By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

Chippewa County Corrections Officers were impressed with not only what they heard about the Police Officers Labor Council (POLC), but, more importantly, what they saw.

The 18-member group voted to switch representation in June 2025 after Local Union Board members did their research.

“Out of everyone that participated, it was unanimous. Twelve put in the cards to change out of the 18,” said Dave Hall, Chippewa County Corrections Officers Local Union President. “We were with the FOP all of 12 years. This will be my fourth contract. It was just time for change. It was time to figure out a different direction and see if the grass was greener on the other side I suppose.” 

Chippewa County Corrections Officers reached out to area law enforcement and corrections officers they knew to hear about their personal experiences with the Unions that represent them.

“We went through quite a process of calling people and we found that POLC has a very good record around the state,” Hall said. “I have so much respect for everyone we talked to. Police in the Sault (Ste. Marie) actually use them, and they had nothing but good things to say about everything that had happened, and we decided it was a good time for a change.”

POLC Membership Services Representative Christopher Watts and Labor Representative Michael Griffin met in person with Chippewa County Corrections Officers, showing them recently settled contracts and providing them with the information they needed to make their decision.

“Once they (neighboring departments) gave the green light, Chris and Mike came up and gave us the sales pitch and sealed the deal that the POLC was the way to go,” Hall said. “Really, it was putting their money where their mouth was. They said, 'Here's our contracts. Here’s what we will do for you. We are available 24/7, 365 days a year.'”

“They gave the pitch, but they really didn’t need to when they put the contracts they secured for everyone else down (in front of us),” Hall said. “That’s what we were looking for!”  

Hall has already seen the 24/7 availability in action with POLC Labor Rep. John Stidham, who will assist the group with their next negotiations. Their current contract expires Dec. 31, 2025.

“John, Mike and Chris, every time I’ve called in the very short time we’ve been part of this Union, they’ve answered after the second ring or within an hour I’ve got a call, text, or email asking how they can help,” he said. 

As POLC members, Chippewa County Corrections Officers liked the ability to obtain discounted PORAC Legal Defense Fund insurance for law enforcement officers and POLC Union Steward training for their Local Board members.

“The ability to go to training for me as the President and my Alternate to be able to learn how to better help our guys, especially through sticky situations, is huge!” Hall said. “Everything we do in law enforcement relies upon training and making sure we have the ability to get training is huge for me personally.”

Hall appreciates the assistance their members have already received from POLC Labor Reps. Stidham, Watts, and Griffin. 

“I’ve already had two meetings with John, and numerous phone calls, and every question I get my answer,” he said. “Mike’s been great to deal with too. I hope we have a strong working relationship that lasts for years to come.”