From the Desk of Sheriff Abbott – 10 /24/2025



  • Our Corrections Division completed updated/refresher training this past week on CPR, AED’s, and Tasers.
  • Deputy Trever Tate adopted a Stray Pup out of Our Animal Shelter. Kobe is a Shepard pup that was around 12 weeks old and 14 pounds when he was adopted 8 weeks ago by the Tate family. He is now around 5 months old and 50 pounds. Kobe successfully completed his Puppy Training Class with Katy’s K9 Training, earning his AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Title. Once his advanced training is complete and he is fully certified, he will proudly join the Paw Paw Public Schools Therapy Dog Program, where he will assist Deputy Tate as the School Resource Deputy.
  • Uniform Response handled a Missing Person Incident in Waverly Township.  The missing individual was located after an extensive search of the area as was the dog that was with her. Many resources were used in the search including a drone, canine, law enforcement personnel, atv/utv, and citizens in the area. A huge shout out to the citizens who assisted our office in this call to help get a positive outcome in locating the victim and dog. A neighbor to the adjoining property located the victim and dog on one of his trails in the woods. He had his UTV and picked them both up and brought them to the needed location.
  • Our Narcotics Unit Executed a Search Warrant in the Village of Paw Paw.  Detectives seized a large amount of cocaine, a large amount of meth, money, and a handgun in which the suspect could not be in possession of. Children were at the residence, so CPS is now involved. The suspect was lodged on several felony charges.
  • Our Domestic Preparedness Emergency Management Division received an award from the Michigan Emergency Management Association for exceptional performance and dedication due to their work over the past summer getting things in place, drills completed, etc for Holtec’s reopening. It was great to see their tireless work and commitment to the county recognized at the state level as well. Once again, this is just another example of the high-level staff we have working at our office.
  • We hired Timothy Hulinek to our Corrections Division. Tim brings years of experience from Kalamazoo County. We are very excited to welcome him to our office/family.
  • Uniform Response handled a Missing Person Call in the City of Hartford. Deputies were able to locate the individual at a hospital. Relatives were notified of his location.
  • As winter is approaching, just a reminder that we do Property Checks as a Free Service if you are out of town for an extended period of time or for the winter. You can go to our website and sign up for them to be done.

Additional Information

For immediate reporting contact the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office at (269) 657-3101. Additional reporting is also available at Crime Stoppers 1-800-342-7867, Silent Observer (269) 343-2100 or your local Police Department.

Mobile phone users and online users can provide anonymous crime tips to the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office by sending a text Tip Soft message by sending a text message to “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword VBCTIP from a mobile phone. Click here to submit a tip online.

Van Buren County Sheriff's Office

Van Buren County Sheriff's badge featuring a gold star with Michigan state outline and official county seal.

205 South Kalamazoo St.
Paw Paw, MI 49079-1594

T: (269) 657-2006 | F: (269) 657-3161

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