Undersheriff receives appointment to Keweenaw County Sheriff

EAGLE RIVER -- Keweenaw County Sheriff Bill Luokkanen announced his retirement effective May 15, 2020, after 30 years in law enforcement. Curt Pennala, the current undersheriff, has been appointed to replace him. He will take up the mantle on May 16.

Pennala said he appreciates the support of the current sheriff, as well as the confidence of the Appointment Board.

"I'm excited and look forward to the challenges of the future," he said.

Among those challenges is a budget deficit currently suffered by the county, which has compelled the Board of Commissioners to make budget cuts across the board, including a budget reduction of the Sheriff's Office.

"This effected our office by a reduction in staffing," said Pennala, "along with other cuts, also."

Pennala said if the staff reductions and cuts are combined with a recent uptick in response calls and investigations, the department will be tasked with doing more with less than they have had in the past few years. In spite of fiscal budget cuts, however, the department is still committed to protecting and serving county residents and businesses.

"Keweenaw County has always been a very unique county," said Pennala. "We have a community that takes care of each other and the Sheriff's Office plays a big role in that. As sheriff, I will ensure the residents of the community that the department's role in that will continue."

That role, he said, includes the programs the department has in place, particularly No Kid Without a Christmas, and the Annual Public Safety Day. The department will also continue training deputies as first responders, and continue to oversee all the county's first responders.

"Our office has always been a reflection of the great members of this community," said Pennala. "Going forward, I am confidant that, together, we can work to overcome the challenges we are faced with. I look forward to working with and for the people of Keweenaw County."

With the appointment as interim sheriff, Pennala said he has already filed with the County Clerk's Office to run for the position this autumn.

With 13 years in law enforcement, Pennala's list of qualifications include:

• Criminal Justice degree from Finlandia University.

• Graduate of Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy.

• Evidence Technician and trained in crime scene photography.

• Advanced Traffic Crash Investigator

• Member of Michigan Sheriffs Association Special Investigation Team

• Department Grant Writer.

• ORV, Snowmobile and Marine Instructor.

• Served as Undersheriff since 2017.

• Acting board member on the Calumet – Keweenaw Sportsman Club.

"I am thankful to have the support of Sheriff Bill Luokkanen," Pennala said. "I have had a lot of great mentors within my career including the past two sheriffs of this county. "