Meet the Casco Cop, Deputy Hoyt

Casco Township contracts with the Allegan County Sheriff's Department on an annual basis for one full time deputy and a patrol car, funded by a voted .25 millage, with .2491 being collected in the coming year (due to the Headlee rollback.) This role is currently filled by Deputy Zach Hoyt, a 2012 South Haven High School graduate.

Deputy Hoyt started his career in law enforcement by enlisting in the U.S. Navy in the winter of 2013. In the U.S. Navy he served as a Master-at-Arms, a position focused on security operations and law enforcement. Deputy Hoyt conducted harbor patrol in Bahrain; Greece; Portsmouth VA; and worked with anti-terrorism and force protection efforts in Italy.

Returning to South Haven in 2021, Deputy Hoyt served in the U.S. Navy Reserves for two years in Battle Creek. In the winter of 2023, he was hired by the Allegan County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol Division. His work there focused on boating safety. He graduated from the Marine Academy later that year and worked in courthouse security for the Allegan County Courthouse.

The Allegan County Sheriff's Department subsequently sponsored his police academy training at Grand Valley State University. Hoyt became a full time deputy with the Allegan County Sheriff in August of 2023. In September 2024 he was assigned to Casco Township as its full time deputy.

Deputy Hoyt provides regular reports to the Township Board of Trustees, keeping the community informed about financial scams, thefts, and other crime concerns. He also conducts property checks at no charge for Casco Township residents who are away from their property for a vacation or an extended period. The form to request a property check is available on the Casco Township government website.

Residents needing a VIN inspection can contact Deputy Hoyt; he also responds to alarms, accidents, conducts traffic control, and assists other officers with calls in the SW Allegan County area.

"I average 250 miles a day on my cruiser in Casco," Deputy Hoyt reported at the October Township Board meeting.

Deputy Hoyt can be reached through the non-emergency number at the Allegan County Sheriff's Office, 269-673-0500 x 4033.

Deputy Zach Hoyt has served Casco Township since September 2024