Courtesy photo Commissioner William LaHaie, left, commissioner John Kozlowski, Wilson Township Supervisor Dan Hibner, and commissioner Dan Ludlow pose next to some generators the county obtained.

ALPENA — The Alpena County Board of Commissioners, in partnership with the Alpena County Sheriff’s Department, is proud to announce the successful acquisition of eight ( 60-kilowatt MEP-806 generators and a 200kW generator to enhance the county’s emergency preparedness and ensure continuity of critical operations during emergencies.

These generators will provide dependable backup power for essential facilities throughout Alpena County, including emergency operations, public safety, and other vital infrastructure. The acquisition represents a major investment in the county’s readiness and resilience during severe weather, power outages, and other emergency situations.

“These generators represent a major step forward in Alpena County’s ability to respond quickly and effectively during times of crisis,” said John Kozlowski, chair of the Alpena County Board of Commissioners. “We’re deeply grateful for the cooperation and commitment shown across departments and agencies to make this effort a success.”

The project was made possible through the collaboration of the Alpena County Sheriff’s Department and the Alpena County Maintenance Department, with special recognition to Alpena County Sheriff Erik Smith and Deputy J.P. Ritter for their leadership and initiative in identifying, securing, and coordinating the acquisition of the generators. Their efforts were essential in ensuring the county obtained high-quality equipment at a significant cost savings to taxpayers.

The maintenance superintendent and maintenance department played a crucial role in preparing, inspecting, and ensuring the generators are fully operational and ready for deployment. Their technical expertise and dedication have been vital to getting these systems up and running, and ready for service.

Additionally, Alpena County extends its sincere appreciation to Sgt Cliff Prince of the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) for his assistance and coordination support. His guidance and technical input were invaluable in helping the county navigate the operational requirements for the new pieces of equipment to the county.

Smith praised the cooperative effort behind the project:

“This has been a great example of teamwork across departments and agencies. By working together, we’ve strengthened Alpena County’s ability to maintain essential services and protect our residents, even during the toughest situations,” Smith said.

Each generator, rated at 60 kilowatts, will be strategically deployed to support essential county operations. The generators have each been tested and are functioning, with all units expected to be deployed when called for.

This initiative highlights Alpena County’s ongoing commitment to public safety, operational readiness, and collaborative problem-solving–ensuring that the community remains safe, strong, and prepared for the future.