“Sometimes, the ‘Officer of the Year’ has dedicated years of service to the department,” Sheriff Mike Bitnar said of his deputy and long-time friend. “Other times, that officer is recognized for going above and beyond in a single event. Larry is both. He always goes above and beyond, putting his personal self aside for the department and community.”
Bitnar described Hough’s commitment as “amazing.”
The newly awarded ‘Officer of the Year’ only wished to reciprocate appreciation.
“We are so much like a family,” he said. “We all grew up together and started around the same time. We are fortunate to have public support.”
In describing an event he was proud of, Hough pointed to three recipients of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association (MSA) Life Saving Award: CCSO Det. Doug Mitchell, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Cpl. Kevin Postma and Conservation Sgt. Calvin Smith.
It was approximately two years ago, when nearly the entire sheriff’s department responded to a child kidnapping in Paradise.
“These three brave men followed the kidnappers’ tracks out onto Lake Superior in bad weather conditions and over very bad ice,” Bitnar stated in a press release. “The two kidnappers and the small child were found two miles out onto the ice. By the time they found the three, they were already wet and huddled together unable to go any farther. There is no doubt that without the actions of these officers, all three would not have made it.”
Such events and colleagues have motivated Hough for more than 30 years.
Destined to live a life of service, he walked the straight line of footprints forged by father – Retired Chippewa County Sheriff’s Deputy Gary Hough.
“I told him I was thinking of becoming an auto mechanic,” Hough recalled of a conversation he shared with his father shortly after high school graduation. “He said, ‘What do you want to do that for?’ ‘Why don’t you just become a cop?’”
The question stopped Hough in his tracks. He thought about it for a moment and answered, “Yeah, why not?”
Thanks to his dad’s financial contribution, Hough studied to complete an associate degree in criminal justice at Lake Superior State University. Thus, paving the path to a career.
Hough joined the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) in 1989, having retired from the Chippewa Correctional Facility just four years ago. He worked as a corrections officer, Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor (ARUS) and Corrections Security Inspector. He even served as an elite member of the department’s Emergency Response Team (ERT).
Hough kicked around the idea of becoming a United States Border Patrol Agent or Michigan State Police Trooper. Instead, he chose to stay with the MDOC.
“First and foremost, it was the money,” Hough admitted. “I was under the old retirement system. I also felt invested.”
When Hough was not wearing gray and black, he wore brown and khaki.
“I started part-time with the sheriff’s department in 1991,” said Hough. “I went on a leave of absence from the MDOC to put myself through the Delta College Police Academy in 1993. I graduated and became a (MCOLES) certified police officer.”
Hough has responded to all sorts of calls over the years, citing one in particular.
“A grandpa and his grandson were out ice fishing,” he said. “They had a cell phone and were lucky enough to get a call out. We went out on the ice in blizzard conditions and found them in an ice shanty. We were able to rescue them.”
While Hough is still quick and eager respond to calls for help, he also enjoys training fellow officers and educating children.
“The sheriff is very pro-education and law enforcement,” Hough said. He appreciates us going into schools. We have shown students drones. Kids respond well to that.”
In a press release, Bitnar referred to Hough as the department’s “Recreational Enforcement Deputy Sheriff.” He is responsible for search and rescue, marine patrol, snowmobile patrol, off-road vehicle (OVR) operations and the drone division.
“Deputy Hough sets our office up to participate in many training events, such as ice rescue, multi-agency training that involve water/ice, and snowmobile training,” Bitnar stated in the release. “Hough has presented to numerous schools and groups. He brings emergency equipment to the children and gives drone demonstrations.”
Bitner was responsible for putting together the department’s drone training program, a mission he is passionate about.
“We have to know deputies can operate the recreational equipment,” Hough said. “So, I show people how to work it. We use drones for accident scenes or search and rescue every chance we get. We have two different cameras. You can see miles with one. We can pick up a license plate from miles away. The other is an infrared camera used at night. It’s a pretty amazing piece of equipment.”
The department currently has one hovercraft, one airboat, three small boats, one 25-foot boat and five snowmobiles.
“Most deputies have been through snowmobile training,” said Hough. “We are sending one to school this winter to make for a full-force. We had a group of people come in this weekend to get familiar with the snowmobiles. It makes it easier when people know how to operate the equipment.”
Throughout his career, Hough has made a point to pass his knowledge on to those who follow in his footprints. While Hough does not have a set retirement date, he expects to retire within the next couple of years. When that day arrives, his own set of leather boots could prove difficult to fill.
“I thank you, Larry Hough, for your service and congratulations,” said Sheriff Bitnar.
