Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office

Reserve Division

Serve with purpose. Support your community.

The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office (VBCSO) Reserve Division is a volunteer force of highly trained community members who augment sworn deputies across patrol, marine safety, corrections support, search & rescue, and special events. Reserve Deputies extend our mission of public safety, professionalism, and service—standing ready when our county needs extra hands, unique skills, and calm leadership.

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Mission

Recruit and retain qualified volunteers who serve at the Sheriff’s pleasure to support public security, assist during emergencies and special operations, and project a positive, professional image of the Sheriff’s Office across Van Buren County.

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What Reserve Deputies Do

Operational Support

• Assist Road Patrol with non‑enforcement tasks, directed patrols, traffic control, and scene security.
• Support the Marine Division on inland lakes and public access sites (boater‑safety outreach, dock checks, search operations when requested).
• Provide Corrections Division support (non‑custodial tasks, movement support, and equipment/logistics assistance as assigned).
• Augment the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) with canvassing, perimeter assignments, equipment runs, and documentation support.

Emergency Management & Public Safety

• Staff the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during incidents and exercises; support damage assessments, logistics, and public information distribution.
• Participate in search & rescue missions (ground search, resource staging, missing‑person callouts) under incident command.
• Support radiological emergency preparedness (REP) activities associated with the Palisades Power Plant restart (traffic posts, reception/monitoring support, community information, drills & exercises).

Community Engagement

• Crowd and traffic management at fairs, parades, festivals, school events, and memorials.
• Safety campaigns (boater safety, Amish buggy visibility, distracted/impaired driving awareness).
• Public education booths, child ID events, and equipment demonstrations.

Reserve Deputies never replace sworn staff. They strengthen capacity, improve community contact, and help keep deputies focused on core law‑enforcement duties.

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Core Responsibilities

• Uphold Sheriff’s Office values and act as professional ambassadors in uniform.
• Follow all policies, procedures, safety standards, and lawful orders from command staff.
• Train regularly and maintain required proficiencies, certifications, and gear readiness.
• Document activities accurately (logs, reports, equipment checklists, and training records).
• Protect confidential information and respect privacy at all times.

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Who We’re Looking For

We seek calm, service‑minded individuals from diverse backgrounds who are:

• 21+ years old with a valid driver’s license.
• U.S. citizen or legally authorized to volunteer in the U.S.
• Physically able to stand, direct traffic, lift light equipment, and work outdoors in varied weather.
• Comfortable using radios, following checklists, and operating within an Incident Command System (ICS).
• Integrity‑driven with sound judgment, strong communication, and teamwork skills.

Preferred (not required): prior military service, EMS/fire, CERT, amateur radio, boating experience, medical/first aid, logistics, bilingual fluency, IT/communications, or public‑information skills.

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Minimum Requirements & Screening

All accepted applicants must successfully complete:

• Background investigation and reference checks.
• Criminal history and driving record review.
• Medical/functional assessment appropriate to assignment.
• Interview(s) with Reserve and command staff.
• Orientation and probationary period with performance evaluations.

Certain assignments may require additional checks or clearances.

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Training & Certifications

Reserve Deputies undergo structured and continuing training to ensure readiness and safety. Training includes:

• Firearms Training & Qualifications: Annual qualification courses with Sheriff’s Office firearms instructors, covering safe handling, marksmanship, judgment training, and use-of-force decision making. Reserve Deputies must demonstrate proficiency to remain active in armed roles.
• Defensive Tactics Training: Instruction in safe control techniques, subject approach, basic restraint and escort methods, and officer-safety strategies. Training emphasizes using the minimum force necessary while ensuring safety of deputies and the public.
• Communications & Equipment Training: Proficiency in the use of radios, dispatch procedures, and Sheriff’s Office computer systems.
• Emergency Medical Training: First Aid/CPR/AED and Stop the Bleed certification, ensuring deputies can respond effectively to medical emergencies until EMS arrives.
• Scenario-Based Exercises: Practical drills simulating traffic incidents, search and rescue activations, and EOC staffing.
• Ongoing Continuing Education: Periodic training nights, workshops, and participation in regional exercises to maintain skills and readiness.
• VBCSO Reserve Academy orientation & field training.
• FEMA ICS courses (IS‑100, IS‑200, IS‑700, IS‑800) and position‑specific modules.
• Traffic control, radio procedures, report writing, and scene safety.
• First Aid/CPR/AED; Stop the Bleed.

Time Commitment

Monthly: Training night(s) and periodic weekend events.

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• Seasonal: Increased needs during summer (marine safety, festivals) and special operations.
• Call‑outs: As‑needed activations for incidents, searches, and weather events.

We work to schedule in advance whenever possible; volunteers select shifts aligned to availability.

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Uniforms & Equipment

• Uniforms and basic gear are issued or specified by the Sheriff’s Office.
• Volunteers are responsible for maintaining issued equipment and a professional appearance.
• Certain specialized gear (e.g., approved footwear, outerwear) may be volunteer‑provided.

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Supervision & Liability

• Reserve members operate under the authority of the Van Buren County Sheriff and designated supervisors.
• All activities follow established policies and are covered by county provisions appropriate to volunteer service when acting within scope and direction. Details are reviewed during onboarding.

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Why Serve as a Reserve Deputy?

• Impact: Be there when neighbors need help most.
• Skills: Gain training in safety, emergency response, and incident management.
• Team: Serve alongside dedicated professionals who value mentorship and service.
• Community: Represent the Sheriff’s Office at events that make our county stronger.

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How to Apply

1. Submit an application: Complete the online Reserve Unit application. (Link below.)
2. Screening: Background and interview process.
3. Onboarding: Orientation, uniform sizing, and initial training schedule.
4. Probation: Field training and evaluation period.

Apply Now: [Reserve Unit Application – Start Here]

Questions? Email Reserve Lt. Rodney Bridgeforth at [bridgeforthr@vanburencountymi.gov] or call the Sheriff’s Office non‑emergency line.

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FAQs

Is prior law‑enforcement experience required?
No. We provide the training you need to be successful.

Will I carry a firearm?
Reserve roles are mission‑specific. Some assignments are strictly non‑enforcement. Any armed role requires additional selection, policy compliance, and qualification under supervision. Details are covered during screening.

Can I choose my assignment?
We consider your skills and interests alongside operational needs.

What if I have limited availability?
Many events are scheduled in advance, and we balance the roster to fit diverse schedules.

Do volunteers get paid?
This is an unpaid service role. Some events may include uniform/meal provisions or mileage when approved.

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Equal Opportunity & Standards

The VBCSO is an Equal Opportunity organization. We welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds. Selection and continued service are based on merit, performance, availability, and adherence to policy and professional standards.

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Ready to serve?

Step forward. Train with us.

Stand with your Sheriff’s Office.

Apply Today: [Reserve Unit Application – Start Here]
Contact: ReserveApplication@vanburencountymi.gov
Phone: 269‑657-2006

This page provides a general overview and is not a contract or policy. Specific duties, requirements, and provisions are established by the Sheriff and may change based on operational needs.