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The viewing and service for long-time Houghton County Sheriff Brian McLean will happen Saturday at the Rozsa Center on Michigan Tech’s campus. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, lasting four hours, before McLean’s distinguished public service is honored by guests. Many law enforcement officials are expected to be in attendance from across the state.
The Michigan Sheriff’s and Municipal Memorial and Response Team (SMMART) is assisting with coordination for ceremonies that will occur outside the Rozsa. Bagpipes, an honor guard, and more will be on full display to honor McLean, in addition to indoor visitation.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. The full obituary can be found here.
Mackinac County Sheriff Edward Wilk spoke with Keweenaw Report about the impact Sheriff McLean had on his peers throughout his 24 years in the role.
Houghton County Administrator Ben Larson says that hotel rooms are in short supply, but the area’s universities are making their residential facilities available to law enforcement personnel who wish to spend the night in the Copper Country.
Both Michigan Tech and Finlandia Universities have been asked to confirm the arrangement. Keweenaw Report heard back from Finlandia’s Director of Communications Jordan Shawhan late Wednesday night, acknowledging the gesture of hospitality. University President Philip Johnson said in a statement, “Finlandia’s learning community offers sincerest condolences to Sheriff McLean’s family. At this time of deep grief our prayers and thoughts are with them.”
Stephanie Sidortsova says the suites made available by Michigan Tech have already been reserved as of 9:00 AM Thursday, and the school is unable to accommodate anymore guests at this time.
McLean’s body is expected to be picked up in Marquette at noon today. He will receive a police escort from Houghton County Sheriff personnel, with the Michigan State Police agreeing to cover their responsibilities. Residents are welcome to line the road to pay their respects to McLean. The motorcade is tentatively scheduled to reach the county line around 2:00 PM.
