Laid-off State Trooper Michael Ledy brought seven of his colleagues to Saginaw County State Representative Ken Horn’s public safety town hall forum in Thomas Township. About 100 troopers have been laid off in recent months.
“We took an oath back in December when we graduated from our academy to protect everybody in this state. That’s all we want to keep doing,” Ledy said at the town hall.
Horn, along with other local and county leaders talked about ways to get Ledy and his colleagues back to work. Horn’s office received about 800 letters from people across the state in recent weeks saying they want the Troopers back on the job.
"We can't afford to release 3,500 predators on our streets and to layoff Troopers and police officers at the same time. It just doesn't make a lick of sense to these people right here,” Horn said.
The vice president of the Michigan State Police Troopers Association (MSPTA) said it is paramount. “Right here in Saginaw County the State Police presence is extremely important,” said VP Christopher Luty. Saginaw County Prosecutor Michael Thomas said a combination of law enforcement cuts and early non-violent release means extra case loads with more crimes committed.
"I'm seeing too many people getting out on earlier parole than they should be. We need to get back to who is running this state- the citizens or people with ill-fated agendas,” Thomas said.
Horn said the best thing people can do is write to members of the State Legislature and the Governor’s office. Meanwhile the MSPTA plans to launch a radio campaign next week urging the public to support the rehiring of State Troopers, before the next fiscal year begins on October 1.
