Atlas Twp.-Late last month three new deputies were transferred to patrol in the township, replacing existing personnel.
James Gage, Genesee County undersheriff, said on Feb. 20, eight-year veteran Deputy Casey Seely, six-year veteran Deputy Chris McNamara and Deputy Kevin Sprague, a five-year veteran with experience in the county marine division, were assigned to area patrols.
Fifteen-year veteran Dan Livingston will stay on at the township; however, Gage said if he decides to take the test in 2010 he would be high on the list for a promotion.
‘These are definitely the A-Team in Atlas Township,? said Gage, who is also a township resident. ‘We have about 14 deputies assigned to the county jail that are not only certified for the job, but also are part of an excellent pool to choose from if an opening exists.?
The previous township deputies were transferred to other locations within the Genesee County Sheriff Department.
Deputy Heidi Molyneaux was transferred to Vienna Township, where like Atlas Township, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department also has a contract.Deputy Bill Brandon, was transfered to secondary road patrol’a county-wide program funded by the state. Deputy Matt McKay, just needed a change and was moved to the Genesee County Court Divison.
The township established a contract with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department about 14 years ago, funded by 1 mill from area property owners. Funding for the deputies was increased in 2005 by a special assessment of $50 for every improved lot and $25 for unimproved lots, which is set to expire in 2010.
The GCSD contract, which is estimated at $539,000 for 2009-10 fiscal year, includes four deputies along with a detective-sergeant with costs divided between Fenton and Atlas townships. The residents of Vienna Township also have a contract with the sheriff ‘sdepartment.