by BETH ALTENA
A FAMILY PROFESSION—The man who started it all is Henry Roesler Jr., (second from right) former mayor of the City of Montague, chief of police there for 16 years and boasting 37 years on the force. He was the inspiration behind his nephew, Scott Mazur, to become a law enforcement officer. Of five boys, Roesler said, four went into police work in addition to three nephews who chose the career. Mazur (center) is pictured here with Dave Roesler, Henry Roesler Jr., Sgt. Doug Roesler and Kent County Sheriff Dean Roesler.
A bittersweet goodbye celebration ended the career of long-time Rockford Officer Lt. Scott Mazur Friday, April 29 at Rockford City Hall. It would apparently have been a good time to commit a crime, as it seemed every law enforcement officer in the county was present, from Cedar Springs Police Chief Roger Parent to Michigan State Police Post Commander First Lieutenant Chris MacIntire.
City Manager Michael Young put the timeline in perspective, noting the changes that have occurred since Mazur joined the City of Rockford as a rookie cop in 1991, when Young said he was in his second year in middle school and sporting an “incredible mullet.”
“Gas was $1.25 a gallon,” Young said. “The best TV you could buy was a 19-inch color for $399. The Federal Reserve interest rate was 15.3/4. The average household income was $20,000.”
Young went on, noting the average rent was $300 per month, the Titanic had just been found, Ronald Reagan was the president, and Lady Diana married Prince Charles that year. MS Dos was just released, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Cannonball Run” were in the movie theaters. The hit music was Dolly Parton, Blondie, and Olivia Newton-John with “Let’s Get Physical.”
Rockford Fire Chief Mike Reus complimented Mazur, and also thanked Mazur’s family, pointing out that firefighters and officers, perhaps more than many other professions, need strong support to be able to do their jobs.
Chief Jones thanks Lt. Scott Mazur for his dedication to serving the Rockford area for 30 years.
Rockford Police Chief Dave Jones complimented his second-in-command for his dedication to the community, not only as a police officer but also a member of the board for the Krause Memorial Library and the Rockford Community Federal Credit Union where, as part of his duties, he originally hired Connie Taylor.
“He gave this organization stability during a time of change and his historic knowledge allowed us to integrate programs into the community,” Jones said.
In a gesture of honor, Jones presented Mazur with his service revolver and his badge as a memento of the time he served as a Rockford officer.
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