Two candidates will interview with a county committee Wednesday to fill the vacancy of Grand Traverse County Sheriff, with Sheriff Tom Bensley recently announcing his mid-term retirement effective September 3.

Undersheriff Michael Shea and former Sheriff's Office Road Sergeant Charlie Jetter will both interview for the position at 4pm Wednesday (August 23) in the probate courtroom in the Hall of Justice on Washington Street. Shea graduated from NMC's law enforcement policy academy in 2005 and has a bachelor of science degree from Michigan State University. He has over 18 years of law enforcement experience, including serving as undersheriff since 2018 and previously working as a detective, community police officer, road patrol deputy, dive team member, mission investigator, and union steward. 

"While serving the community in each of these capacities, I have done the best I possibly can to represent this office in a positive manner," Shea wrote in his application. "I believe firmly in leading by example, not only with our officers but also with other agencies and the community." Shea added that as sheriff, "I believe I would be able to better serve the amazing men and women of the Sheriff's Office, in addition to the citizens and visitors of this county."

Shea included letters of recommendation from Thirteenth Circuit Court Judge Charles Hamlyn, Sheriff's Office Captain Brandon Brinks, Jail Administrator and Captain Chris Barsheff, and Interim Traverse City Police Chief Matt Richmond, among others. Bensley also backed the selection of Shea, writing to the committee that the undersheriff "has earned the respect and confidence of the employees of the Sheriff's Office."

Jetter began his law enforcement career working at the Isabella County Jail in 1999. He accepted a position with the Grand Traverse Sheriff's Office in 2001, working as a deputy from 2001 to 2013 and then as a road sergeant from 2013 to 2017. He has a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University and is working toward the 2024 completion of a master's degree in public administration from Central Michigan University. He has been a Mayfield Township trustee since 2013.

While working at the Sheriff's Office, Jetter said he ran an irrigation business on the side that took off, leading him to quit law enforcement in 2017 to expand his business. "I always had the intent of running for sheriff when my kids were older and the timing was right," he wrote in his application. Jetter said he is "very capable of leading the department in an upbeat, positive, and forward movement," adding that he wanted to see the role of sheriff be more active in the community.

Bensley cited family, health, and succession planning as among the reasons he's stepping down mid-way through his term as sheriff. Under state law, his departure requires a committee comprised of the probate judge, the county clerk, and the prosecuting attorney to appoint someone to fill the vacancy and complete the rest of Bensley's term expiring December 31, 2024. An agenda for Wednesday's meeting indicates the committee intends to appoint Bensley's replacement immediately following interviews with the two candidates, with the committee then disbanding since its task will be complete.