By Mary Drier
(Contact / Staff Bio)
July 1, 2009 - 11:16 a.m. EST
Click on photo to enlarge
Due to several issues, the county’s Mounted Division is no more for now.
TUSCOLA COUNTY — There have been some arresting developments with the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Mounted Division, and the sheriff has ordered all activities of the group to cease and desist.
The mounted division is a volunteer group that started in the 1950s as a posse to assist the sheriff’s department.
On June 23, Sheriff Lee Teschendorf sent a letter informing mounted division members of his concerns, and that all activities and programs of the group stop immediately.
“As of today, no member will wear any uniform or part of uniform associated with the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office or Mounted Division,” stated Teschendorf’s letter. “Every member will return their identification card immediately.”
Teschendorf made that decision when he received a letter from an attorney threatening a lawsuit for violation of the Elliott - Larsen Civil Rights Act because an application to be a mounted division member was denied. Under the act, it is illegal to discriminate against a a person because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, familial or marital status.
“I don’t want to jeopardize putting the county in the middle of this. I didn’t devolve the group. They were just suspended until everything is sorted out,” he said. “I hate to do this, but I’m not going to put the county in the middle of this.”
If the mounted division wants to be reestablished, it needs updated by-laws, an organizational charter and paperwork for non-profit status.
“This will give them time to develop an application process, and criteria for membership,” Teschendorf said, noting it wasn’t a decision he made lightly. “They are a very functional organization and I would hate to see them disband.”
The mounted division operates from horseback assisting with missing person searches in areas where vehicles can’t travel, and with security for festivals. It has 11 members.
Because of the suspension, the mounted division cannot provide security services at events, so event organizers have to make other arrangements.
“I hope they get this worked out before the fair,” said Teschendorf.
The 128th Tuscola County Fair is July 26 - Aug. 1.
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July 2, 2009
9:57 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I can't believe something like this crap would happen in Tuscola county. The sheriff should grow a set and tell these people that are discriminated against to go where the sun doesn't shine.!
July 2, 2009
10:16 a.m.Report inappropriate content
Tomthumb: Yes you can - only in Caro does this happen!! Ask around about who filed the complaint and then you'll understand. We can only hope that the current members of the mounted division stand their ground and don't give in to the person screaming discrimination!! PLEASE!!
July 2, 2009
11:56 a.m.Report inappropriate content
I'd sure like more information on the specific charges before making any statements. I don't believe for a second that Sheriff Teschendorf would engage in any kind of discriminatory practices and understand why, unfortunately, he had to take this position. Hope they are able to get this straightened out and make clear that the government of Tuscola County is in no way, shape, or form discriminatory.
July 2, 2009
7:19 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Wow. All it takes is one lawyer letter
and dozens of people have to stop doing
what they love. It's idiotic.
July 2, 2009
9:56 p.m.Report inappropriate content
If they were operating without proper by-laws and other important documents, perhaps temporary suspension of the program will be a good thing. The group was merely suspended according to the article, not disbanded.
July 7, 2009
12:26 p.m.Report inappropriate content
Just remember, the person who filed the complaint on the Sheriff's Posse just got on the school board. Do you people know who you voted in???? I think you will be sorry. Does this tell you what kind of person he is. Maybe looking for a quick buck huh? Times are bad now.
July 7, 2009
3:55 p.m.Report inappropriate content
SORRY: You've got to be kidding about this right? Well those individuals that voted this person back on the school board, after he resigned, are getting what they asked for then eh? It's a real shame that this person gets away with so much and we as taxpapyers aren't holding him accountable. Any ideas?