Escanaba Public Safety detective to leave post

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ESCANABA - An Escanaba detective - credited as a very effective worker and a community leader - is leaving Escanaba Public Safety to work at a university in Wisconsin.

Det. Lt. Joe LeMire, 40, has been employed at Escanaba Public Safety for the past 13 years. He has accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. His last work day here is Friday.

Though his colleagues are happy for him, they're sad to see him go.

"It is going to be very difficult replacing Joe LeMire as he moves on," said Public Safety Director Jim Hansen. "We all wish Joe and his family the best as he furthers his career in Wisconsin."

Hansen added, "Joe's departure leaves a void in many areas that will be hard to fill. He was a very effective detective and always well-prepared for court. He has been a leader in the community, educating on the issues of prescription drug abuse, identity theft and problems facing our senior citizens."

Delta County Prosecutor Steve Parks expressed similar sentiments.

"It's just a huge loss to the community, in my opinion," Parks said, adding LeMire is a skilled detective who also has great people skills with his many contacts in the area.

"He is gifted with getting along with people. They trust and respect him," Parks said. "I'm happy for him, but sad."

LeMire said he will miss the contacts he's made and the people he's worked with over the years.

As a detective for public safety, LeMire handled all major crimes including violent crimes, like murder and felonious assault, to embezzlement. He supervised the department's other detective, the school liaison officer, and members of the department involved in the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team.

LeMire began his career in law enforcement at the police academy at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton. From there, he was a public safety officer at Tomahawk, Wis., the University of Wisconsin-Madison, then at Hannahville. In May 1995, he began working at Escanaba Public Safety as an officer and firefighter. Over the years, he moved up in the ranks to detective lieutenant.

Along the way, LeMire has witnessed changes in crimes.

Drug crimes have escalated in numbers, he said. Years ago, marijuana was a big deal but since then drugs have become harder, like cocaine and heroine, and now include the abuse of prescription drugs.

Technology has also changed the scope of crimes being investigated, he added. There is more identity thefts and fraud. "Crime involves computers and cell phones, banking records and credit card records," LeMire said, adding these investigations can be time-consuming.

Though crime has increased here, LeMire said Escanaba is generally a safe community. But residents should not drop their guard; they should take safe steps to prevent crime, like locking cars and houses and protecting one's identity.

LeMire said he enjoyed working on different cases every day. He also liked working with the Coalition Against Prescription Drug Abuse, the Alliance Against Violence and Abuse, labor management and the union.

Now he's looking forward to working at the university where his administrative position will bring new challenges. He will be involved in safety and emergency protocol at the university, making presentations, and training officers. He also may take classes to further his career.

"We were very fortunate to have Joe in our community and I look forward to following his career as I know he will continue to be very successful," Hansen said.