Muskegon County sheriff honors deputies for life‑saving actions and service

Sheriff Michael Pullen opened a recognition ceremony at the March 19 Muskegon County Board of Commissioners meeting, saying the department’s staff “wake up putting on their uniforms and step into a world of uncertainty” and that the awards recognize “the tireless commitment to service” shown by deputies and support personnel.

The sheriff’s office presented a range of honors including letters of recognition, a deputy‑of‑the‑year award, a combat star for an officer injured in the line of duty and five awards of valor. Captains from operations and corrections recounted specific incidents that led to the awards. Among those described were a case in which Sergeant Brett Boomers disarmed an armed offender during a domestic call and later dislocated his elbow (the incident is recorded as occurring on 03/19/2026), and a water‑rescue response at Wolf Lake in which deputies entered frigid water, broke out vehicle windows and extracted occupants.

Sheriff Pullen and presenters emphasized that the recognitions reflect a combination of bravery, teamwork and routine professionalism. The sheriff noted the department’s intent to publicly acknowledge both high‑risk responses — for example, the events that resulted in combat and distinguished service awards — and ongoing services in corrections, intake and community programs.

Family members and colleagues were invited to join recipients during the presentation. The sheriff also said several awardees received accommodations from the Michigan Chiefs of Police Association and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association for their actions.

The board recessed briefly to allow honorees and family members to leave if they chose; no policy actions were tied to the presentation. The meeting continued with the remainder of the agenda.