Tom learned the meaning of hard work, respect, and dependability growing up on a small farm in neighboring Ingham County.
Tom was hired by Ingham County, Sheriff, Kenneth Preadmore, as a Gate Guard to the Sheriff Department's compound in 1973. At the age of 21, he was promoted to a Deputy Sheriff serving as a Corrections Officer. Tom worked inside the jail and the receiving section for nearly four years while obtaining his Criminal Justice degree from Lansing Community College. Tom was soon promoted to Deputy Sheriff serving in the Patrol Division after graduating from the 27th Mid Michigan Police Academy.
As a Sheriff Deputy, Tom worked in Community Services, School safety programs and the Traffic Division. From 1984-1987 he was assigned as an undercover narcotics agent with the Tri-County Metro Narcotics Squad. Tom was promoted in 1988 to Detective,and he was the lead investigator in several high profile investigations. Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth promoted Tom to Sergeant and assigned him to the Detective Bureau where in 1997 he earned the rank of Detective Lieutenant while continuing to lead the Detective Bureau.
Tom has attained numerous certifications, including Accident Investigation certifications 1-6 from Michigan State University,emergency medical technician and specialized training from the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Bureau of Prisons Management and Operations, and the Michigan Sheriff's Association Internal Affairs Investigations program. Specific areas of focus included management, administration, supervision, leadership development, labor relations, and grievance and contract administration.
Tom retired from the Sheriffs Department in 1998 after 25 years of distinguished service, including receiving the Meritorious Service Award as well as three unit citations. He is currently enforcing state regulatory laws in his position as the Gaming Director for the State of Michigan Charitable Gaming Division, with the Bureau of State Lottery.
Tom and his wife, Brenda, reside in Eaton County. They have four adult children and three grandchildren. Their son Chad, recently returned home after serving his country in the United States Marine Corps in quelling a violent uprising in Haiti and a combat tour of duty in Iraq.
Tom enjoys archery competitions, deer hunting with Brenda, time with his children and grandchildren and playing ball with Harley the family dog.
For more pictures of Harley, check out the his photo gallery.
