Watersmeet Township gets police department

By BRYAN HELLIOS

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Watersmeet TOWNSHIP - The recently created Watersmeet Township Police Department has been in operation since April 1.

Paul Runcie, police chief for the township, said the department currently has three reserve officers and is considering hiring more.

"I've got two guys slated for June for part-time," he said.

He said his department responds to traffic accidents and criminal investigation along with civil matters.

With approximately 200 square miles in his coverage area, Runcie said "It's pretty good size."

Originally from downstate Michigan, he has previously worked in in the U.P.

"I worked in Keweenaw Bay and for the tribal police twice," he said.

Some of his goals for the community is to make the area safer and a "better place for people to live."

He said the area is not heavily "crime-ridden," but there is a problem with addiction.

"I'd like to do what I can to eradicate our drug problem we have," he said.

He said using contacts downstate to help come up with ideas to address the issue, but admits it's a "different pace of life up here."

"That's the beauty of being up here it's more of a relaxed living," Runcie said.

The 22-year veteran officer said he felt the draw to become a policeman ever since he was 7.

"I like doing the job," he said.