Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office former undersheriff, Gregory Postma, announced resignation on Thursday, May 12, begging the question of who would fill his boots.
Sheriff Michael Bitnar answered back Monday afternoon when Lawrence J. Hough was sworn in as the county’s newest undersheriff.
“The department is a close knit family,” said Undersheriff Hough. “We grew up in this department. Bitnar was hired full time when I started part time. I was surprised and proud that he asked me. I am excited because it is something new.”
Hough first certified as deputy sheriff in April of 1995, working part time in conjunction with his responsibilities at the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC). He worked for the MDOC 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).
When Hough retired from the MDOC a few years back, he sought to remain active in law enforcement. In December of 2018, he signed on full time with the sheriff's office. Hough immediately took over in directing the recreational enforcement deputy sheriff program to include its marine, off-road vehicle, search and rescue, and drone divisions.
Hough was honored for “going above and beyond” in December of last year at the department's annual Christmas banquet.
“Sometimes, the ‘Officer of the Year’ has dedicated years of service to the department,” Bitnar said back in December. “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.”
The sheriff, then, described Hough’s commitment as “amazing.”
But Bitnar’s decision to appoint Hough to the position of undersheriff was based on more than commitment alone, citing “extensive experience” in supervisory roles pertaining to both patrol and corrections.
“Our sheriff’s office is a combination of road patrol and corrections,” said Bitnar. "It is unusual to have an undersheriff who understands both sides.”
Hough may be ahead of the learning curb, but there is still a lot of learning left to do. Postma has promised to help train and mentor Hough for his new role as undersheriff.
Simultaneously, today also marked the first day of Postma’s future career as Chippewa County 911 Director. Hough spoke highly of Postma, happy to learn and take over.
“This position is all about management, personnel, equipment, jail and a bit of everything,” said Hough. “I am leaning, and my mind is smoking with all sorts of reports and duties that need to be taken care of for the state: warrants, bonds, gun permits and probation orders.”
Resulting from Hough’s promotion, Justin Fruchey has been promoted to sergeant. Sgt. Fruchey will take Hough’s place in the recreational enforcement deputy sheriff program.
“He is a hardworking employee, who is also active in the national guard,” said Bitnar of his new sergeant. “He is well rounded and highly suited.”
Bitnar added that many of Fruchey’s training and certification requirements have already been fulfilled. Of course, any questions that arise will surely be answered by Undersheriff Lawrence J. Hough.
