Randy Fewless
What caught Randy Fewless’ eye as a youngster in the region described in Michigan as “Up North” began a steady fascination and source of fulfillment, seeing him continue a respected law enforcement career in the Traverse City area.
“I cannot say absolutely when it began, but it came from seeing police officers at work in the community that gave me a feeling I could become one and serve others,” Fewless said. “I decided at a young age this would be my path in life. My family history was not focused on or full of experience with higher education, but as I finished high school in the Pine River district, it was certain that was where I was headed.”
Fewless’ journey began in southern Wexford County, moved to Ferris State University, then took root north of Cadillac. Part of his preparation for a life in public service involved long hours on fields of play and in the gym.
“I was the classic ‘skinny kid,’ so I devoted myself to natural bodybuilding, which was an asset for participating in football and track at Pine River,” Fewless said. “I even entered the ‘Mr. Grand Traverse’ bodybuilding contest as a teenager, which was a fun and interesting experience.”
Fewless balanced his choice to study Criminal Justice at Ferris State with finding the right place and proper program for himself and his family.
“By researching schools in the region that offered criminal justice learning, it became clear Ferris’ program had a great reputation and track record,” Fewless said. “What worked best for our family was my commuting to Big Rapids as a home-based student, which continued throughout my college days.”
Randy’s love of weightlifting assisted in his first professional experience as he moved from the general education requirements of his Criminal Justice degree to core classes. Allen Muma, who was the chief of Manton’s police department, also worked out at the local gym.
“He offered me a position with their Auxiliary Department, which meant patrols on the highways that came directly into the city,” Fewless said. “My patrol rides with Muma and his officers were great experiences each weekend while I studied at Ferris. I followed that with an internship in the Manton Police Department and the Michigan State Police post in Cadillac. I considered a career as a state trooper, but there was an uncorrected vision requirement for those seeking to join the force that I could not pass.”
Fewless began his career in northern Wexford County after earning his Bachelor of Science from Ferris State in 1992.
“I was happy to join Manton’s police force full-time since I was so thankful for what they taught me about working in the field,” he said. “After gaining experience with the department, I sought to advance my career. At this time, Ferris and other CJ programs were producing many graduates, so there were plenty of candidates for every open position. I applied to and joined the Kalkaska County Sheriff’s Department for just over a year, then was selected for an opening at the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office. It is certainly a different time now, as we strive to keep our patrol ranks strong and staff other positions across departments.”
Fewless’ responsibilities in his first several years with the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s office were varied and full of opportunities to make a difference.
“Every day was and is a joy for me,” he said. “I began in Road Patrol, then became a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) officer. That allowed me to commit to public safety by working night shifts as a Community Police Officer, focusing on checking underage drinking in Acme and Whitewater townships. I enjoyed my involvement with local government and shared my experiences by advancing to serve as a Field Training officer. Then in 2000, I tested and assumed a role as a sergeant with the department.”
After serving as a lead officer in Road Patrol, Fewless built on his training and went to Investigative Services as a sergeant in the Detective Bureau. Striking a work-life balance meant he stepped away from that opportunity while continuing with the Sheriff’s Department.
“We had a new child, and my wife Amy works as a teacher,” Fewless said. “With the help of her parents and my assignment to Road Patrol and afternoon shifts, we were able to meet the obligations of our professions and family.”
The retirement of Capt. Tom Emerson in 2010 saw Fewless make gains in rank and responsibility and, shortly after that, adjust again to the department’s demands.
“There was a captain’s vacancy in the detective bureau, and I was glad to take that assignment,” Fewless said. “I had 10 detectives serving with me, and I was pleased to be active in our investigations, taking part in surveillance and processing warrants along with them. It was a demanding role, with responsibilities arising any hour or day of the week, but I was proud to serve that unit up to March 2023.”
The realities of continuous service in law enforcement for over three decades saw Randy retire from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Department at that time. His energy and interest in public service were still keen. He has taught a Criminal Investigation course at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City for six years.
“I feel this is one way I can help officers of the future gain from my experience,” Fewless said. “NMC has a law enforcement academy and offers an Associate in Applied Science degree, which allows graduates to take the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards state licensing exam.
He also worked with the Nationwide Organ Recovery Transport Alliance, or ‘NORA,’ which was another job with around-the-clock responsibilities., but one that allowed him to be a positive force in the most difficult moment of patients’ and families’ lives.
Fewless also applied for the role of Traverse City Police Department Chief, as Jeffery O’Brien had retired in February.
“That was just one of the opportunities that arose in the months after my retirement from the sheriff’s Detective Bureau,” Fewless said. “I have always loved work and felt I had more to give. When Sheriff Tom Bensley announced his retirement Aug. 4, Undersheriff Mike Shea became interim sheriff later that month. Being able to rejoin the department in an administrative role was attractive and a familiar situation, and Sheriff Shea appointed me as undersheriff a few weeks later.”
Shea is eligible to seek election for a full term beginning in January of 2025. Fewless is excited about a shared vision with the sheriff and his departmental role.
“I had pulled my application from the Traverse City Police Chief search because I received the opportunity to continue where my heart is, with a leader I respect personally and professionally,” Fewless said. “My job is to pursue our shared goals and place my energies toward a continuous positive direction for the department. I see that going on for several more years, at least.”
Now viewing opportunities as an administrator, Fewless said his message to the coming generations of law enforcement personnel and others is to find their passion.
“I have been to job fairs, and my goal was not to be a salesman for law enforcement,” Randy said. “It is important to identify what meets one’s interests so that each Monday is not a point of frustration. I know, in my case, there is much to look forward to every day in my new role for the sake of the department and our community.”
Fewless said his degree from Ferris was a point of entry to all he has experienced in his adulthood and profession.
“I remain so proud of my time at Ferris, making all those trips in every season to Big Rapids to build my contacts of like-minded people in my curriculum,” Fewless said. “It has proven to be an important and most useful foundation for my career.”