Saginaw Township Police Chief Donald Pussehl retires after 43 years in law enforcement - MLive.com
SAGINAW TWP, MI — After nearly two decades in the position, Donald F. Pussehl Jr. has retired as chief of the Saginaw Township police.
Pussehl, 64, announced his retirement on Friday, Jan. 7. He had served as the department’s chief since August 2004.
“Some say that when you love what you are doing, then the time slips quickly by,” Pussehl said in a written statement. “This has been the case for me. I have been privileged to work with some of the finest professionals in all walks of life, not only in this community but throughout the state. I have met many people and have developed friendships that will last for a lifetime. I thank you for your support and guidance throughout the years.”
Pussehl’s law enforcement career spanned 43 years. He previously worked with the Bridgeport Township Police Department and spent 19 years with the Saginaw Police Department, serving at different times as a detective, sergeant, lieutenant, deputy chief, and chief.
With Pussehl having retired, Lt. Scott Malace is serving as interim chief. He is to be sworn in as the new permanent chief the evening of Jan. 10.
Pussehl had been placed on administrative leave from the department on Nov. 21, after having been arrested the prior day by Michigan State Police troopers in Otsego County on a drunken driving charge. Pussehl was reinstated sometime before his retirement.
Pussehl on Thursday, Jan. 6, appeared in Otsego County District Court and pleaded guilty to one count of operating a motor vehicle while visibly impaired. That charge is a 93-day misdemeanor.
In exchange, the prosecution agreed to dismiss one count of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, also a 93-day misdemeanor. Pussehl was ordered to pay $740, which he has paid in full.
Otsego County Prosecutor Michael Rola said it is standard procedure for such a resolution in a drunken driving case.
Pussehl had announced his intention to retire in January prior to his November arrest.
MLive-The Saginaw News could not reach Saginaw Township Interim Manager Brian Rombalski for comment.
“Throughout my career I have met many people under a variety of circumstances,” Pussehl wrote in his statement, “sometimes during pleasant times, sometimes during an emergency and sometimes during a difficult period in their lives. As I look back over the years, I hope that my service was able to offer help and guidance in whatever the situation may have been. If you might feel otherwise, I apologize. Police officers are human too and have their weak moments at times also.”
Pussehl went on to thank his colleagues in public safety and his family.
“It has been my pleasure to serve the fine members of our community,” Pussehl concluded. “I wish you only the best. May you always be safe and kept from harm.”
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source: https://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw-bay-city/2022/01/saginaw-township-police-chief-donald-pussehl-retires-after-43-years-in-law-enforcement.html
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