Ludington Police Chief Barnett to retire in April.

Chief Mark Barnett

Ludington Police Chief Barnett to retire in April.

#LudingtonNews.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — Police Chief Mark Barnett announced today that he will be retiring, effective April 15, 2020. Barnett has served as chief since 2001. Prior to coming to Ludington, Barnett served on the Pontiac Police Department for just over 24 years. When he retires, he will have been in law enforcement for 43 years, 5 months.

Barnett spoke very humbly about his service to the city.

“I’m proud of the collaboration this department has with the other law enforcement and public safety entities in Mason County and other counties. We are not a large town and we really depend on working together. I am proud that this department does that and that every member believes it’s important.”

Barnett said he also is proud that Ludington Police Department, along with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments have improved efforts to patrol waterways and to perform water rescues and recoveries.

“But, I am most proud of the community policing perspective that our officers have and that they understand that the relationship with the community is important,” Barnett said. “It’s very valuable that we, as police officers, are trying to solve problems for people, finding solutions rather than just solving crimes.”

Barnett used the examples of the Ludington Skate Plaza and Movies in the Park as examples. The chief was instrumental in starting both those projects and continues to serve on the Movies in the Park committee.

“We didn’t want to be the agency that was always telling people that they couldn’t do something, such as skate boarding. But, rather than skateboarders being on businesses’ private property, we provided them with an alternative by raising money and building a skate park with one of the best views in the state. It’s a good, positive place to do that sport.

“Movies in the Park have provided a place for friends and neighbors to meet for inexpensive, wholesome entertainment. It is a great example of bringing our community together.”

Barnett said Ludington has become his home and he and his wife, Lisa, have no plans to leave.

“This town has been very welcoming to Lisa and I and our kids. When we moved her, it was the middle of the school year for our kids. My kids were in 11th, eighth, and sixth grade. They very quickly made friends and I have no doubt that each one now considers Ludington home.”

Barnett said he doesn’t know his exact plans for retirement.

“Whatever God leads us to do is the bottom line,” he said. “We certainly plan on spending time with our grandchildren and children along with my parents.”

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