October 11, 2018
Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointment of Thomas Adams of Detroit, Michael Wendling of Goodells, Leslie (Douglas) Wright of Ithaca, and Karianne Thomas of Scotts to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES).
MCOLES is mandated by statute to set standards for the selection, employment, licensing, retention and training of law enforcement officers in the state of Michigan and to promulgate rules to govern these functions.
“I thank these individuals for continuing their work to improve our law enforcement training and the professionalism of the field,” Snyder said.
Adams is the president of the Chance for Life organization, a group that addresses the needs of incarcerated adults and juveniles who are released from prison and returning to communities. He is also founder and president of TJA Staffing Services, Inc. Adams holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Tuskegee University in Alabama and will continue to represent the general public.
Wendling is a prosecuting attorney for St. Clair County and previously worked as an assistant prosecuting attorney for St. Clair, Sanilac and Calhoun Counties. Wendling holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and a law degree in criminal law from Wayne State University. He will continue to represent the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan.
Wright has been the Gratiot County Sheriff since 2013 and previously served in various roles for the Michigan State Police. He attended Alma College and the Michigan State Police Academy as well as various law enforcement advanced training programs. He also instructed several law enforcement training programs focused on driving and emergency vehicle response. He will continue to represent the Michigan Sheriff’s Association.
Thomas is the chief of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety where she has served in various roles since 1994. She previously served in the United States Army and holds a bachelor’s degree in public law and government from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University. She also attended the Macomb Police Academy, the KDPS Fire Academy, and the FBI National Academy. She will continue to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
Members will serve four-year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2022. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
###
