Chief Wesley Bierling assumed the position of Police Chief in June 2021, following the retirement of Former Chief John Riley. Chief Bierling began his law enforcement career in 2005 working part-time for the City of White Cloud and City of Otsego police departments. Later in 2005, he was hired full-time by the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office.
While at Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Bierling worked in a variety of assignments including: road patrol, traffic unit, field training, undercover narcotics, SWAT, dive team, crime scene/evidence technician, and accident investigator. In 2016, Chief Bierling was appointed as the Undersheriff of Newaygo County.
In 2017, Chief Bierling went to work for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and appointed to the position of Undersheriff. He served there until taking the Police Chief position here in Sault Ste. Marie.
Chief Bierling is a native of Holland, MI. He is a Grand Valley State University and Police Academy graduate, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Chief Bierling is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command; Class #445.