Alpena County Sheriff's Office

16/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our newest Corrections Corporal, Brianna Chechlowski! 🎉

We are pleased to announce the recent promotion of Brianna Chechlowski to Corrections Corporal. Corporal Chechlowski has been with the Sheriff’s Office for approximately two years and has excelled in her role as a Correctional Deputy. Her hard work and dedication have earned her this opportunity to take on a new leadership role within the Corrections Division.

Please join us in congratulating Corporal Chechlowski on her well-deserved promotion! We appreciate her continued service and dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve.

Photography by Robert Sullivan Photography

16/10/2026

On October 2, 2026, Correction Deputy Kirk Fitzgerald graduated from the Local Corrections Officer Academy at Kirtland Community College!

The state-approved academy consists of 160 hours of intensive training designed to provide local corrections officers with the knowledge and skills needed to serve safely and effectively.

We are proud to recognize Deputy Fitzgerald for reaching this important milestone. Congratulations on your graduation and thank you for your dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and our community!

09/10/2026

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Michael Lash on his recent promotion to Road Patrol Sergeant with the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office, effective September 14, 2026!

Sergeant Lash brings more than 19 years of law enforcement experience to his new leadership role. Throughout his career with the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the citizens of Alpena County, including developing and supporting multiple community outreach programs. He has served as a Field Training Officer for many years and has continued to support and mentor his fellow deputies through various roles within the agency.

In addition to his law enforcement experience, Sergeant Lash serves as a Criminal Justice Instructor at Alpena Community College, where he shares his knowledge and experience with students pursuing careers in the criminal justice field. He has continued his own education towards a master’s degree in criminal justice administration, reflecting his commitment to professional development and lifelong learning.

Sergeant Lash has consistently demonstrated the qualities we look for in a supervisor: professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a willingness to lead by example. His experience both on the road and in the classroom will be a valuable asset as he takes on his new responsibilities.

Congratulations, Sergeant Lash! We wish you continued success in your new role and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make within the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office and the community we serve.

26/08/2026

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office conducted its third annual Bookbags and Badges fundraiser to collect school supplies and needed items for children of all ages. Partnered with Alpena City Police Department, we were able to raise 7 cart loads of donated items and $1,828 in cash donations from the community. The cash donations were used to purchase additional supplies! Thank you to TBJH SRO, Deputy Schafer and Elementary SRO, Officer Curtis for their work collecting donations, organizing, and distributing them to all local public schools! Thank you to everyone who donated and contributed to making this event successful!

02/07/2026

Please join us in welcoming Ashley Kolnowski as the new Animal Control Officer with the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office!

Ashley brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience working with domestic animals, livestock, and wildlife. Her diverse background, combined with her passion for animal welfare and public service, makes her an outstanding addition to our community.

We are excited to have Ashley serving the residents and animals of Alpena County and look forward to the positive impact she will make in this important role.

Congratulations, Ashley, and welcome to the team! We wish you great success as you begin this new chapter serving both our community and its animals.

02/07/2026

The Sheriff’s Office had a wonderful time today partnering with NEMCSA. It was fun handing out ice cream to all the kids at the splash pad.

23/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bond Scam Alert – Alpena County Sheriff’s Office.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office is warning the public about a recent scam involving fraudulent bond payment requests.

Recently, a citizen reported that they had been contacted regarding a bond payment for an incarcerated individual. The victim stated that he received text messages informing him to go to CVS and have the cashier scan the barcode he was sent via text message. The messages instructed him to send $300, which he did. He later received another message claiming there had been a mistake with the bond amount and that it was actually $800, directing him to send an additional $500. The individual complied, sending a total of $800.

When the individual later arrived at the Sheriff’s Office, he learned the person he believed he was assisting had already been released on a Personal Recognizance (PR) bond, meaning no payment was required. It was then determined that he had been the victim of a scam.

Important Reminders:

Law enforcement will never request bond payments through text messages, barcodes, or retail transactions.

Legitimate bond payments are handled through official channels such as the court or jail.

Scammers often create urgency or claim errors to pressure victims into sending additional money.

If you receive a similar message:

Do not send money or follow the instructions.

Contact your local law enforcement agency directly using a verified phone number.

Report the incident immediately.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to stay alert and share this warning with others in the community.

23/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Scam Alert: Individuals Impersonating Alpena County Sheriff’s Office Personnel

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to a currently circulating scam involving callers fraudulently claiming to be deputies with our agency.

We have received multiple reports that scammers are impersonating Undersheriff Cash Kroll and instructing individuals to visit local retailers such as Walmart or Meijer to send money. In one reported case, the scammer claimed there was a “gag order” in place, telling the individual they could not speak to anyone about the situation. This tactic is used to isolate victims and prevent them from verifying the legitimacy of the request.

Thankfully, in that instance, a vigilant store employee recognized the situation and advised the individual that they were being targeted by a scam.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind the public of the following:

Important Reminders:

Law enforcement will never request bond payments through text messages, barcodes, gift cards, or retail transactions.

Legitimate bond payments are handled only through official channels such as the court or the jail.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claim a mistake has been made, or insist on secrecy (such as a “gag order”) to pressure victims into sending money quickly or repeatedly.

If You Receive a Similar Message or Call:

Do not send money or follow the instructions.

Do not engage or provide personal information.

Contact your local law enforcement agency directly using a verified phone number.

The Alpena County Sheriff’s Office encourages all residents to remain vigilant and to share this information with family, friends, and neighbors.

08/06/2026

28/05/2026