From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 3/26/2026

• Our Office Hosted along with the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards the updated training for Law Enforcement Response to Stalking/PPO/Bond Violations. It was held at our office in our EOC room. Numerous other law enforcement agencies as well as ours attended the training which went over when and where to arrest, what to charge along with an in-depth course on stalking with the added layer of PPO or bond violation.
• I just hit another milestone in my career completing my 33^rd Year of Service to the Citizens of Van Buren County in Law Enforcement. All 33 years have been served at the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office. I honestly could not be more blessed to serve in our county, work with the professionals not only in our office, but across the county in general. I knew coming out of Ferris State University after obtaining my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice that our office was where I wanted to serve my career in which I’ve been blessed to be able to do so. Thank you not only for the support of me as your Sheriff, but for our overall office and all the law enforcement and first responders serving in our community.
• Our Animal Control Division will be Hosting a Free Microchip Clinic April 6-11 during normal shelter hours While Supplies Last. Funding will be provided by MDARD through a grant we have been awarded. County residents can have their dogs microchipped and registered at no cost. Owners must bring their dog(s) and ID to the shelter. This is only available to Van Buren County Residents.
• We were Honored to Present Mr. Ricky Holly a Letter of Commendation this Past Week. Mr. Holly was driving by a residence in Pine Grove Township that was on fire and stopped immediately. Without hesitation, he ran into the residence and opened doors so the pets could escape. He also helped a physically challenged individual out of the residence. Without his selfless act of bravery, the outcome could have been very different. THANK YOU, Ricky Holly!!
• Our Office has obtained $52,123 through the PA 166 of 2022 Public Safety Grant. We have used the funds for a Forensic Computer, TruNarc for evidence processing, a money counter capable of recording serial numbers and detecting counterfeit money used in illegal drug transactions, and other misc. items to help our office with needs to aid in doing our jobs at a high level. I would like to give a shout out to Captain Jim Charon for staying on top of grant funding and obtaining funds like this so our office can make purchases like these and help save taxpayer dollars.
• Questions come up at times reference Amish Buggies. One question that came up recently is passing them in a no passing zone. Horse-drawn buggies are treated like other vehicles with additional provisions not necessarily applicable to horses alone. A horse drawn buggy qualifies as an “implement of husbandry” such as a tractor. So, in short, you cannot pass them in a no passing zone. Amish buggies are required to follow the same laws as vehicles when they are travelling on the roadway such as stop signs, speed limits, etc.
• Reach the Forgotten Fundraising Banquet is Just Over a Month Away. It’s being held at Freshwater Church in Paw Paw on May 7^th. The money raised goes directly to RTF for the ministry being done at our jail. If you’ve never been to one, you won’t be disappointed if you attend. There is always great fellowship, and you’ll hear from inmates in which RTF has made a difference in helping turn their lives around. RVSP by April the at jailministry.org.
• I would like to Thank the Public for the Number of Tips that come into Our Office with Information. We receive numerous tips about drugs, animal cruelty, domestic violence, child abuse, etc. I can assure you every tip that comes in gets looked at and investigated. Just as a reminder, you can send them in anonymously as well if you are concerned about your name being involved.