Group meeting to determine new sheriff July 30th

Update: The July 30th meeting could be the first in a series that will determine the next sheriff. Administrator Ben Larson says that conversations he has had with the members of the committee suggest the search for a replacement for Brian McLean could be a process, rather than a short deliberation.

By law, a three-member group of Houghton County officials is required to meet to name a replacement for the vacant sheriff position. Administrator Ben Larson says the panel consists of prosecuting attorney Brittany Bulleit, probate judge Fraser Strome, and clerk Jennifer Kelly. They gathered today, but no decision was made. That is expected on July 30th. Undersheriff Kevin Coppo will assume the role temporarily.

Kelly says that the group unanimously agreed to wait until after the funeral is held for Brian McLean, who died Monday night at UP Health System – Marquette. Preliminary arrangements suggest the service will be this weekend, but nothing has been finalized yet. Administrator Ben Larson expects delegates from across the state will be in attendance.

McLean’s 24-year tenure as Houghton County Sheriff was the longest current stretch in the state, and he enjoyed enormous respect among his peers. The department highlighted some of the tributes being made to McLean by local and Michigan officials.