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.