By Amy Joles (Contact / Staff Bio)
November 4, 2009 - 10:16 a.m. EST

CARO — At Monday’s meeting, the Caro Village Council voted to eliminate the sergeant’s position from the village police roster.

The vote means that Detective Sgt. Dale Stevenson will no longer be employed by the village. Stevenson has worked with the Caro Police Department for six years now. He retired from the Michigan State Police prior to working with the village.

The cut was made due to budget constraints.

Following the vote, Caro Village Manger Don Beavers commended Stevenson for his work with the village and explained that reductions in state revenue sharing have forced reductions in a variety of areas.

“This is an unfortunate situation that caused this to happen,” said Beavers. “ I would like to thank Dale for his service.”

Stevenson told the council that he understood the decision was made based on a recommendation from the personnel committee and was based on budget shortfalls.

“I have the safety of a pension and I have health coverage,” he said. “I would rather it be me than a junior patrolman.”

Former Michigan State Police Sgt. Brian Newcomb is now serving as the chief of the Caro Police Department. Newcomb was hired to replace Chief Benson Page, who retired in September.