CHEBOYGAN — His last official day on the job is scheduled for Jan. 31, but Sheriff Dale Clarmont received an official thank you from Cheboygan County for his service at Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting.
Clarmont served as sheriff for 22 years and devoted over 35 years to the department, rising from dispatcher in 1987 before being elected to his first term in office in November 2000.
Clarmont said he is most proud of moving the department forward during his tenure.
“When I took over 22 years ago I had one goal and that was to leave the department a little bit better than what it was when I took over,” he told the Daily Tribune. “We did that and it is one of the reasons why I feel comfortable about retiring. The people here are well-trained professionals.”
More:Cheboygan County Sheriff Clarmont announces his retirement
Clarmont is a lifelong resident of Cheboygan. He graduated from Cheboygan Area High School in 1979 with honors, then entered the United States Navy for eight years as an aviation electronics technician before returning to Cheboygan to raise his family.
He was elected sheriff six times.
“I want to tell the citizens of Cheboygan County how much I appreciate the confidence that they have placed in me over the years,” Clarmont said. “I had a goal to protect and serve the county and I believe we met that goal and will continue to meet it in the future.”
Undersheriff Tim Cook, who will succeed Clarmont, presented him with a special plaque with the appropriate mementos of his years of service.
“(The) one thing the sheriff always instilled is pride and professionalism, to do the right thing all the time. He provided direction. You knew where you had been and where you needed to go to keep moving forward to serve the public with mutual respect. Sheriff Clarmont is truly a great leader, mentor and friend,” said Cook.
The county board also acknowledged the contributions of county surveyor James Granger, who is stepping away form his role in the county’s economic development corporation (EDC). Granger served 15 years on the board, including several as chairman.
“The county appreciates Mr. Granger’s 15 years of service on the EDC. Jim’s leadership and commitment to community service has made Cheboygan County a better place to live, own a business and enjoy our quality of life,” county administrator Jeffery Lawson said.
Granger will continue to serve as surveyor.
SubscribeCheck out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you
In other business:
The county board will accept applications to fund youth programs utilizing funds the county received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).
Cheboygan County received about $4.9 million in ARPA funding, according to Lawson. He said the board will devote a portion of the monies — probably $300,000 to $400,000 — to support youth-related initiatives. Because of an accounting maneuver the county can funnel the funds through general fund expenditures.
“We will set up a team to review and score the applications. Ultimately the board of commissioners will make the appropriations,” Lawson said.
The funds will target youth-related programs and facilities, including athletics and the arts, added Lawson.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at [email protected].
