Sheriff Todd Tardiff

ESCANABA — A new but familiar face is at the helm of the Delta County Sheriff’s Office.

Todd Tardiff, the new county sheriff, replaced Sheriff Ed Oswald in January after he retired after 34 years of service with the sheriff’s department.

Tardiff previously served in the department for 32 years before retiring almost two years ago as a road patrol lieutenant.

He was elected sheriff in 2024, running unopposed and receiving almost 17,000 votes.

Tardiff graduated from Gladstone Area High School in 1986 and attended Northern Michigan University (NMU). He graduated from NMU in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in corrections.

The Delta County Sheriff’s Office hired Tardiff in January of 1991, where he served until his retirement in May of 2023.

Even though Tardiff was enjoying his retirement, he decided it was time to come back. After talking with his family, who he said were very supportive of his decision, Tardiff decided to run for the position.

“I really missed the work a lot. I missed the people, the deputies, and I just figured when Ed (Oswald) retired, it was a good opportunity, and (I) took it,” he said.

Oswald, who started with the department at the same time as Tardiff, praised his replacement as he left the position.

“He worked in the jail, and he and I were partners for quite a few years. He is very hard-working and very ethical; he has high morals. He’s a hard worker,” Oswald said.

The two remain in contact, with Oswald acting as a resource for Tardiff as he gets accustomed to his new role.

Tardiff began his career with the county as a dispatcher/corrections officer before rising through the ranks in the road patrol division.

“So, I went to road patrol, then sergeant, and then ended as a lieutenant,” he said.

Now as sheriff, he said he plans to build off the successes of the his predecessor, saying Oswald and staff put the department in great shape when he arrived.

“I’m just trying to keep things going; like I said, the department here is phenomenal, I believe, (including) the people who work here. So, I’m just trying to keep things going the way they’re going and keep going ahead,” Tardiff explained.

Undersheriff Phil Griebel, who was also undersheriff for Oswald, stayed on when Tardiff took over.

“That was huge… He’s been great,” Tardiff said

He said the position is vastly different than what he is accustomed to, but added he has great people around him to assist.

Because the department is in a good position, Tardiff is not implementing any new changes at the moment.

“(I’m) trying to keep ahead of everything, and obviously, over time, problems change in your community. So, just trying to keep ahead of that stuff, and like I said, I think we got a phenomenal department, so that’s half the battle right there,” he explained.

He spoke about his first three months at the helm, reiterating that he is still getting used to his role as sheriff.

“It’s been enjoyable most of the time, but I’m just trying to get acclimated to doing this job. It’s totally different from what I was doing,” he said.

He said the volume of work has been a challenge in his first three months, but not because of the amount, but rather the type of task.

“There’s a lot more process to it. It’s not just like I can go out on the road and stop a car, you know, go to a crime, take it from start to finish. It’s like, it’s just a lot more of a process,” Tardiff said.

However, his previous experience with the department and the staff gives him a leg up as he knows who and where to go when he needs assistance or has a question.

“Thank God, I had the experience with the department,” he said.

He said his staff, as well as county officials, are actively offering help and information.

“Our current administrator, the county board. I mean, they’ve all been very helpful,” he said.

One aspect of the role Tardiff really enjoys is being around the deputies and other staff.

“I really enjoy seeing them progress,” he said.

His message to the community is simple: he will work hard for them.

“I enjoy being back to work. I’ll work as hard as I can. I think I’m constantly trying to do a good job, but I mean, I’m going to make mistakes… I feel I listen to them, the public. Like I said, I truly enjoy the department, people that I work with, I care about them,” he said.

The department wants the public to continue to engage with its deputies, as the community can be vital in providing information.

“They may think it’s not important, or it’s just something not worth the time, but you never know,” Tardiff said.

He reiterated the strength of the department and his gratitude for being back with it.

“I think it’s the best job in the world. I do feel fortunate that I’m able to come back and do it,” he said.

The Delta County Sheriff’s Office can be contacted at 906-786-3633.