By Dean Vaglia
Leader Staff Writer
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard joined Oxford Township officials in thanking donors for a flag pole and carport installed at the township Oakland County Sheriff’s Office substation on Thursday, Nov. 4.
Oxford-based company Carport Structures Corporation donated and built a carport valued at $70,000 while Oxford residents Clark Harris, Leslie Harris and Dave Kunselman donated $2,095 to construct a new flagpole and purchase related amenities.
“The carport and the flagpole are amazing additions,” Bouchard said. “They are super important. Every time that our folks walk in and out under that flag, I think it’s a good reminder of who we serve and what we serve. I am super proud of our people and our substation.”
To Bouchard, the donations serve as tangible signs of community support.
“[Deputies] see the community supporting them by efforts like this,” Bouchard said. “With so many events around the country and around the world where a lot of police officers feel less than supported, one of my biggest challenges these days is to be the wind under their wings and remind them how many good people out there support the tough job that they’re doing every day. This is an example to them — a tangible example — that you care about them, you appreciate them and you want them to have the kind of environment that they’re proud to come to work in.”
According to OCSO Sgt. Frank Lenz, the Oxford Township substation has 21 personnel. This includes two detectives, a school liaison and support staff.
“Currently we are understaffed,” Jack Curtis, Township Supervisor, said. “We are one of the highest … enclosure rates for townships or municipalities serviced by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department [sic]. These folks here, with your tax dollars, are doing probably one of the best jobs in all communities, but we can’t take it away from one brown uniform because I know the word and they’ll be here. Helicopters, dogs, boats — it’s a great policing agency to have in our township.”
Bouchard recently purchased land in Oxford Township for his daughter.