August 29, 2013
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced five appointments and two reappointments to the Public Safety Communications Interoperability Board.
The board oversees Michigan's 800 MHz radio system and telecommunications network, which provides statewide interoperability in digital clarity to its members. It also adopts procedures governing the organization and operations of the Michigan Public Safety Communications System.
“These appointees bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board and I appreciate their willingness to serve,” Snyder said.
Appointed are:
Michelle LaJoye-Young, of Caledonia, is chief deputy with the Kent County Sheriff Department, a position she has held since 2010. Prior to her work as chief deputy, she held many positions in the department, including county police sergeant, south sector patrol lieutenant and commander in the Technology and Communications Division. She has been with the department since 1989. For 12 years, she served as a captain in the United States Army Reserve. LaJoye-Young holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a master’s in public administration from Western Michigan University. She replaces Thomas Wibert and will serve a term ending April 30, 2015.
Julie Secontine, of Rochester Hills, is risk manager and an attorney for Oakland County, a position she has held since 2003. She previously worked as senior assistant corporation council for the county and as a staff attorney to Chief Judge Barry L. Howard in the Oakland County Circuit Court. She has also taught at Cooley Law School, Eastern Michigan University, Madonna University and Oakland Community College. Secontine holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University. She replaces Tracy Johnson and will serve a term ending April 30, 2015.
Robert Marchand, of Sault Ste. Marie, is chief of police for the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. He has served in his current role since 2010, and has been with the department for 15 years. Marchand holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University and studied at the Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy. He replaces David Slifka and will serve a term ending April 30, 2016.
Mark Meijer, of Grand Rapids, is president of Life E.M.S. Ambulance, an ambulance service with regional support facilities and personnel. The company covers more than 3,500 square miles including the cities of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Portage and Ionia, and the counties of Mason, Newaygo, Lake and portions of Allegan. He replaces Brenda Ice and will serve a term ending April 30, 2015.
Bryce Tracy, of St. Ignace, is 911 coordinator for the Mackinac County 911 service. He also serves as fire chief for the St. Ignace Fire Department and has 24 years’ experience working public service. Tracy is also involved in emergency management as a member of his local emergency planning committee, the Upper Peninsula Homeland Security Planning Board - Michigan Statewide Communications Workgroup, as well as other fire and 911 associations and organizations. He replaces James Buford and will serve a term ending April 30, 2014.
Reappointed are:
Dale Gribler, of Lawrence, is Van Buren County sheriff. Gribler has served as sheriff since 1996 and has nearly 40 years of law enforcement experience. He is the former undersheriff with the county and also served as chief of police for the village of Lawrence. Gribler is a member of the Michigan Sheriff’s Association and holds several committee appointments. He earned both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree from Lake Michigan College. He will serve a term ending April 30, 2015.
Jeffrey Friedland, of Greenwood, is director of emergency management and homeland security for St. Clair County, a position he has held since 1989. He administers the Homeland Security – Emergency Management program, which consists of four full-time, three part-time, 30 on-call members, and 130 Skywarn, Computer Emergency Readiness Team and amateur radio volunteers. Friedland is a member of several professional organizations, including the St. Clair County Firefighters Association, St. Clair County Medical Control Authority and the St. Clair County Central Dispatch Authority Board. Friedland holds a bachelor’s in business leadership from Baker College and a master’s in security studies from the Naval Postgraduate School in California. He will serve a term ending April 30, 2016.
Appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.
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