Friends of the Frankenmuth Police just launched!

In order to recognize, value, and support the Frankenmuth Police Department, a group of residents, businesses, and volunteers have partnered to form the Friends of the Frankenmuth Police.  While the Police Department receives generous support from taxpayers of the City of Frankenmuth, our reserve officers are volunteers. The government restricts how the City can reward the good service of volunteers - meaning we typically cannot provide meals or even a stipend for gas. The City relies on the talented and dedicated volunteers of the Police Reserves to help manage events within the City.

The position of Police Reserve Officer was created in 1968 specifically for Frankenmuth's Bavarian Festival. This festival grew in size and scope with each coming year and extra police services were required. The reserve unit patrolled this festival on horseback until the early 1980's. With the addition of more events over time and the growth in tourism in general, the Reserve Unit has expanded to meet the needs of our department and our city. Currently, the Reserve Division is composed of highly trained and competent officers who patrol these events and augment our patrol division. Our reserve officers are fully commissioned while under the direction of a (MCOLES) certified officer. Our Reserve Officers not only help us meet the needs of our guests and businesses, but they routinely perform property checks for City and Township residents while they are on vacation.

Our 15 reserve officers have worked more than 1600 hours this calendar year – an equivalent of more than 40 weeks of full-time work.  To recognize the dedication and service of our Reserve Officers, the Friends of the Frankenmuth Police has been recently established. This soon-to-be not-for-profit organization accepts donations on behalf of the Reserve Unit so that their service can be recognized through a small stipend each year (approximately $250), providing meals to the officers during training and events and allowing them an annual holiday party. If you as a resident or business owner would like to make a donation or would like more information, please contact Noelle at the Police Department.

Special thanks to the early contributors of this project, and especially to two local business people who were early and vocal supporters, Mike Young and Michael Keller Zehnder. 

Thank you for your generous donations: