Thetford Township, Michigan

In 2001, the township began a police department by funding it from the general fund budget. The township board hired a part-time police Chief Thomas Kulcher at the time. Kulcher went on medical leave then resigned in 2007. A temporary police administrator was hired in Vienna Township Supervisor Anthony McKerchie, who then hired two part-time officers. A 1 mill levy to increase department staff was placed on the November 2007 ballot only to increase anti-police department sentiment and the levy failed at the ballot. In December 2008, McKerchie resigned. At a March 2008 board meeting, some residents called on the trustees to close the police department given the township was facing a $100-thousand deficit for the budget that was up for approval and greater presence of sheriff's deputies and State Police troopers.[13]

On Monday November 27, 2017, the northern loop set of municipalities, including Thetford, began receiving water from the Karegnondi Water Authority pipeline and treated by Genesee County Drain Commission Water and Waste Division.[14]

In 2008, the township police department started participating in the Defense Logistics Agency's Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) surplus equipment program. By 2015, the department had received through the program 450 valued at more than $1.1 million. Township Trustee Stan Piechnik and Thetford Township Supervisor Gary Stevens requested an inventory and storage location. This was also augmented by an audit that indicated that this equipment should be accounted for in an inventory. Per Piechnik and Stevens Police Chief Robert Kenny had not aided in this effort such that the duo started looking for the equipment themselves as Piechnik claims that the surplus equipment were being delivery to friends of Kenny. After assuming they had permission in May 2017 to be on private property to look for the equipment, the duo were given a citation by Kenny for trespassing. Kenny also handled the investigation, but the charges where dismissed by the township attorney. LESO contacted the township to indicate an investigation was ongoing into the township's participation.[15] Stevens then requested the Genesee County Sheriff to investigate. By December 24, 2017, a group of residents included Eugene Lehr, who was storing 20 LESO items on his property, had filed language for recall petitions for Piechnik and Stevens with language clarity hearing set for December 27.[16] The weekend after a township board on April 16, 2018 that had an heated exchange between Lehr and Stevens, equipment began showing up at the township offices.[17] On April 26, 2018, the Sheriff's Office conducted a warranted search of the police department.[18] On May 7, 2018, an employee and father of the township clerk quit causing a dispute such that the township offices were close soon after opening.[19] In June 2018, an envelope with $4,700 was found with the LESO equipment being moved, so the conduct of the chief was placed on its late June meeting. With Kenny unable to attend, a special meeting was called for July 2, 2018.[20] With only three board members attending, the special meeting was canceled.[21] One of the special meeting attendees then confronted and threatened Stevens the next day at the township offices. July 10 was the deadline for the recall petitions with no word if any were turned in the county clerk-register office. Steven planned to call another special meeting the week of July 16, 2018.[22] While no additional special meeting was called, the board voted at the late July meeting to place a proposal on the ballot whether or not the township resident want their own police department. With the need to hold hearings and approve the ballot language, the township attorney advised them they did not have enough time and discontinue the effort.[23] Kenny was then arrested on August 22 on two five year charges, embezzlement and obstruction of justice, and arranged the next day. A special meeting was called for August 24 to decide if to place him on leave.[24]