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By Sarah Novak
OSCODA COUNTY – The Oscoda County Sheriff’s Department began 2025 in a freshly constructed police station and welcomed new Sheriff- Taylor Kann. Through the past 12 months several advancements were also made within the sheriff’s office, furthering their progress and ability to serve the community.
In June, the office purchased a new patrol vehicle with Oscoda County’s first in car computer. This technology allows for officers to instantly print E-citations while streamlining their abilities on the road. New body armor, uniforms, and body worn cameras for every road patrol officer were also obtained. The cameras are proving to be impactful tools that aide officers in reflecting and reviewing evidence when writing incident reports.
At the end of October, a brand-new side by side was purchased with help from a State of Michigan grant. Funds from this grant also provided wages to allow for additional patrol along the ORV trail systems in Oscoda County, increasing emergency response capabilities in areas normally inaccessible by regular vehicles.
Along with new equipment, a four-legged officer joined the county’s law enforcement this October, a Belgium Malinois named Draco. Three new deputies were also hired on, making the office fully staffed. Having a full patrol crew ensured a deputy to be assigned to the STING undercover narcotics team for a majority of 2025.
“My focus this past year was to be prepared and equipped to help our community when and where it’s needed,” said Sheriff Kann. “We are always working to improve, I think everyone in the department is proud to be where we are now with the new upgrades.”
Oscoda County deputies also underwent various specialized training classes last year. Due to devastating drownings every year, deputies went to a MI State Police Training Academy focused on underwater rescue and vehicle submergence. They also helped organize an active violence training alongside Kirtland Community College’s public safety program. This annual training enables the police force to work with other Oscoda County emergency services and become familiar with different protocols within each office.
Moving forward into the new year, they are looking into grant programs to aide in the purchase of a drone that would assist in retrieving missing people. There will also be a strong focus on specialized training and community events. Deputies have already begun meeting with churches and manufacture industries throughout the county and give them tips on how to maintain security for their congregation and staff.
“We are striving to be transparent and want the community to feel connected to us and a big part of that is through community outreach and social media,” said Sheriff Kann.
Follow along the Oscoda County Sheriff Office Facebook for more updates and information on attending a monthly “meet and greet” with deputies.
- To reach Sarah visit [email protected]
