MANISTEE COUNTY — The Manistee County Sheriff’s Office on Monday said that retired Sheriff Dale Kowalkowski died at the age of 67.
According to his obituary, Kowalkowski died Aug. 1 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
Kowalkowski was a lifelong public servant, spending nearly 40 years serving Manistee County at the sheriff’s office, according to the office.
Kowalkowski began his career as a deputy sheriff on Aug. 22, 1977.
In April 1990, he was promoted to road patrol lieutenant. In 1991, he was made detective lieutenant. In 1992, he was promoted to undersheriff, where he served eight years until he was elected sheriff of Manistee County. He served as sheriff for 16 years prior to retiring.
According to the sheriff’s office, Kowalkowski was instrumental in making the Manistee County Sheriff’s Office what it is today. He established 24-hour road patrol coverage and worked with commissioners to expand the Manistee County Jail, build the Manistee County EOC, and renovate the office, along with many other accomplishments, they said.
Kowalkowski’s obituary said that in lieu of flowers, please consider the Manistee Catholic Central Foundation or the Guardian Angels Church Restoration Fund as a memorial in his name.