The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office has been a long-time home for Road Sgt. Scott Ruggles and
Corrections Sgt. Chip Whaley.

Both men will now begin a new chapter in life after announcing their retirements from the department.

For Sheriff Brian Miller, it’s not just a simple goodbye to two of his co-workers.

“They were both not just people I worked alongside,” Miller said. “Both have been friends for a long
time. We had camaraderie, friendship, and a brotherhood.”

Ruggles and Whaley each spent over 20 years in the law enforcement industry, including many of those years in Mecosta County. The community will certainly remember the two men by their tough exterior on duty, but many will attribute their willingness and care for people.

“They had a stern outer shell. If you thought that was just the way they were, they weren’t,” Miller said. “They had the inner soft shell where they were caring in nature for everyone around them.”
When it came to what set the two men apart, both had a tremendous skill set in their role.

“Chip had the ability to communicate with people in the jail. He was one of the more respected
Corrections officers. Scott was the kind of leader that when stuff hit the fan, you wanted him there.”
Miller said the department held an in-house celebration for the two men before their departure.

 

When asked on the expected announcement, Miller said Ruggles’ was much more anticipated than Whaley’s.

“Chip’s was a surprise. He had another option that came across for him to take. We knew Scott’s was
coming for some time.”

In first action to fill the two positions, the department has promoted Deputy Darcy Mann. The MCSO
Lifesaving Award winner began her new duties as Sergeant last week. For Chip’s position, the
department is in the process of filling it internally.

The office has also began hiring new deputies to help on staff.

“We have one, Andrew Humm, who will be training over the next couple of weeks. We also have a
young man who started Wednesday morning and another one starting Monday. There will be a fourth that will be starting in the next three to four weeks.”

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