Chief Todd A. Taylor Sr.

ttaylor@chikamingtownship.org

Chief Taylor has served in law enforcement for 24-years, with the last 23-years in Chikaming Township. During his time of service with the Chikaming Township Police Department, he has earned the Medal of Honor, two Meritorious Action Awards, and an award for Bravery. Under Chief Taylor’s command and with the help of our team, we became the smallest police department in the state of Michigan to achieve state accreditation. Chief Taylor has a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Chief Taylor is currently enrolled at and studying law at Cooley Law School.

Chief’s Monthly Notes

May, 2024

Spring has finally arrived. As you can see, the numbers are down because of the current staffing levels. However, we have a new officer starting this week! Officer Hageman has several years of law enforcement experience and is eager to get started. We have two new reserve officers that joined our team! Reserves Alicia Messer and Brian Burkholder will be helping our team throughout the summer months. Our team continues to provide great services to the township, and I am excited to see where this department is going!

Administrative Staff

Lt. Jason Roe

jroe@chikamingtownship.org

Lt. Roe was born and raised in southwest Michigan. Following high school he attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College, obtaining an Associate’s Degree, with honors, in law enforcement. He then transferred to Western Michigan University graduating from with a BA, Magna Cum Laude, in criminal justice. Lt. Roe later obtained his MA in Criminal Justice Administration from the University or Alaska, Fairbanks. 

Lt. Roe worked for the Coloma Township Police Department for over 18 years as a Patrol Officer and Lieutenant, and while also being assigned to the Berrien County Homicide Task Force and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. Lt Roe retired from Coloma Township as Chief of Police in 2018. 

Lt. Roe also had the opportunity to attend several advanced trainings including Michigan State Police Leadership Development, Northwestern University Executive Management, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police New Chief and Police Executive School, and Michigan State University School of Staff and Command.

Lt. Roe joined the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office and served as a road patrol Deputy and Benton Harbor High School Resource Deputy. 

Lt. Roe joined a civilian technology company in the drone industry, serving a varsity of roles including assisting public safety at fire scenes, crime scenes, missing persons, and sensitive law enforcement operations. 

Lt. Roe retuned to law enforcement, choosing to accept a patrol position with the Chikaming Township Police Department in May of 2023. 

Full-Time Police Officers

Officer Jeremiah Mansfield

jmansfield@chikamingtownship.org

Officer Mansfield graduated from Spring Arbor University in the fall of 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Officer Mansfield attended Lansing Community college, receiving his MCOLES certification in 2019. Officer Mansfield began his law enforcement career in Lansing Michigan in 2019. Officer Mansfield was hired by the Chikaming Township Police Department in August of 2021. Officer Mansfield has a passion for serving those around him and is truly grateful for this opportunity to give back to the community of Chikaming. Officer Mansfield continues to gain experience and knowledge so that he can better serve the community.

Officer Max Alverson

malverson@chikamingtownship.org

Officer Max Alverson has 7 years of law enforcement experience. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Aurora University, focused on criminal justice. During his time at Aurora University, he was on the Aurora University football team and briefly on the Aurora lacrosse team. He went on to attend the Kalamazoo Valley Police Academy. Officer Alverson strongly believes in public safety in police work. He focuses on using proactive policing and community policing to stay involved in the Chikaming Township area. Officer Alverson is the department’s firearms instructor, and also serves his community as a coach for our local high school football team.

Officer Danielle Brown (SRO)

dbrown@chikamingtownship.org

Officer Justin Hageman

jhageman@chikamingtownship.org

Justin and his wife and three kids moved from Oregon last July to southwest Michigan.  Justin's dad grew up spending his summers in Chikaming Township and has lots of family in the area.  Justin grew up visiting the area during summers and always loved it. Justin previously worked in Oregon in Law Enforcement for just under 7 years.  He has experience working with the Mobile Crisis Response Team, which had a mental health worker riding with him and specialized responding to calls which were mental health related and follow-ups with those clients.  Justin also was in the Oregon Air National Guard for 6 years as an airport and structural firefighter.

Reserve Officers

Reserve Captain Greg Nelson

gnelson@chikamingtownship.org

Reserve Captain Nelson has been with the Chikaming Police Department since 2014. Nelson was promoted to Reserve Corporal in 2021 and to Reserve Captain in 2023. Nelson has an associate degree in criminal justice from Grand Rapids Community College. Nelson is also a firefighter and medical first responder with Chikaming Township Fire department as well as being a Captain on Weesaw Township Fire department.

Reserve Officer Jeff Grant

jgrant@chikamingtownship.org

Reserve officer Jeff Grant’s diverse background illustrates a commitment to both public service and financial expertise. His tenure in the United States Army demonstrates his dedication to serving his country, while his transition to the financial service industry underscores his adeptness in retirement investment and financial planning. With over two decades of experience in retirement goal planning, income planning, social security, and Medicare, Reserve Officer Jeff Grant is well-equipped to offer valuable insights and guidance to his clients. Furthermore, Officer Jeff Grant’s role as a Reserve Police Officer with the Chikaming Township Police Department for the past five years showcases his ongoing commitment to public safety and community service. This blend of military, law enforcement, and financial expertise likely equips Reserve Officer Grant with a unique perspective on risk management, discipline, and strategic planning, all of which are invaluable traits in both the financial services industry and public service roles.

Reserve Officer David Waskevich

dwaskovich@chikamingtownship.org

Reserve Officer Alicia Messer

amesser@chikamingtownship.org

Reserve Officer Brian Burkhard

amesser@chikamingtownship.org

[Pictures taken by Harrington Photography]