History of the Delhi Township Police
In July 1949, the residents of Delhi Township demanded that a police officer be hired for the township. There had been many requests for speed zones and traffic lights, so a police officers was the next logical step. In May 1951, the Delhi Township board voted to “hire Alvin Hartig to patrol the highways of the township during the day when we have the heaviest traffic.” The heaviest periods of traffic was about 2 hours per day, for six weeks and he was paid $2.50 per hour which included the use of his own personal car and mileage.
The founding resolution read: “The Police officer shall bring law and order throughout, to assist, when so instructed by the Board, each school patrol officers, to take advantage of certain training courses if and when available and to obey the orders and commands of the Board, shall pay for insurance protection to cover in way of standard workmen’s compensation and shall also cover other police work, in direct contact with the sheriff’s department. The officer shall furnish and retain in full force and effect during employment. There shall be no overtime pay except requested by the Board for special duties. The officer may do some work, when necessary, with the Sheriff’s Department, but this agreement may be changed or altered at the will of the Board.”
Alvin E. Hartig was born in March 1890 to Ernest William Hartig and August Marie Eifert Hartig. Alvin married Clara Laura Burgess on October 7, 1911 in Lansing.
The couple had seven children. Hartig was a lifelong farmer and served his community during his entire lifetime. In the 1930s, Alvin Hartig was the constable for Delhi Township. He also served as Justice of the Peace for Delhi.
Hartig was a member of the Holt Masonic Lodge and the National Sheriff’s Association. He died at Mason General Hospital on February 13, 1959. His wife Clara died in July 1959. The couple are buried in Maple Ridge Cemetery.
In December 1951, the board gave the Traffic and Safety Committee authority to hire a traffic officer at a cost not to exceed $3,300 per year including salary and car expense. Hartig was hired to fill that position under the county sheriff’s auspices. the formal agreement between the township and sheriff’s office was signed on August 7, 1952.
In December 1953, Alvin Hargi retired as police officer and traffic officer due to illness. The Delhi Township board promptly hired Andrew Harton with car and expenses to be the new deputy. He was hired on 3 month probation with pay of $2,400 and car expenses of $1,400. Much has occurred since 1953, including the re-association of the Delhi Township Police Department and the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department. If Harton’s work was satisfactory, his full salary would be equal to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department upon his hiring.
In March 1954, the policeman’s salary was increased to $3,500 and car expenses remained at $1,400, beginning April 1, 1954. Also at the April 1954 board meeting, it was voted to secure liability insurance and a committee was appointed to obtain another police officer. Later in April 1954, the Board instructed the police committee to take up the matter to equip the police car with a radio and to purchase another uniform for officers.
In June 1954, Mr. Currin was hired for police work and the Township purchased a new Oldsmobile. The Township passed a motion in August 1954 to paint its police cars the same as the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department cars and designated Delhi police under the supervision and jurisdiction of the County Sheriff. The committee for the agreement was Sheriff Barns, Paul Unger, and Edgar Church.
In September 1954, the Board appointed a committee to investigate equipping police cars with first aid kits, blankets, fire extinguishers if not supplied by the Sheriff.
Both Ward Curry and Andrew Harton were police officers in October 1954.
In November 1954, the Sheriff notified the Board that he was taking the badge away from the Delhi deputy for insubordination but the Board refused, changing the Sheriff’s mind. Later in November, the Board revoked its agreement with the County Sheriff and created its own police force.
In December 1954, under the 1951 policing act passed by the Township, they would establish a police department to maintain safety and law enforcement and appropriate $5,400 to purchase a vehicle and equipment, pay officers, and defray other expenses. The officer oath was set at “I do solemnly swear that I will support the duties of the office of Delhi Township police officer according to the best of my ability.”
In 1956 and 1957 police officers were Andrew Horton and Don Moffitt, each making $160.20 and $145.05, respectively.
In 1957, Delhi Township Police Department joined the Michigan State Police.
In 1963, Delhi Township Police Department joined the Ingham County Sheriff's Department.
Delhi Township police department with their new 1954 Oldsmobile.
Delhi Fire and Police Departments, May 1984.
Delhi Division, Ingham County Sheriff's Department office in Delhi Township Hall, May 1984.