(COLDWATER) - Branch County Sheriff John Blankenship says 2025 marked a year of major progress for his department, highlighted by expanded patrol coverage, upgraded equipment, and new funding for training and public safety.
In his year-end review, Blankenship pointed to the return of 24-hour road patrols in April as a key milestone. The move restored round-the-clock coverage for the first time since 2012, improving emergency response across the county.
The Sheriff's Office also expanded its use of technology, rolling out body-worn and in-car cameras department-wide with the help of 100-thousand dollars in grant funding. Additional upgrades included a new 60-thousand-dollar marine patrol boat, new automated external defibrillators, and a 195-thousand-dollar investment in updated handguns and Tasers.
Blankenship also highlighted financial gains from housing out-of-county inmates from Macomb County, generating a projected 450-thousand dollars in revenue. He said the department added dedicated courthouse security during the year to improve safety for court staff, visitors, and judicial proceedings.
The Sheriff's Office also received about 100-thousand dollars in MCOLES grant funding to help cover police academy costs and expand training opportunities for deputies.