Friday, January 23, 2009

Marshall City Manager Recommends New Police Chief

Update- February 11, 2009- Battle Creek Enquirer- 02/11/2009- Chris Olsen Accepts new City Manager job in DeWitt, Michigan
Marshall Chronicle 01/16/09- Ken Morgan recommended as new Marshall Public Safety Chief
Battle Creek Enquirer- 01/14/09- City Manager Chris Olson recommends Ken Morgan as new police chief

The Battle Creek Enquirer featured a story that City Manager Chris Olson has recommended the hiring of Ken Morgan as the new Marshall police chief to lead its 12-member department.
On December 16, 2008 a selection committee including Sheriff Al Byam unanimously made the recommendation. Former Deputy Police Chief Brett Pehrson, a member of the selection committee, confirmed that Ken Morgan was unanimously recommended for the position. "He seemed like he'd be a good fit for the Marshall community," Pehrson said. Morgan was among the final four candidates interviewed on Dec. 16 by Chris Olson, Pehrson, city Human Resources Director Tracy Hall, Clerk/Treasurer Tracy Hovarter, Utilities Director Tom Tarkiewicz and Calhoun County Sheriff Al Byam.
If, in fact, Mr. Morgan does accept the position we warmly welcome him to the community. We hope he will be a beacon of light displaying honesty, integrity and professionalism for the police department. This recommendation by former Deputy Chief Perhson and Calhoun County Sheriff Byam could be the catapult to a successful resolution in Mary’s case.
Positive things seem to be happening and the Marshall family is very optimistic. We are awaiting information on a reward being reinstated in the Mary Lands case by the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation in California. Lt. Dale W. Peet, Commander of the Battle Creek Post, Michigan State Police recently wrote, "As with any unsolved case, time has an impact on alliances and circumstances have changed. It is believed that there are others who may have information but have not yet come forward and as always the offering of a reward can sometimes be the turning point leading to a successful conclusion and closure for the families of those that have been missing."
It has been an enduring tragedy that has lasted over 4 years and 10 months for Cliff & Anita, but it seems to be coming to an end. We have no doubt that a professional police chief working with our new Calhoun County Prosecutor, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Michigan State Police will indeed bring to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands.


From the Marshall Chronicle- January 17, 2009- City Manager Chris Olson issued this statement Friday afternoon: I am pleased to announce that I have selected, with the assistance of an interview committee, one final candidate for the position of police chief at this point in time. His name is Ken Morgan, and he has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a master's degree in criminal justice administration, and a second master's degree in professional counseling. He is also a graduate of the FBI national academy. Ken has twenty-three years of overall experience in law enforcement, with positions ranging from his start as a patrol officer up to serving as deputy chief (twice) in larger communities. Ken's overall command-level experience (from sergeant to deputy chief) totals 13 years. Ken has been decorated twice with distinguished service awards for risking his life in the line of duty, and is a recipient of the American Red Cross Heroes Award. Ken has worked with three police departments for CALEA national accreditation. He has also volunteered time with an Explorer Post with the Boy Scouts of America, on DARE foundations, with teen alcohol prevention efforts, with the Big Brothers program, Alzheimer's Association and Red Cross. He has also taught criminal justice classes at the community college level.Ken has not yet accepted the position, as he and his family are fully considering their needs in making their decision. We would be fortunate to have him join the City, and we are continuing with the hiring process accordingly.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice post Jim, we welcome this good news.

Justinian Investigative Services said...

Battle Creek Enquirer, January 15, 2009
MARSHALL — Marshall Board of Education President Vic Potter was critically injured in an accident Wednesday afternoon on I-69 near N Drive North, the Calhoun County sheriff’s office reported.
Potter, age 55, owner of Bud’s Towing of Marshall, was out of his tow truck, attempting to hook up to a disabled vehicle, when a passing motorist struck him, said Sgt. Dan Latta of the Calhoun County sheriff’s office.
The accident occurred shortly before 1 p.m., when roads were slickened by snowfall across the area.
Potter was taken to Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall and transferred to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Latta said.
No details about the driver and the vehicle involved in the accident were immediately available.

Potter, a Marshall native, has served on the school board since 2003. He first was elected board president in 2006.
Potter has served as chairman of the Marshall Township Planning Commission, chairman of the Marshall Township Zoning Board of Appeals, and is a member of the Marshall Exchange Club.

We hope that Mr. Potter will recover from his injuries and return home as soon as possible. Our condolences go out to the Potter family and we wish them all the best.

Justinian Investigative Services said...

Mr. Potter is still listed in critical condition at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. A nurse stated family was nearby in a waiting room.
Lets all say a prayer for his speedy recovery.

Anonymous said...

something was passed to Jim Carlin on Mary case. It could be a Pratt family member will be the one to end this horrible nightmare.
Thankyou.

Anonymous said...

My best wishes go out to Mr. Potter and his family.

Anonymous said...

THIS ON ONE OF MARYS WEB YESTERDAY. COULD BE GOOD NEWS THAT A PRATT OR FRIEND IS NOW HELPING.

JustinianInvest (19 hours ago) Reply Thank you xoaLynnM.
There is nothing personal in these videos. We just hope someone will step up and tell what they know or have someone else do it. I believe most of the Pratt family are good people just trying to get by like all of us. If this and other videos help people think and strive to be better citizens it was all worth it. Whether you are black or white, rich or poor, lead a perfect or imperfect life, all of us can contribute to our world & be better.

Anonymous said...

If this is the same Ken Morgan from Washington State, deputy chief at Portage Police, and graduate of 204th FBI class everyone should jump up and cheer.
MPD has never had a police professional of this respected quality and it is indeed a positive for Mary's case and community.
The ongoing shenanigans by some in that department are in for a rude awakening. For those who need it you better start losing some weight, working on your degrees, and act and look like real police officers. Might be a good idea for all of you to start thinking about zero tolerance for drugs.
This incoming top cop will not stand for what has gone on in the past.
Mr. Morgan, we welcome you to Marshall.

Anonymous said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS PRATT.
The Creeper will be 41 tomorrow, January 30th. It will be 2nd birthday in the joint.
He should rot in prison until he tells all and helps to bring Mary home so she can rest in peace.

http://www.state.mi.us/mdoc/asp/otis2profile.asp?mdocNumber=673261

Justinian Investigative Services said...

Take 3 minutes to listen to this You Tube video, "Bringing Mary Home"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ0_82boXUM

It's not our Mary, but it still works and we will bring our Mary home.

Great music! If you've heard the story of Mary Denise Lands in Marshall, Michigan this song and others are inspirations for many especially her family.
The 5th anniversary of her disappearance is March 12, 2009.
Take a moment to learn more about Mary's case.
Search- Mary Denise Lands
Were going to pass this song along & maybe, just maybe, this song will touch the heart of one witness, who will call the Michigan State Police and answer our question, Where is Mary?
Thank you.
Jim Carlin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ0_82boXUM

Anonymous said...

On Thursday Feb 5th at 2 PM at Caring Community Church in Albion, TrackMissing will be holding a Domestic Violence/Missing Person Presentation to be presented by Karren Kraemer co-founder of The Broken Wings Network in Wisconsin. We have also received confirmation that Patti Bishop, Chairperson of IN Hope from Indiana (Indiana Missing Persons) will be present as well. This will be a great opportunity for everyone to see first hand some of the things TrackMissing will be offering to make Michigan a better and safer place to live.

Everyone is invited. If you know you will be attending or if you have any questions you can let us know at trackmissing@gmail.com or simply show up at the Church.

Anonymous said...

Thursday's presentation at Caring Community Church 1015 Irwin Ave, Albion, MI 49224 from 2-4 PM

Friday's Official Launch of TrackMissing will be held at Albion College, Tousley Lecture Hall, Norris Auditorium from 2-4 PM. The Hall is located on the corner of Hannah and East Michigan Ave, where the new "clock tower" is located.

http://www.trackmissing.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Chris Pratt birthday today. It is tough on Pratt family as well as Mary Lands

Anonymous said...

When is new guy coming here??
WHERE IS KEN MORGAN??

Justinian Investigative Services said...

Thank you for the last remark which you had to so cowardly post as "anonymous" and of which I removed.
The IP address and comment will be passed along to the Michigan State Police. You can explain your comments to law enforcement and they will ask you to tell them how you came to this conclusion.
Keep us this kind of crap if that is your purpose. It will not deflect us in our goal to bring Mary home and have the person/s responsible for her disappearance and murder be held accountable in a court of law.
You are one sick mind.