A special dedication to a longtime member of the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office took place Monday at the newly-built Robert Savoie search and rescue training facility.
Current Chippewa County Sheriff Mike Bitnar announced the dedication to his predecessor in front of dozens of fellow first responders and dignitaries. Savoie was sheriff for seven years, undersheriff for 24 years, and is now a county commissioner.
The building is home to a training area along with a place to store rescue boats, ORVs, snowmobiles and other items. The sheriff’s office had been renting a building in Kinross for over a decade – one they said had no heat and was home to birds and rodents.
“The main purpose here is to keep all of our equipment ready for a moment’s notice when we need it on a rescue. Location couldn’t be much better being close to the office,” said Bitnar.
Construction of the $1.3 million building started in spring. It was paid for using the Chippewa County fund balance.