Charles E. Herring, Jr. is in a new world. A world of growth concerns, development issues, financial burdens and resident needs. A world full of government.
Herring is Independence Township’s new deputy supervisor.
‘This is totally different from what I did before,? said Herring, who recently retired from the Pontiac Police Department. ‘I’m looking forward to the challenge.?
Herring and his wife Loretta, owner of Heaven Scent Cafe in downtown Clarkston, have been married for 19 years and lived in Independence Township since 1989. They have two children ? Courtney, 18, a Clarkston High School graduate currently attending Dennison University in Ohio, and Jonathan, 14, a ninth grader at Clarkston Junior High School.
Herring said he was born and raised in Pontiac and graduated from Pontiac Central. He earned a human resources/development degree from Oakland University. In 1982, he became a police cadet with the Pontiac Police Department.
‘I enjoy working with people,? said Herring. ‘It was an obvious choice to be a police officer with where I was born and raised.
‘I wanted to be an asset to the community and a positive role model to the young people,? Herring explained. ‘It really is a pleasure to work with the young people, to help them see there are options other than the easy route of drugs and stealing. Education is the way out.?
Herring became a full-time officer in January 1983. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and then lieutenant in 2001. Before retiring on Sept. 6, Herring spent the last year and a half of his career in charge of the internal affairs division.
Herring began work as Independence Township’s deputy supervisor on Sept. 6 after an extensive interview process including two meetings with Supervisor Dave Wagner. He said he learned of the position through a notice in The Clarkston News.
‘I was interested in the ability to work in the township where I live and have lived for years. Now I will be able to utilize my human resources degree more,? said Herring. ‘I feel I’m an excellent communicator, and that truly is a large part of this job.?
Herring said his other responsibilities include assisting Wagner, ensuring everything runs smoothly in the supervisor’s office and communicating with residents over their concerns.
‘My job is to make sure Dave looks good,? joked Herring. ‘The job is broad, but challenging. My main goal is to learn as much as I can, as quickly as possible.
‘This has been my first full week and I’ve met a number of people. Sharon Howard (secretary for the supervisor) has been instrumental in helping me work through the process. She’s made sure I’m where I should be and helped schedule meetings and such.?
Herring said he is looking forward to the point when he will be able to immediately address and find answers for citizen concerns, as much as possible. He added that he’s grateful for this opportunity and excited to begin serving the township.
‘I look forward to doing the job and providing the people of Independence Township with the best service available,? Herring concluded.