Officer Brendan Talty recently retired from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) after more than 25 years of service.
After serving in the U.S. Marines, Officer Talty joined the MPPD and served on the nightshift for his entire law enforcement career. During his tenure, Talty was a member of the Isabella County Traffic Team and was on motorcycle patrol.
Director Paul Lauria shared, “Officer Talty’s career as an officer served him and his community well. He took great pride in his duties, and was committed to patrolling downtown, making sure businesses were safe and secure.” Lauria added, “Our department will miss his experience and dedication to patrolling our streets.”
On February 3, 2023 at approximately 3:35 p.m. officers from the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to a two-car accident involving a Chevy Impala and a Ford F-250 at Sweeney and Broomfield Street. A Chevy Impala traveling south on Sweeney failed to yield to oncoming traffic. A Ford F-250 traveling west on Broomfield collided with the driver’s side of the Chevy Impala.
The driver of the Ford F-250, a 61-year-old male, and a 61-year-old female passenger both from the Port Huron area refused medical treatment at the scene.
The passenger in the Chevy Impala, a 92-year-old male was pronounced deceased at a local hospital. The driver, an 81-year-old female is currently in critical condition. Both individuals are from the Mt. Pleasant area.
This accident remains under investigation.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Michigan State Police, Central Michigan University Police, Mobile Medical Response, Isabella County Central Dispatch and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department.
Sergeant Dave VanDyke will be retiring on January 21, after more than 26 years of service to the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). A graduate of the Delta Police Academy, Dave initially joined the city as a seasonal park ranger before being hired as a full-time police officer. He later served as Public Information Officer (PIO) interfacing with both the community and media. VanDyke was ultimately promoted to Sergeant, following in the footsteps of his father, Sergeant Wayne VanDyke who retired from the MPPD in 1991.
VanDyke was heavily involved in the MPPD’s training programs, serving as both a firearms and defensive tactics instructor. He was a crime scene investigator for 25 years, an evidence technician, and was a member of the Traffic Enforcement Team and a team leader on the Emergency Services Team, on which he served for 22 years.
Reflecting on his career with the MPPD, VanDyke observed, “I have had a multitude of memorable moments, many of which were tragic high-profile cases. But the one constant was the dedication and extreme effort put forth by members of the MPPD.” He continued, “It is a challenging job, but being part of our committed public safety team was very rewarding. I look forward to our new recruits being able to experience this same feeling of camaraderie.”
“During his impressive tenure with the MPPD, Dave has remained steadfast in his service to law enforcement and our community, Director Paul Lauria recalled. “Throughout his many special assignments and at times, tragic cases, Dave exhibited both compassion and an unwavering drive to solve a case.” Lauria added, “Dave continuously valued the importance of training. He served as a respected firearms and defensive tactics instructor to help refine the skills of our officers. This, along with Dave’s tireless service on our Emergency Services Team, were vital assets to our department. His expertise and commitment will certainly be missed.”
In retirement, VanDyke will pursue another position where he can continue to serve his community.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is taking the plunge to benefit Special Olympics Michigan athletes.
We need your help in raising $15,000. Once that goal is met, MPPD Command Officers will take the chilly dive at the Polar Plunge event, scheduled for 12 p.m. on February 11, 2023 at the Wayside/O’Kelly’s parking lot.
How can you help?
Just visit https://give.classy.org/mtppd to make your donation and help the MPPD reach its $15,000 goal. Gifts of any amount are welcome.
Cash and check donations are also accepted. Checks can be made payable to Special Olympics of Michigan, with “MPPD Polar Plunge” notated on the memo line. Donations can be mailed or delivered to:
Division of Public Safety
ATTN: MPPD Polar Plunge
804 E. High St.
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Don’t miss the opportunity to help Special Olympics of Michigan, and witness Paul Lauria, Brandon Bliss and Mike Williams take their icy plunge. Donate today.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is pleased to announce Officer Chris Leonard has been named Youth Services Unit (YSU) Officer for Mt. Pleasant High School.
Officer Leonard joined the MPPD in April 2022. Prior law enforcement experience includes, 13 years of service with the Isabella County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections sergeant and road patrol deputy.
Chris received his corrections academy certificate from Mid-Michigan Community College and is a graduate of the Delta College Police Academy.
The YSU, in existence since 1996, is a valuable program which involves police positively interacting with youth at an early age. The YSU Officer spends a considerable amount of time in the schools and provides guidance and support to students when needed, ultimately forming lifelong bonds. The popular Youth Police Academy and Shop with a Cop are just a few of the programs hosted by YSU.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Krapohl Ford Lincoln invites the public to help ‘cram a cruiser’ with new, unwrapped, unopened toys to support Toys for Tots.
Mt. Pleasant Police Officers look forward to personally thanking you for your generosity at the toy drop offs scheduled for:
December 1 from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. at Kraphol Ford Lincoln, 1415 E. Pickard Road.
December 8 from 4:00-6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.
December 15 from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. in front of the Division of Public Safety Building, 804 E. High Street.
Officer Mike Williams has been promoted to Lieutenant of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD), and will assume his new duties immediately.
Mike possesses 23 years of law enforcement experience, 14 of those years with the MPPD. During his MPPD tenure, Mike has served as a Youth Services Officer, Field Training Officer, Fire Investigation Officer, Evidence Room Manager and supervised Crossing Guards and Park Rangers. Mike was also President of the Police Officers Association of Michigan for the MPPD. Other previous law enforcement assignments include service as Corrections Sergeant and Undersheriff for Mecosta County.
Assistant Police Chief Brandon Bliss shared, “Mike’s strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, solid-decision making abilities, and his natural capacity to serve, greatly benefits our department. We are excited to welcome Mike to the police administration team.”
UPDATED: 11/5/2022 at 7 p.m. – The family of the two children have been located. There is no additional information at this time. Updates will be provided when available.
On November 5, 2022 at 12:45 a.m. Mt. Pleasant Police Officers responded to a call in which two small children were discovered unaccompanied within the city limits. The children are a 15 to 18-month-old male, and a 4 to 6-month-old female.
The children are currently under Child Protective Services guardianship.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the children and their parent(s) or guardian(s). Currently, only a photo of the 15 to 18-month-old male child is available.
Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Mt. Pleasant Police Department’s Anonymous Tip Line at 989-779-9111 or Central Dispatch at 989-773-1000. This is an ongoing and open investigation. Updates will be provided when available.
The Mt. Pleasant Police Department was assisted by the Isabella County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, Isabella County Central Dispatch, and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Police Department.
Summary of Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held Monday, October 10, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Commission Room, 320 W. Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant, Michigan with virtual options.
City Clerk administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed City Commissioner Bryan Chapman.
Mayor Perschbacher read and presented a Proclamation recognizing Indigenous People’s Day – October 10, 2022. The Onion Creek Drummers performed the Drum Ceremony.
Approved the Agenda as presented.
Received petitions and communications.
Approved the following items on the Consent Calendar:
4) Minutes of the regular meeting of the City Commission held September 26, 2022.
5) Contract with Great Lakes Concrete Restoration Inc. of Troy/Prudenville, MI for the Apparatus Bay Floor Restoration Project.
6) Warrants and Payrolls.
Held a public hearing and passed, ordained and ordered published Ordinance 1085, an ordinance to add a Chapter 116 to Title XI: Business Regulations of the City of Mt. Pleasant Code of Ordinances entitled “Electric Scooters/Skateboards”.
Approved resolution for the expansion of the Development District and revised Off-Premise and On-Premise Liquor License Policy.
Adopted Resolutions #1 and #2 To Commence Proceedings For Special Assessment, Tentatively Determine The Necessity, And Set A Public Hearing For October 24, 2022, Regarding the Necessity of Special Assessment District #3-22.
Mayor Perschbacher appointed Commissioner Liz Busch to the Principal Shopping District Board to replace Commissioner Ronan.
Conducted a Work Session on the 2023 Operating Budget.
MT. PLEASANT, MI – Director of Public Safety/Police Chief Paul Lauria recently announced personnel changes within the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD). Effective November 4, 2022, Assistant Police Chief Andy Latham will retire after 26 years of service to the department. Lieutenant Brandon Bliss has been promoted to Assistant Police Chief and will assume his new duties on November 6, 2022.
Director Lauria stated, “There is much to celebrate with these recent personnel changes. It is wonderful to witness a dedicated and successful law enforcement official like Assistant Police Chief Latham achieve retirement. His commitment to our profession and department is truly appreciated and we thank him for his service. It is a bonus,” Lauria continued, “to have the ability to promote a highly qualified individual like Brandon Bliss up through the departmental ranks to fill the role of Assistant Police Chief. Since joining the MPPD in 2008, Brandon has exhibited a strong work ethic and dedication. He will do well in his new role.”
During his tenure with the MPPD, Assistant Police Chief Andy Latham progressed through the ranks of Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Assistant Police Chief.
Special assignments included serving on the Isabella County Traffic Team, Bayanet, Youth Services Unit, and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Technical Rescue Team. He was also a Motor Operator, Arson Investigator and Commander of the Emergency Services Unit.
Andy has long taken pride in assisting his community by organizing MPPD volunteer activities including: Toys for Tots, Shop with a Cop, Shop with a Hero, Christmas Outreach, helping the Strickler Center Food Pantry, as well as preparing and serving food for the Isabella County Restoration House.
As Andy shared, “I am very fortunate to have spent my career at the MPPD. I have been encouraged and motivated to refine and grow my skill set.” During his law enforcement years, Andy completed multiple Michigan State Police Supervisory Courses, as well as graduated from the Grand Rapids Police Executive Leadership Institute, and the FBI National Academy. This is in addition to his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia Southern University.
Reflecting on his MPPD experiences Andy observed, “I have had the pleasure of working with many noble men and women over the decades. Our community is fortunate to have a Division of Public Safety populated with men and women who are courageous, caring and are deserving of continued gratitude and support. As I retire from the law enforcement profession,” He added, “I do so with great memories, lasting friendships and no regrets. It has been my pleasure to serve the Mt. Pleasant community alongside a talented and committed Public Safety team.”
Andy’s immediate retirement plans include assuming the role of Dean of Students/Athletic Director for Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant.
In assuming his new position, Brandon Bliss possesses more than 17 years of law enforcement experience, with 14 of these years with the MPPD. During his time with the department he has served as a Lieutenant, Sergeant, Youth Services Unit Officer, team leader for the Emergency Services Team, lead Sergeant for the Field Training Program and held union leadership roles with the Police Officers Association of Michigan and the Command Officers Association of Michigan.
Brandon obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Throughout his career he has also completed Michigan State University’s First Line Supervision Program as well as attending various other supervisory and leadership schools.
In regards to his new role Brandon shared, “There have been many exemplary leaders at the MPPD over the years. I look forward to carrying on that long tradition of excellence. I am even more excited to help and support a great group of officers who serve our community, in multiple ways, with integrity, pride and compassion.”
City of Mt.Pleasant 
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