St. Clair Police Reserves
St. Clair, Michigan
(Page 2)

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WRITTEN and HOSTED by COMMANDER RONALD F. BODEN
ST. CLAIR POLICE DEPARTMENT RESERVE POLICE 

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NRLO Awards Presented to St. Clair Police Reserves

2004 "Distinguished Public Service" Award presented to
Chief of Police Donald Barnum

Distinguished Pulic Service Award:  "I really appreciate receiving the award from NRLO."  He also said: "NRLO's professional letter and Award are marks of excellence standard which NRLO displays in service to others."

About Chief of Police Donald R. Barnum:
By St. Clair Police Reserve Commander Ronald F. Boden

Chief of Police Donald R. Barnum has served as Chief of the St. Clair Police Department for 10 years before retiring in March of 2008.  He has returned to his post as a Contract Officer to carry on in his new position.  He has served well in Police Administration.

Chief Barnum at his desk:  Upon receipt of NRLO's special Award titled "2004 DISTINGUISED SERVICE AWARD" - Chief of Police Barnum said:  "I truly appreciate NRLO's recognition as stated in the special "NRLO Presentation Letter" and through the "NRLO 2004 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD."

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 AWARDS

Click here to see the promotion of Lee A. Flemming to Reserve Captain plus the presentation of
NRLO's "2008 Merit Service Award" 

NRLO Awards and St. Clair Police Reserve Shadow Boxes Presented
The special shadow boxes were designed and crafted and presented by Commander Ronald F. Boden on behalf of the St. Clair Police Department and St. Clair Police Reserve

On October 23, 2004, a Fall Dinner and Awards ceremony was held at the "Voyager" restaurant in St. Clair.  NRLO Awards were presented to St. Clair Police Department Chief of Police Donald R. Barnum; to Reserve President, Lieutenant Ronald F. Boden; and to Special Police Officers James "Red" Fraser, David F. Schaaf, Robert Bowlby, Kenneth Schunk, Kent Bacon, and Richard Schwartz.  Also presented were special shadow boxes designed and given by Commander Boden on behalf of the St. Clair Police Reserve.  Click here for photos of the Dinner and Awards presentations.

On May 26, 2005, an awards ceremony was held at the St. Clair Police Reserve Hall.  NRLO awards were presented to Past President Officer Lee Flemming and to Sergeant Kenneth Brinker.  (Photographs below)  Also presented were special shadow boxes designed and given by Commander Boden on behalf of the St. Clair Police Reserve to Corporal Kent Bacon, and Officer Richart Schwartz.

Photo left:  NRLO Certificate mounted on attractive wooden plaque for Sergeant Kenneth Brinker for 20 years of service to the St. Clair Special Police and St Clair Police Reserve.  The award was presented to Sergeant Brinker on behalf of NRLO by Commander Ronald F. Boden.

 

Photo right:  NRLO Certificate for Past President Officer Lee Flemming for 20 years of service to the St. Clair Special Police and St. Clair Police Reserve.  A letter of presentation to Officer Flemming from NRLO was read by Commander Ronald F. Boden.

Photo left:  Cpl. D. Kent Bacon presented with special St. Clair Police Reserve Shadow Box for 30 years of service to the St. Clair Special Police and St. Clair Police Reserve.  (note:  the shadow boxes were designed and constructed by Commander Ronald F. Boden).

Photo left:  NRLO Certificate mounted on attractive wooden plaque for Past President Officer Lee Flemming for 20 years of service to the St.Clair Special Police and St. Clair Police Reserve.

Photo right:  Shadow box presented to Past President Officer David Schaaf for 50 years of service to the community in the St. Clair Special Police and St. Clair Police Reserve.  Presented by Commander Ronald F. Boden.

Photo left:  Officer Richard Schwartz receiving a shadow box for 30 years of service to the community, the St. Clair Special Police and St. Clair Police Reserve..

(Front row, left to right:)  Officer Colin Chishlom; Officer Susan Westrick (K-9); Sergeant Kenneth Brinker; Past President Officer David Schaaf.  (Back row, left to right):  Sergeant Charles Davidson; Corporal Jay Wetzel; Commander Ronald F. Boden; Past President, Officer Lee Flemming; Corporal D. Kent Bacon.

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History of the St. Clair Police Department Special Police
Currently known as the St. Clair Police Reserve

          This is the original patch from 1946.
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Submitted by Commander Ronald F. Boden
St. Clair Police Department Police Reserve

In the year of 1946, Russell McCartney, Police Chief of Saint Clair, formed the Saint Clair Special Police.  Mike Delano was the City Superintendent, and Dr. Frank Carney the Mayor.

The first uniforms consisted of work shirts and pants.  Stripes were sewn down the pant legs by the local tailor Erwin Pollex.  In later years, regular Police uniforms were acquired.

Meeting places for the Special Police were held in Officer John E. Stubbs' home, the front lawn of the City Hall, and in the City Hall itself.  Meetings were also held in the basement of the Schwab Bottling Company which was later turned into the City Library.  In 1968, a new Special Police Hall was built by the members of the Special Police. 

The Saint Clair Special Police have always been a volunteer organization with a small stipend provided by the city for operating expenses.

The Charter Members were trained in first aid, ambulance driving, and rescuing pilots from downed planes due to the proximity of an Army Air force installation, Selfridge Field. 

The Charter Members were Joe McCormick, John Stubbs, Lloyd Pauly, Jack McCormick, George Friederichs, Gerry Kelly, Bernie Kuhn, Bob Brown, and Wilfred Campbell.  The last Charter Member, Jack McCormick, retired in 1993, as an active Officer.

In later years, the Specials have had courses in firearms, first aid training, crowd control, natural disasters such as tornadoes, and criminal investigation.

The Specials' first duty came early in the A.M. on July 4, 1946.  They were called to assist the Saint Clair Fire Department in a dragging operation for a drowning victim in the Saint Clair River, east of the Diamond Crystal Salt Company.  The body was recovered in about four hours.

A few hours later, the Saint Clair Lions Club held the 4th of July celebration.  It was estimated by Chief McCartney that the newly organized Unit controlled over 20,000 cars traveling north and south on Riverside Avenue (M-29). 

Dr. Carney, Mayor of Saint Clair stated: "The work of the Special Police Force was the finest example of pedestrian and automobile traffic control I have ever seen in Saint Clair."

The next event came when Saint Clair hosted the unlimited racing boats in the 1950's.  As many as 75,000 people attended the races which were held for a number of years.

In all of the years of pedestrian and automobile traffic control and during countless parades, fires, and traffic accidents there had been one personal injury involving a pedestrian.

For many years the Special Police acted as a second man in the patrol cars on Friday and Saturday nights.  They held bike inspections for the children, did vehicle inspections, and worked with the "Safety Patrol" boys and girls.  All of the time spent was volunteered by the organization.

The Specials were called to work with the State Police on accidents and missing persons.  They were also called to work with the Sheriff Department on their patrol boats and in emergencies.  The Special Police also volunteered their time to patrol football and basketball games for the St. Clair High School.

In the 1980's, the Special Police remained active assisting in many events in Saint Clair, the safety of pedestrians is a main concern as well as the routing and rerouting of local traffic during these events.

Charter Member Bernard Kuhn has served as Mayor to the city, and members have served on the City Council.  The organization has provided Officers who have become certified Police Officers for the City of St. Clair as well as for other local Police Departments.  Past member David Doktor, became Sheriff of St. Clair County, MI.  Chief of Police Donald R. Barnum was an active member of the Special Police and a past President.

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St. Clair Police Reserve
Photo Gallery

(Photo left):  St. Clair Police Reserve hall located at 500 Fred Moore Highway, St. Clair, Michigan 48079 (Phone: 329-2942). Michigan.

(Photo right):  Meetings are currently held here on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

(Photo left):  The Special Police hall, now a place to call home, was constructed in 1968 by the membership with donated materials.  In 2001, a plaque was dedicated to Past President, Officer Vaugn Emig, who worked tirelessly to maintain a strong level of support to the St. Clair Police Department until his passing.  His complete dedication to the organization earned him this memorial plaque as a "thank you" for his leadership.

(Photo left):  This is the sign that proclaimed the name of the "St. Clair Special Police."

(Photo right): This is the new sign of the St. Clair Police Reserve, and it is worn on all uniform shirts and jackets.

(Photo left):  Past President Officer David Schaaf.  Officer Schaaf has served 50 years in the St. Clair Spcial Police and St. Clair Police Reserve.  Schaaf was presented with special NRLO and St. Clair Police Reserve awards for his service to the community and country.  Go to the Awards section of this page for the formal presentation to Officer Schaaf.

Photo right:  (Front Row l-r):  Officer Colin Chishlom; K-9 Officer Susan Westrick; Sergeant Kenneth Brinker; Past President, Officer David Schaaf. (Back Row l-r): Sergeant Charles Davidson; Officer Jay Wetzel; Commander Ronald F. Boden; Past President, Officer Lee Flemming; Coporal D. Kent Bacon.

Photo left:  Members listed above and seated for photo op.

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Special Police Officer James "Red" Fraser
(Photograph taken during his tenure as a full-time Officer)

James "Red: Fraser enlistd in the St. Clair Special Police in 1946, serving in that capacity until becoming a full-time Oficer for he City of St.Clair.  Officer Fraser rose to the rank of Lieutenant.  Upon retiring from the St. Clair Departmet, Officer Fraser returned to the Department, he returned to the St. Clair Special Police.  Officer Fraser attends all meetings and events supported throughout the year.  (Web Author Note:  Officer Fraser typed up Reserve Commander Boden's scooter permit when Boden was 14 years old.)

Plaque at right: On April 2, 2008, Officer James (Red) Fraser was presented with the plague shown at right for his dedication and service to his community from the St. Clair Police Reserve.  The plaque reads: "St. Clair Police Reserve / With a Heritage of More than 50 Years Service to the Community Committed to Courtesy and Excellence / Presents to: Officer James "Red" Fraser / In recognition and appreciation for service to the community of St. Clair as a Police Reserve Officer / A Reserve Officer is a person who volunteers to serve others and possesses a touch of wisdom, a measure of courage, is strong, is patient, wants to lead by example and will show kindness and compassion in his duty.  There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man.  There is no greater contribution than to help the weak.  There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well. / Ronald F. Boden, Commander / St. Clair Police Reserve / April 2, 2008".  Congratulations, Officer Fraser.  (Also see the ceremony presenting Fraser and 5 other retirees with "Certificates of Appreciation" from the St. Clair City Council.  The awards were presented by Mayor Bill Cedar, Jr.)

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Officer James "Red" Fraser was honored in 2004 with awards for 56 years of combined service with the St. Clair Special Police, St. Clair Police Department, and St. Clair Police Reserve. 
Click here for photos of the award ceremonies.

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Spring 2005 Traffic Management Photos

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MEMORIAL DAY 2005 PHOTOS

Photo left:  Sergeant Davidson and Commander Boden standing on sidewalk at the Memorial Day Celebrations.

Photos below:  Commander Boden and Officer Sue Westrick on M-29 (the 4-lane that goes through St. Clair) during Memorial Day Parade, 2005.

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October 23, 2004, Fall Dinner and Awards Ceremony

On October 23, 2004, a Fall Dinner and Awards Ceremony was held at the "Voyager" restaurant in St. Clair.  This is a view of the St. Clair River from the dinning room.  St. Clair River is an international water way that carries vessels from many countries.  The tree line on the right of the picture is Ontario, Canada.  The distance across the river is approximately 1 mile.  The current of the river is 6 to 9 mph.  The depth is approximately 30 feet in the shipping channel.  The water remains the blue color that is seen in the picture.  This river is fed by the Great Lakes and goes to the ocean by way of Lake Erie and the St. Mary's River.  This water system is known as the St. Lawrence seaway.

Photo above:  Guests arriving for the Fall Dinner.

(Photo above right):  Red Fraser proudly tells Nancy (McKenney) Boden about his Scottish heritage and about meeting with representatives from the Queen who paid him a visit.  We will have to have Red give us a thumbnail of the contact.   The tie Red has is the Fraser Tartar.  The McKenney's don't have a specific Tartar; they come under a county Tartar.

The Brinkers and Schwartz's.

The Beiers and the Davidsons.

Officer Chisholm and the Schaafs.

The Wetzels, Officer Curcuri, and the Bacons.

(Left to right):  Lieutenant Boden, Chief of Police Barnum, and SCPD Chaplain Stone.

Start of Awards presentations. (Left to right): Chief of Police Barnum, Lieutenant Boden, and Chaplain Stone.

(Above left):  Officer Chisholm receiving a Certificate of Appreciation from the St. Clair Special Police and Department.   (Above right):  Corporal Wetzel receiving a Certificate of Appreciation.

Photo left:  Sergeant Davidson receiving an SCPD Certificate of Appreciation.

(Photo right):  Officer Curcuri receiving an SCPD Certificate of Appreciation.

(Photo left):  Sergeant Brinker receiving an SCPD Certificate of Appreciation. 

Photo right:  Chief Barnum and Lieutenant Boden present a NRLO Certificate of Appreciation for 30 years of service to Corporal Bacon.

Chief Barnum and Lieutenant Boden present a NRLO Certificate of Appreciation for 30 years of service to Officer Schwartz.

(Photo right): Chief Barnum and Lieutenant Boden present to Officer Schaaf a NRLO Certificate of VALOR, mounted on a distinctive plaque, for life saving on two separate occasions.  One for extracting a person from a vehicle in the Pine River that was drifting towards the St. Clair River and bringing the occupant safely to shore.  The second occasion was extracting people from a burning home in Marine City, MI, and directing the Fire Department to the source of the fire.  Officer Schaaf is an example of a hero for putting his life in danger on two occasions to come to the aid of others.  His courage is exemplary.  Chief Barnum is holding the accompanying letter of presentation from NRLO that was read to the members and guests present.

(Photo left):  Chief Barnum telling a little story about Officer "Red" Fraser.

(Photo right): Officer James "Red" Fraser receiving a NRLO Certificate of Appreciation for, "COUNT'EM," 56 years of service in the Special Police, Regular Police, and St. Clair Police Reserve.

 

Chief Barnum on left, Reserve Officer (former Police Lieutenant) James "Red" Fraser (center) receiving shadow box and NRLO certificate for 56 years of combined service with the St. Clair Special Police, and St. Clair Police Department.  NRLO certificate held by Lieutenant Ronald F. Boden (right).

Chief Barnum and Lieutenant Boden present Officer Kenneth Schunk the NRLO certificate for 56 years of service to the St. Clair Special Police and St. Clair Police Reserve.

Chief Barnum presents shadow box to Lieutenant Boden for 28 years of Reserve service (3 years with China, Twp., MI and the remaining 25 years with the St. Clair special Police and St. Clair Police Reserve.

Chief Barnum (left) presents plaque to Lieutenant Boden for "Certificate of Appreciation and Exemplary Service" from the Office of the Chief of Police.

Chief Barnum receives a plaque from NRLO for "Distinguished Police Service Award" Click here for more photos and information..

(Photo left):  NRLO plaque for "Distinguished Public Service Award" presented to Chief of Police Donald R. Barnum.

Chief Barnum (on right), Sergeant Davidson (left), and Lieutenant Boden (not shown) assemble shadow boxes for Officers Schunk, Fraser, Schaaf, Bolby, and Lieutenant Boden.

(Photo above):  Assembled shadow boxes.

(Photos above):  Closeup of shadow boxes for Lieutenant Boden (left) and Officer Fraser (right).  Note the Sheriff's Posse patch in Officer Fraser's box.

This photo is the NRLO "Outstanding Service Award" plaque presented to Past President, Officer Lee Flemming for 20 years.  Sergeant Kenneth Brinker was also given a similar NRLO "Outstanding Service Award" for 20 years.

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Special Links from Chief of Police Barnum and Commander Boden:

Traffic Management Accessory Products:  The most hazardous element of the St. Clair Police Reserve duty is "traffic management."  The traffic passes by you on a 4 lane highway at 35 to 40 mph.  Already having lime green Blauer Safety vests, gloves have been added for further Officer safety protection and visibility for direction to aid the motorists.  Lynette Warneke Gray is a small business owner.  Her husband was a Police Officer, and she developed these gloves for her husgand's safety.  Here is the information on her site.  Please check it out:

Lynette Warneke Gray / Glo concepts L.L.C. / Box 84-Madras, OR 97741
GSA-Vendor #3SCT5    1-877-456-4568    www.gloglov.com

Web Site for "Citizens Observer":  This site submitted by Chief of Police Barnum gives businesses and citizens a heads up on crime in the local area plus other aspects.

http://www.citizenobserver.com

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About Commander
Ronald F. Boden

While in the U.S. Air Force training for fighter aircraft maintenance, I was presented with the opportunity to upgrade and equip with proper safety gear, a cadre of airman known as "Road Guards."  The Road Guards were necessary in order to protect the squadron airmen marching in the streets going to school and to other activities.  Later while stationed in Germany, I volunteered to assist with transit and parking at the annual air show and open house. 

In the military, I served in the Active Duty Air Force, 49th TFW Germany, 305th Air Rescue and Recovery, Reserve Unit, Selfridge, ANGB, MI, and retired from the 191st Fighter Interceptor Group, Air National Guard Unit, Selfridge, Selfridge, ANGB, MI, with the grade of Senior Master Sergeant.

As a civilian I worked in the Department of Defense, retiring with 33 years of service.  During that time I served as a Reserve Officer in China Township, MI, Police Department for 3 years.  The Township formed a Police Department consisting of a Chief, 3 Patrol Officers, and 2 Reserve Officers.  There my responsibilities were to back up the primary Officer on Road Patrol and to respond to complaints within our jurisdiction.

Upon moving to the City of St. Clair, MI, I was recruited as a member of the "St. Clair Special Police."  This organization was formed in 1946, and is still actively serving the community under the new title known as the "St. Clair Police Reserve."  I served in the offices of Secretary, Vice President, and President.  During a recent restructure in June of 2004, the leadership title was changed to President/Sergeant; and the titles of President and Vice President were retired.  The next leadership grade was Lieutenant as Chief Officer, followed by the current, and final, title of Commander with a gold leaf.  My length of continuous service within this organization has been 32 years.

Commander Ronald F. Boden is married with 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren.

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 K-9 Officer
Sergeant Sue Westrick

Not only does Sergeant Westrick have a full-time job teaching at Algonac Community Schools since 1978, this highly skilled Officer continues to give to her community, local Police Departments, and to youths in her community schools by participating in Departmental Search and Rescue and in providing educational information to youths on K-9 operations through demonstrations of her talented canines' tracking abilities. She is also involved in various K-9 associations, one of which gives a second chance to English Setters; and she is the Vice President. Officer Westrick was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, Administrative support to the Commander.  Westrick supports local Police agencies as a police-dog Officer and brings many skills to the organization. Sergeant Westrick is a graduate of the Oakland Reserve Police Academy in Rochester Hills. 

The St. Clair Police Department and NRLO Members salute you, Sergeant Westrick!

Written by Commander Ronald F. Boden
St. Clair Police Reserve

Susan Westrick graduated from Northern Michigan University and Wayne State University and has been teaching at Algonac Community Schools since 1978.  She currently teaches Science at Algonquin Middle School.  Susan is a recent graduate of the Oakland Reserve Police Academy in Rochester Hills and holds the title of Administrative Sergeant to Reserve Commander Ronald Boden. (Click here for graduation photo.)  Commander Boden told NRLO: "This is a new milestone for the Reserve as she is the first among us to attend and graduate from a formal Reserve Police Academy." 

Sergeant Westrick presently does trailing with her two Bloodhounds and has recently acquired a German Sheperd to train as a "cadaver dog."

Westrick is a member of North American Search and Rescue, Canine Search and Rescue, and the North American Police Work Dog Association.  She is also the Vice President of ACES (Another Chance for English Setters) which is a rescue group working to save homeless English Setters.

Sergeant Westrick has supported local Police agencies with her tracking dogs and has displayed the skills of the dogs for the St. Clair Police Department's "Police Youth Academy" for middle school-age youth.

She said, "I am very proud to be a member of the St. Clair Police Reserve, and I look forward to helping in the community."

Reserve Commander Ronald Boden told NRLO: "Sergeant Westrick is a quick study and adapts to traffic management with confidence and decisiveness.  Memorial Day was her second parade, and she was working with me on the 4-lane highway, M-29.  This is the ultimate challenge with the traffic flow at about 35-40 mph - just 3 feet away from working Officers."  (Photograph shows Sergeant Westrick and Commander Boden on M-29)

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