Baroda-Lake Township Police Department

08/11/2026

07/13/2026

Press Release

Person Making Release: Wes Koza, Chief of Police
Date and Time of Incident: July 8, 2026, at approximately 7:46 p.m.
Date of Release: July 13, 2026
Type of Incident: Fatal Incident Under Investigation
Location of Incident: 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Lake Township, Berrien County, Michigan (Warren Dunes State Park)
Agencies Involved: Baroda-Lake Township Police Department, Bridgman Police Department, Chikaming Township Police Department, Lake Township First Responders, Medic 1 Ambulance, and the Office of the Medical Examiner

Details

At approximately 7:46 p.m. on July 8, 2026, emergency personnel were dispatched to the above location following a report of an individual experiencing a possible cardiac arrest.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with a 51-year-old male from LaPorte, Indiana, who was in full cardiac arrest. Life-saving measures were immediately initiated at the scene. The individual was transported by Medic 1 Ambulance to Corewell Health Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan.

Despite emergency medical efforts, the 51-year-old male was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Status

This incident remains under investigation

07/06/2026

On a warm July 3rd, the Baroda-Lake Township Police Department showed their support for a local entrepreneur. Chief Wes Koza captured the moment in a photo featuring Lt. Steve Morrow, Officer Ryan Soper, and Officer Patrick Daugherty.

05/06/2026

On behalf of the Baroda-Lake Twp Police Department, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone at Baroda Tj's Tap for your ongoing support and kindness. Your dedication to our community has made a meaningful difference, and your generosity has not gone unnoticed. We truly appreciate the partnership you have fostered with us, and it is clear that your commitment to Baroda’s well-being is unwavering.

Thanks to your efforts, our ability to serve and protect the community is strengthened, and together we are able to create a safer, more welcoming environment for all. We value the trust and collaboration that has grown between us and look forward to continuing this positive relationship for many years to come.

Once again, thank you for being such a vital and valued part of our community. Your continued support means so much to us.

Warm regards,

Baroda-Lake Twp Police

04/16/2026

Want to be part of our team?

POSITION: Police Officer or Police Recruit – The Baroda-Lake Twp. Police Department is seeking self-motivated and qualified candidates for the position of Police Officer. Baroda-Lake Twp Police Department is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. All Submissions must contain a cover letter, applicant resume, and a Baroda-Lake Twp. Police Department employment application.
Baroda-Lake Twp. Police Department also seeks qualified candidates pursuing sponsorship/funding for attending a police academy. Applicants for sponsorship should complete the same application as that for police officer and indicate academy sponsorship is requested.
How to Apply: In person at 3169 W. Shawnee Rd., Bridgman, MI., 49106
Call (269) 465-3258 or email Chief Wes Koza [email protected] for an application.
Opening Date: April 20, 2026
Closing Date: June 01, 2026
Join Baroda-Lake Twp. Police Department and be part of a dynamic and supportive community dedicated to upholding the highest standards of law enforcement. The Baroda-Lake Twp. Police Department takes pride in its commitment to serving the community and fostering professional growth.
JOB SUMMARY: This position is a Certified or Certifiable Police Officer, non-sworn Police Recruit, employed with benefits while attending Basic Police Academy (August-December, 2026). An Employed Police Recruit must successfully complete the MCOLES Basic Police Academy to be eligible for activation to a Police Officer position. The Recruit will be sponsored for their academy training; the Baroda-Lake Twp. will pay for all required tuition, course fees, equipment, and uniforms associated with Police Academy training.
QUALIFICATIONS: Must be a U.S. citizen and be 18 years or older at time of employment Must possess a valid Michigan Operators License No Felony convictions or a crime that questions your credibility. Ability to successfully complete all phases of the selection process. Must meet the minimum employment standards as published by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. Must not have been released or discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States under dishonorable conditions. The minimum qualifications listed above are required for eligibility.
Pass oral interview Pass medical exam to include, physical, psychological, and drug testing Pass an extensive background check
POLICE WAGE: $52,000 (police academy recruit) $68,640 annually for experienced officers. Competitive Benefit package. Wage increases yearly. Top out pay after 3 years. Mers pension, vested after 10 years. 10 hr shifts. Take home squad cars for each officer. Nine paid holidays a year. Health Insurance Plan Dental/Vision Insurance Plan.