Who We Are
In May 1980, five members of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office formed the Ottawa County Deputy Sheriff's Association (OCDSA). The founding members were: Larry Beld, Dennis Shaw, Michele Kolean, Gary Rosema, David Steenwyk, and Nick Kooiker. The OCDSA was incorporated at this time and its purpose was two-fold:
1. To provide an organized method of establishing collective bargaining and maintaining an efficient relationship with the County of Ottawa and the Sheriff of Ottawa County.
2. To provide a form of assistance, aid, and/or relief for the members of the corporation and/or their families in the event of the death or illness of a member.
Today, the OCDSA is the longest active employee association associated with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office (MI). Our membership is comprised of both sworn and civilian employees from the following sheriff's office units: Corrections, Court Services, Animal Control, and Clerical.
The following members continue on the legacy of the OCDSA on behalf of their peer members today serving on its executive board:
President: Joe Walker
Vice President: Brian Arendsen
Secretary-Treasurer: Adam Brown
Trustee: Sean Stevenson
Trustee: Joe Dirette
The OCDSA is a local affiliate member of the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM), the largest law enforcement association in Michigan with more than 12,000 members.