Watch CBS News

Layoffs To Strike Huron Police Dept. For New Year

HURON TWP (WWJ) A struggling city must lay off eight police officers for the New Year -- and one Huron Township official believes more layoffs could happen soon.

"So even though this is very challenging right now, it is also an opportunity, an impetus to turn things around," said Huron Township Supervisor David Glaab. "Sometimes until you hit rock bottom, the opportunity for reform just isn't there."

Glaab said there is no easy way to cut a 21 strong police staff down to 13, but very little can be done after voters rejected a millage that would support safety services.

In the wake of the Sandy Hook, Conn., tragedy, Glaab said Huron Township parents may be unpleasantly surprised at what happens to safety in the schools.

"We're going to have to pull out our officer from Huron High School as well as Summit Academy ... They're going to have to come in and be part of the road patrol, and part of the main department," Glaab said.

"We're going to have to lose the ability to have public safety officers right in the schools."

And Glaab says he hopes in 2013 a new millage proposal will be passed by voters to ensure safety remains a top priority.

But in the meantime he says more cuts are planned. The next target? The Fire Department.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.