Coming out here it's still a neighborhood type thing," he said. "Everyone locks their doors now of course.

"I haven't heard of a lot of problems at all. (The township) is 36 square miles, so it doesn't hurt to have extra police protection."

cwilliams@detnews.com (586) 468-0529