Sheriff Mast named ‘Administrator of the Year.’

Sheriff Craig Mast, at left, and Deputy Mark Hiddema, who is the local POAM president.

Sheriff Mast named ‘Administrator of the Year.’

GRAND RAPIDS – Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast was awarded “Administrator of the Year” by the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) Thursday, May 23, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.

Sheriff Mast was presented the award in front of several hundred law enforcement officers and department heads from around the State of Michigan.

Mast’s name was submitted by his deputies and staff. The POAM business agent for Oceana County, Tim Lewis, was instrumental in making this happen, said Deputy Mark Hiddema, who is the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office local POAM president.

“Sheriff Mast was deserving of this award because of his continued commitment to his staff,” said Hiddema. “Sheriff Mast works hard to resolve issues between parties. He has an open line of communication and takes time to listen to other’s concerns.”

“Sheriff Craig Mast has been the Oceana County sheriff for just over two years,” Lewis said. “In this short period of time, he and his administration have made the sheriff’s office a place to want to work, and he truly cares for his staff and his community. It has been a pleasure working with him and his administration, and I look forward to many good years to come.”

Mast demonstrates his worthiness for this award through his hands-on leadership. When he implemented the Inmate Work Program in 2017, he was first to put on his rubber knee boots and go out with the work crew. There are very few elected sheriffs who will make the jail’s weekly grocery run to Aldi, purchasing 30 gallons of milk and 20 dozen eggs – all in an effort to keep inmate food costs down.

He is a regular guest at the Oceana County Council on Aging where he has been known to serve meals to the guests who come for lunch.

“It’s my responsibility to make the sheriff look good, and that isn’t hard to do when he is your boss,” said Undersheriff Ryan Schiller.

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