SHELBY - Monday, June 22, Village of Shelby Police Officer Stephen Wietrzykowski received a special commendation from the Shelby Village Council for level-headed action taken on May 12.
Shelby Police Chief Dean Roesler offered the following comments prior to the presentation, “Looking at the totality of the circumstances, under department policy and state law, Officer Wietrzykowski would have been totally justified in using lethal force. But due to his training and experience and level-headedness, he made the decision to deploy his taser, which fortunately de-escalated the situation, and everybody walked away. I want to commend Steve for his quick thinking, quick action and respect for human life.”
The formal resolution read in part, “When in the course of his duties on May 12, Officer Wietrzykowski responded to a call for service within the Village of Shelby and encountered a situation that presented a serious and immediate threat. Officer Wietrzykowski demonstrated extraordinary composure, judgment and a disciplined commitment to de-escalation under significant personal risk. Officer Wietrzykowski’s actions resulted in the safe resolution of a dangerous situation, protecting both the safety of the public and well-being of all individuals involved. Officer Wietrzykowski’s conduct reflects the core values of the Shelby Police Department and serves as a model of professional excellence for his fellow officers and broader law enforcement community.”
After the meeting Monday, Roseler told The Oceana Echo he didn’t wish to cast judgment on any police department that has had to handle volatile situations with lethal force. “We hear about the negative consequences too often.”
He only wished to highlight how in this case Wietrzykowski, who simply came upon the situation by accident and took on a peacekeeping role, remained calm, and in the moment made the right decision for all involved.
Following the commendation and photos, council member and chair of the Personnel Committee, Mike Termer, offered a prayer of blessing and protection over the entire police department.
According to Chief Roesler, Officer Wietrzykowski, who was hired February 10, 2025, has over 30 years of experience in police work. Wietrzykowski retired as police captain of the City of Ludington and worked for a short time for the Village of Scottville before it disbanded their police department.
In other village business, council approved an amendment to the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for Shelby Acres to allow for the construction of six more homes on the east side of the development. The current PUD allows for 82 homes; with the amendment, 88 homes will be allowed. With all council members present, Crystal Heykoop, Steve Crothers, Termer, Samantha Gottschalk, Curt Trott and Village President John Sutton voted in favor of the amendment; council member Dan Zaverl cast the lone dissenting vote.
Village Administrator Phil Morse told the council the amendment had gone before the village planning commission, and they had recommended approval.
Some on the council questioned whether the additional homes would affect the current water supply and pump station capabilities and if more homes were really needed within the village.
Morse said he could 100 percent guarantee the additional homes would not affect village water supplies or capabilities, adding the current pump station has enough capacity for 150 homes/units.
“What’s the driver behind the amendment? If we overload the market, will other homes (that are now for sale) sell? Will we be putting these homeowners in a bind,” Termer asked.
Morse told the council that homes do continue to sell within the development. Heykoop commented that from what she has been hearing regarding housing development in the Rothbury area, home buyers may have more financing options available when buying a new home versus an existing home.
It was also noted a road already exists on this side of the development, and the six new homes would be built across the street from homes already within the PUD.
During public comment, Kim Cole, Ludington resident and former Mason County Sheriff announced his bid for Michigan’s 32nd Senate District (Benzie, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana and portions of Manistee counties) currently held by Senator Jon Bumstead.
Collin Clark, resident of Shelby Acres, also spoke during public comment and requested more street signage and “Children Playing” signs for the protection of residents.
