Petoskey Department of Public Safety

06/11/2026

We would like to thank everyone who came out to our Open House last weekend. We had a great turnout once again and enjoyed speaking with everyone. We would also like to thank the other agencies that joined us including American Red Cross, CCE Central Dispatch, Emmet EMS, Emmet County Sheriff's Office, Little Traverse Bay Bands Tribal Police, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Michigan State Police, North Flight Aero Med, Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Task Force, Office of Emergency Management, and Resort Bear Creek Fire Department.

We couldn't have done this event without the help of our sponsors. A big thank you to AmeriGas, Bay Area Clean Care, Bill and Carol's, Lake Effect Restoration, Meijer, and Plath's Meats.

06/09/2026

We would like to introduce our Park Security Officer for this summer, Cadet Peyton Harmon. Cadet Harmon is a Petoskey native and is currently a student at Grand Valley State University where he is studying Criminal Justice. After completing his education, he has goals of working in law enforcement. We feel he is a great addition to our Department and look forward to working with him this summer.

Every summer season, the Public Safety Department adds Park Security Officers, or Cadets, to our team. The Cadets provide foot, bike, and vehicle patrol of the downtown business district, City parks, and special events. The provide assistance to citizens and work closely with Public Safety Officers.

Please join us in welcoming Cadet Harmon!

06/05/2026

Reminder: Our Open House is tomorrow from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Come see us at our fire station on Lake Street!

06/01/2026

We have received several calls reference fawns found at different points within the City. The DNR has shared this information regarding fawns and what to do if you find one:

-White-tailed deer fawns are typically born in May and June.

-It is not uncommon for deer to leave their fawns unattended for up to eight hours at a time!
While fawns may seem abandoned, they rarely are. All wild white-tailed deer begin life this way.

-For the first few weeks of a white-tailed deer fawn’s life, its mother will hide it in secluded locations. This behavior helps reduce the potential of predators finding the fawn.

-A fawn’s spots are excellent camouflage and it has very little scent, which will help it stay hidden from predators.

-The best chance for their survival is to leave them in the wild.

-If you find a fawn alone, do not touch it, as this might leave your scent and could attract predators. Give it plenty of space and leave the area quickly.

-The mother deer will return for her fawns when she feels it is safe, but she may not return if people or dogs are present.

For more information, please visit the link below.

Michigan DNR – Keep Wildlife Wild https://www.michigan.gov/.../managing.../wildlife/keep-wild

Ok, who's seeing them? 👀

It's fawn season and they may be popping up in strange places (hello grass next to the driveway...). Remember that even if mom isn't visibly nearby, she'll be back. A doe will leave her fawn for hours at a time and return when she thinks it's safe.

A photo or two is fine, but avoid interacting with the fawn. They have very little smell and blend in well, making it difficult for predators to find them. Help keep them safe by giving them space and letting mom do her thing.

06/01/2026

On 05/31/2026 at approximately 5:08 PM, Petoskey Department of Public Safety officers were dispatched to the area of Charlevoix Avenue and Eppler Road for the report of a two-vehicle accident involving a moving van and a pick-up truck. Two subjects were evaluated on scene, an additional subject was evaluated and transported to McLaren Northern Michigan for their injuries and has since been released. One driver was taken into custody for Operating While Intoxicated Causing Injury and officers have submitted for additional charges.

The road remained closed for several hours as officers completed their accident investigation. There also was a large fuel spill from the incident that was addressed and cleaned with the assistance of City of Petoskey’s Waste Water and Public Works Departments as well as Conway Towing. The road was reopened at approximately 10:08 PM. The accident remains under investigation.

05/30/2026

Mark your calendars! One week from today, we will be hosting our Annual Public Safety Open House. Come join us at our Lake Street station on Saturday, June 6th from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. We will be handing out free hot dogs and drinks as well as gifts for kids. Come tour our station and check out our emergency equipment. This is a free event, rain or shine.

We will be joined by CCE Central Dispatch, Department of Natural Resources, Emmet County Sheriff's Office, Emmet EMS, Little Traverse Bay Bands Tribal Police, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Michigan State Police, North Flight Aero Med, Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Task Force, Office of Emergency Management, and Resort Bear Creek Fire Department.

We would like to thank our sponsors AmeriGas, Bay Area Clean Care, Bill & Carol's, Lake Effect Restoration, Meijer, and Plath's Meats.

We look forward to seeing everyone next week!

05/26/2026

Vehicle Pursuit - Emmet County

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is addressing a vehicle pursuit that occurred earlier today within our jurisdiction. The incident originated in another venue, and following an alert regarding the vehicle, our deputies successfully located the suspect vehicle on M-119. A pursuit started and continued into the City of Petoskey before the vehicle was brought to a stop and a male subject was taken into custody.

The suspect has been arrested and is currently lodged in Cheboygan County.

The Emmet County Sheriff’s Office is currently preparing to request additional charges related to this incident.

Sheriff Matt Leirstein has initiated a formal review of Office policy to evaluate the circumstances and necessity of the pursuit.

Sheriff Matt Leirstein expressed relief that, despite the nature of the event, there were no injuries reported during the pursuit. As this investigation remains active and ongoing, the Sheriff’s Office will release further information as it becomes available.

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office would like to recognize the Petoskey Department of Public Safety and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Police Department for their extraordinary efforts in assisting to bring today's vehicle chase to a successful conclusion.

For verified updates, please follow the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office official social media channels or download the Emmet County Sheriff’s Office mobile application.

05/21/2026

We are looking to identify and speak with the individual in these photos. If you have any information, please contact our Department at 231-347-2500 and request to speak with PSO Kish.

Please keep in mind, this individual may be a witness, suspect, or victim.

05/16/2026

Please join us for our annual Public Safety Open House on Saturday, June 6th! This free event runs from 11 AM - 2 PM at our station on West Lake Street. We will be handing out hot dogs and drinks as well as goodies for the kids. Come tour our Department and meet several other area first responders. We will be joined by CCE Central Dispatch, Department of Natural Resources, Emmet County Sheriff's Office, Emmet EMS, Little Traverse Bay Bands Tribal Police, Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Michigan State Police, North Flight Aero Meds, Northern Michigan Mutual Aid Task Force, Office of Emergency Management, and Resort Bear Creek Fire Department.

04/30/2026

We are still accepting applications for our summer Cadet position. This is a great opportunity for criminal justice students. For more information, please contact us at 231-347-2500.