COURT BAILIFFS Ron Kienzle (left) and Joe Zangaro were killed Monday at the Berrien County Courthouse by a prisoner being transferred from a holding cell to a courtroom. (Sheriff Dept. ID photos)
By
Annette Christie
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey had to do the unthinkable Monday afternoon as he told the story of how two public servants, friends and colleagues of his, lost their lives to a Courthouse shooter. Bailey held three press conferences yesterday in an attempt to keep people as informed as he could as the day unfolded. He also held another one this morning. At about 2:25 p.m., Monday, July 11, there was a disturbance at the Berrien County Courthouse on the third Floor.
Bailey said that the subject, who was an inmate at the Berrien County Jail, was being removed from a holding cell at the courthouse when a fight occurred between the subject and one of the Sheriff’s Deputies.
Bailey said that the inmate disarmed the deputy and used that gun to shoot the deputy, two Court Bailiffs, and a civilian. The deputy was currently at the hospital being treated and was in stable condition. Bailey reported that the inmate was shot and killed by two other Bailiffs.
Several other officers were involved in taking the suspect down. State Police, local law enforcement, and Sheriff’s Department detectives were questioning all of those involved and those that may have witnessed what occurred in the Courthouse. The State Police Crime Lab came into assist with the investigation. When Bailey announced the names of the deceased, he stated, “With broken hearts we stand here today to give you that information on our friends.” The two court officers are Joe Zangaro, 61, head of Courthouse Security and Ronald Kienzle, 63. Zangaro retired from the Michigan State Police as Post Commander of the Bridgman Post. He has worked for Berrien County since 2004. Kienzle retired as a Sgt. From the Benton Charter Township Police Department after serving in the United States Army. He has worked for Berrien County since 2005. Bailey said,
“They were well respected by their peers.”
The injured deputy was identified as James Atterberry, Jr., 41. He has worked for Berrien County since 1998. Bailey said that Atterberry had been in surgery with injuries to his arm. He said that he was in stable condition. The citizen that was injured was later identified as Kenya Ellis. She had received injuries to her arm as well. She was also hospitalized at Lakeland Hospital. The Berrien County Courthouse remained closed on Tuesday, July 12 and will be closed to the public on Wednesday, July 13. Employees were to report as scheduled. Grief counseling was available on Tuesday and Wednesday for all Berrien County employees. Additional counseling time will be made available if the need is there. Sheriff Bailey expressed his and many others feelings,
“Our hearts are torn apart, they were my friends, they were my colleagues, it is a sad day.”
Governor Rick Snyder spoke at one of the press conferences stating,
“I am here to show support on a terrible day in a wonderful community. I ask that all Michiganders put your prayers out to the families of the lost law enforcement officials and thoughts and prayers to the wounded.”
He encouraged everyone to reach out and be as supportive as they can for law enforcement. Bailey assured the public that the situation that occurred was an unfortunate incident and that officers move inmates many times, every day, between the jail and the courthouse without any incidents or occurrences. He stated that the Bailiffs and the deputies are well trained. As with any incident, policies and procedures will need to be reviewed and updated as necessary. Bailey stated that he and the Chief Judge would work together to look over those policies and procedures that require change as needed. The Sheriff confirmed that the inmate, Larry Darnell Gordon was handcuffed as he was moved from the holding cell, but was able to wrestle the gun away from the deputy. The 45-year-old from Coloma was in custody to face several charges. He has been in custody since his arrest on April 16, 2016 by the Coloma Charter Police Department. Coloma Charter Township Police Chief Jason Roe confirmed that his department had originally gone to arrest Gordon on an outstanding warrant out of their department.
COUNTY IN MOURNING…what began as a memorial outside of the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office for the fallen Police Officers of Dallas, Texas has evolved into a memorial for public servants right here at home. A black drape rests over the Berrien County Sheriff’s vehicle marking the deaths of two Court Bailiffs this past Monday. Many individuals have stopped to add flowers, balloons, notes of remembrance and even a sign bearing the slogan “Berrien County Strong.” Joseph Zangaro and Ronald Kienzle were killed in the line of duty when an inmate was able to obtain the weapon of a Berrien County Sheriff’s Deputy while being transported from a holding cell in the Berrien County Courthouse. The deputy was also injured. Long time public servants, Zangaro was retired from the Michigan State Police and Kienzle was retired from the Benton Charter Township Police Department and served in the Armed Forces. The funeral for Zangaro will be held on Friday. Funeral arrangements were not yet made for Kienzle.
He was also wanted for failure to pay child support. Following an investigation, further charges were authorized by the Berrien County Prosecutors’ Office, which is what he was being held in custody on: Criminal sexual conduct, malicious destruction of property under $200; assault with a dangerous weapon; possession of child pornographic materials; assault by strangulation; delivery or manufacturing methamphetamine; possession of marijuana; and resisting and obstructing police. Some of the charges were for more than one count.
Gordon has a long history of law breaking. In 1992, he was arrested and charged with unarmed robbery. Ultimately, he plead guilty to a disorderly person. In 1998, he was arrested by MSP and later charged with fleeing a police officer and operating while intoxicated. In 2013, Gordon was arrested by Coloma Township Police on a misdemeanor burglary charge, misdemeanor traffic offense, and a felony traffic offense. He plead guilty to larceny on a building and operating while intoxicated, second offense. In addition, there are the charges that he was facing currently in the Berrien County Trial Court. The funeral arrangements for the two Bailiffs were not finalized as of press time.
Van Buren County Youth Fair 2016 Opens Monday
HARTFORD – The 2016 edition of the Van Buren Youth Fair, July 18 -23, will feature a variety of grandstand attractions, from music to Motocross, a rodeo, tractor pull, and more. On Tuesday night, at 7, the Hartford NTPA Nationals, featuring super Farm tractors, two-wheel drives, pickups, and modifieds, will get underway. Singer Caroline Kole will headline Wednesday’s night grandstand entertainment at 7:30. SJO Motocross will be Thursday night’s featured grandstand entertainment at 7. On Friday, at 7 p.m., The Super Kicker Rodeo Production, sponsored by Ram Rodeo Series and the Van Buren Youth Fair, will headline grandstand entertainment. A free fireworks show will close out Friday night.
The fair’s week-long run ends Saturday night with a demolition derby and more, beginning at 7, presented by Unique Motor Sports. Grandstand and hillside seating for ages 13 and over on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights is $6, and age’s six to 12, $4. Under five are free. On Friday and Saturday nights, ages 13 and over are $7, and ages 6 to 12, $5. The Fair Board continues to pay full premiums to youth and adult exhibitors this year, marking the seventh straight year, after funding was cut by the state to all 86 fairs located throughout the state.
Several groups and organizations have again stepped up this year to assist the fair in paying those premiums to the 4-H and open class exhibitors, according to Fair Board President Janet Tripp. The Van Buren 4-H Leaders Association and the Van Buren Sheriff’s Mounted Division is two groups who have supported the fair with financial donations toward premiums. Skerbeck Entertainment Group will offer carnival rides and amusements this year. For the sixth year, a “Mega Pass” will be offered by the carnival company that will allow fair goers unlimited access to the rides during fair week. Pre-sale Mega Pass ride tickets. good for Monday through Saturday, July 18 – 23, is $65. On Monday, July 18, the price will be $75 after 1 p.m. Those tickets will be available soon at the fairgrounds, located on the corner of County Road 681 and Red Arrow Highway, midway between Hartford and Lawrence.More information about this year’s fair may be found on the Web at: www.vanburenyouthfair.com. The fair also has a facebook page.
Hagar Two. Board recommends interim Chief for North Berrien Fire Department
By Jon Bisnett
Recognizing the tragedy that took place earlier in the day, Supervisor DiMaggio began the meeting on a somber note by observing a moment of silence for the officer who lost their lives. Despite the findings of an exhaustive consultant’s report, it took Hagar Township a great deal of discussion to settle on a formal recommendation of the immediate hiring of an Interim Chief to assume the responsibility of overseeing the day to day operations of the North Berrien Joint Fire Department. A prior motion to recommend a search for a full-time Chief to be conducted by a consulting firm was defeated. The in-depth fire consultant’s report contained a recommendation for a full-time Chief with a candidate search by outside firm,, as the NBJFD track record has been a “revolving door” of Chiefs as of late. The report suggests better Fire Board leadership can be better accomplished by adding the 2 Township Supervisors and Mayor of Coloma City. As the discussion turned toward the Fire Board which has been called into question by the report, it was pointed out that Hagar’s Dave Gould is currently the longest standing member and is up for reappointment. After a lengthy discussion a reluctant DiMaggio agreed to assume Gould’s board position on a temporary basis upon the expiration of Gould’s term with the full intention to then resign and reappoint a representative as soon as the immediate matters of hiring and other protocols can be ironed out. DiMaggio acknowledged that how long he might serve cannot be measured in months, but rather when organizational goals have been accomplished.
Guests
County Commissioner Bill Smith expressed his sympathy for all concerned in regard to the unthinkable events of early in the afternoon. He commended Sherriff Paul Bailey for his handling of a very difficult situation. NBJFD officers visited to present their findings in regard to a replacement tanker. Captain Doug Kraemer accompanied by Captain Todd Bohle and Lieutenant Randy Frank explained the issue whereby the original concept was to purchase a Rescue Truck in the $275,000 range; it has since become more of a priority to replace the aging 3,000 gallon tanker. Bids in excess of $300,000 have come in from several sources. The trio was in search of the board’s approval to replace the tanker with a “not to exceed” that approval came unanimously following a motion by Trustee Deb Kavanaugh to commit to Hagar’s contractual share of a truck not to exceed $315,000. Also visiting was Berrien County Drain Commissioner candidate Christopher Quattrin of St. Joseph visited and spoke briefly of his intentions should he prevail in the upcoming election.
Supervisors Report
Supervisor Izzy DiMaggio started off with a “crowd pleaser” by announcing that road work on Pier Road should be completed within 2 weeks with a fresh chip and seal surface. Referencing the Paw Paw River clean-up effort, DiMaggio again stated he would ask that the DDA pursue a grant to develop the Township property on Coloma Road into an improved access point on the Paw Paw River. A canoe launch and parking lot would be the first priorities.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Marlene Davis presented June expenses in the amount of $36,586.98 noting $6,600 of parks maintenance to and $4,500 for tree removal.
Clerk’s Report
Clerk Ian Haight reported 9 calls for Pride Care Ambulance with an average response time of 8:18 for June. Work is well underway for the heating and air conditioning overhaul at the hall. Ian reminded that the August 2nd Primary is coming up. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Fire Report
Fire Board Rep. Dave Gould reported with 19 runs in the month of May with 5 in Hagar, 12 in Coloma Township, 2 in Coloma City totaling 104 for the year. June expenses for the department were $31,839.21. The replacement tanker bids have been opened and turned over to the truck committee with US Tanker at $305,810 – Spencer Equipment $309,530 and Pierce Equipment at $366,959. Seven requests for bid had been sent out. Contact from FEMA indicates that a grant has not been fully closed out and is under review locally. Parking lot work at Station 1 is complete with a final cost of $61,988. The Auxiliary will conduct a Quarter Auction fundraiser at Station 1 on October 6th. The department celebrated the life of past Chief Randy Morris joined by a tremendous group of supporting Southwest Michigan Fire Departments. NBJFB meets next on August 2nd, at Station 2.
Building Inspectors Report
Inspector Butch Kelley reported 11 permits for $382,600 for the prior month. Kelley presented a request from the surrounding property owners to abandon a section of Carolina Street. The board unanimously approved a motion by Deb Kavanaugh to make a recommendation that the Berrien County Road formally abandon Carolina Street between Jefferson and Lincoln.
Parks & Recreation
Parks Director Deb Kavanaugh had reported business as usual at all township parks. Kavanaugh spoke regarding the Friends of the Paw Paw River initiative vowing to see that Hagar receives its fair share of the $100,000 in funds that was recently announced by State Representative Al Pscholka. Further wants to see that other municipalities pursue any additional grant opportunities that may be available.
Old Business
The Headlee Amendment Rollback issue was visited once again. The drop from 1.0 mill to .632 negative affects the Township to the tune of roughly $60,000 in general fund revenue, which is equal to what the township has typically spent on road repairs over the past several years. A motion by Clerk Haight to bring the .38 mill renewal to the November ballot was approved with the lone dissenting vote by Treasurer Davis. Trustee Andy Ulleg spoke in regard to the Planning Commission noting the Special Hearing in regard to the former Vitale’s Market property located on M-63 has been postponed again until July 26th due to some paperwork irregularities on the part of those filing the application for rezoning the 3 lots on M-63, commonly known as Vitale’s Market, from Residential to Commercial. The Commission will first hear the request with the Township Board to receive its recommendation prior to the August regular meeting.
New Business
The Neighborhood Watch will meet Tuesday July 12th at 6:00 at the township hall. Having no further business Supervisor DiMaggio adjourned the meeting at 8:52 pm. The Board meets next 7:00 pm Monday, August 8th.
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