Golden K chairman Bill Roberts, left, with guest speaker Dickinson County Sheriff Aaron Rochon.

By JOAN JOUPPI

For The Daily News

KINGSFORD — “Top o’ the morning to you” was the greeting on Monday as the Golden K seniors gathered together. Everywhere one looked green was the color of the day except for the grass. The aroma of corned beef and cabbage was in the air for St. Patrick’s Day.

As Brett Calcari put it on his Happy Dollar message, good weather, good friends, and the Golden K is a good place to be.

Chairman Bill Roberts Thought for the Day was a tribute to law enforcement personnel. “Today we remember the dedication and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, who bravely serve our communities and keep us safe. Their commitment deserves our respect and support. Real super heroes wear uniforms and badges.”

Alyce Derwinski, on piano teamed up with Richard Ochoa, who leads the singing with oldies resounded throughout the room. “Heart of My Heart,” “Look for the Silver Lining” and “I’ve Got Rhythm” set the mood for a jubilant day. Dorleen Uhazie wore a green shirt that said “lucky.” No surprise then as she picked up winnings from the 50-50 drawing.

The guest speaker for the day was recently elected Sheriff Aaron Rochon. Rochon gave the group a brief summary about how he became the sheriff for Dickinson County.

He grew up in Norway and graduated from Northern Michigan University with a degree in criminal justice and business. Contemplating alternatives to decide on the best career path, he settled in to law enforcement. He felt the call to stay local and put his efforts into making a difference in this area.

Sheriff Rochon worked his way through the ranks, with a variety of positions over the last two decades. Becoming sheriff brings all of the experience and visions for the community together. Underlying all of his ideas and projects is respect.

He emphasized how treating people with respect encourages reciprocal behavior. His ideas to upgrade and improve facets within the department are designed to increase efficiency and best serve the public.

The Dickinson County Sheriff Department staff added five officers this past year to meet local needs. An important part of their mission is to coordinate resources and projects with the public and with sheriff offices from surrounding counties. Public support and volunteers are important in this process.

The sheriff’s department runs the 911 help line that is connected to all local branches of law enforcement and public safety support. The respect and cooperation between multiple branches of the local teams is phenomenal and results in amazing service for each of us.

A grant from the Dickinson County 100-Plus Women Who Care opened up opportunities for the Project Life Saver program. The program looks to connect with caregivers of high-risk individuals who tend to wander.

A tracking bracelet with a radio signal is given to the participant, allowing law enforcement to locate the individual if they wander. Personnel and volunteers are trained and organized to execute search programs when necessary.

The 100-Plus Women Who Care also donated funds to energize the local dive program run by the sheriff’s department. The dive team is utilized for search and rescue, recovery and evidence collection. They are on call 24/7 all year and work hand-in-hand on operations with the Delta County Sheriff’s Marine Division.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department is currently updating equipment and utilizing the latest technology tools.

The sheriff’s office and Kingsford Public Safety have K-9 units, which assist in discouraging drug trade. Cheeto and Scout are the newest K-9 agents who double as community service mentors during demos.

Dealing safely with drug problems, road patrols, and the dispatch center makes the sheriff’s department a very full time job. Working with the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners and sheriff offices around the Upper Peninsula, Sheriff Rochon stays on top of things.

He is doing what he can to improve public relations and exhibiting the utmost respect for all.

Golden K meets at 10 a.m. every Monday, with a few exceptions, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. The welcome mat is out for anyone interested in joining the group. Come for one day or longer if it fits. Golden K members are serious about staying involved with the community and strive to bring information to meetings, which helps us all stay connected.