New sworn police force assumes duties at Cherry Capital Airport

Cherry Capital Airport shifted law enforcement responsibilities from private security to a newly formed airport police department, airport officials confirmed, formally assuming duties on Jan. 4. The move follows the airport’s recent designation as a Category Two facility, which requires certified law enforcement officers to be on site while Transportation Security Administration operations are underway.

Joe Fitzgerald was hired in June as the department’s chief to stand up the agency and spent the past six months completing administrative requirements, establishing policies and records systems, procuring equipment, and overseeing officer training and certification through the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards. The department hired five officers and began patrolling the terminal and grounds during the TSA operating window. Officers work from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., covering the full hours TSA is active at the airport.

Unlike private security, the airport police officers are fully certified and possess arrest authority, a change airport leaders say bolsters legal authority and accountability on site. Day-to-day duties include responding to alarms, conducting vehicle inspections, assisting TSA, patrolling the terminal and overseeing airport grounds. Chief Fitzgerald described much of the work as customer service-focused, noting the need to help travelers and de-escalate tense situations. “Our goal is to calm people down and help them,” Fitzgerald said.

The department required state approval and oversight during its formation, including involvement from Michigan State Police and MCOLES. It also operates under a mutual aid agreement with the Traverse City Police Department and coordinates closely with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police. Those existing agencies have provided support as the airport department moves from planning into active operations.

After roughly one week of operations, Fitzgerald said the transition has gone well, and private security contractors continue to provide overnight coverage. That split in responsibilities leaves a gap in sworn coverage during late-night hours, but officials emphasize cooperation between the two groups has been strong to maintain continuity of service.

For Grand Traverse County residents and travelers, the immediate impact is a visible shift to sworn officers at the terminal during peak operations and a change in the scope of authority available to respond to incidents. The new agency’s emphasis on customer service and de-escalation reflects the unique demands of airport policing, where interactions often involve stressed travelers and rapid turnover.

The takeaway? Expect sworn officers at Cherry Capital when TSA is operating, and know that overnight risk-response will still involve private security. Our two cents? If you fly locally, treat officers as both law enforcement and customer-service partners—ask for help when you need it, and expect trained, certified professionals to handle incidents rather than private guards.