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Corrections Division

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Sheriff Thomas J. Bensley and Undersheriff Nathan Alger are proud to announce the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office Employees of the Year.  The Employee of the Year awards are a celebration and recognition of Sheriff's Office employees who have exhibited outstanding performance throughout the year.
2012 Employee of the Year:
Chad Kapala
Name: Chad Kapala
Current Assignment: Deputy (Corrections Division)
Officer Bio:

Deputy Chad E. Kapala was born and raised on the east side of the state in Presque Isle, MI.  He attended Rogers City High School where he graduated in 2000. He moved to Traverse City to pursue his education in Aviation and Business.  He received his Associates Degree in Aviation along with his Commercial Pilots license through Northwestern Michigan University in April 2004.  He also received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Davenport University in June of 2005.

Deputy Kapala realized Traverse City and the surrounding area was where he wanted to call home, and he decided to pursue a career in criminal justice.  He started his employment with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office in August of 2006.  He completed the 160hr Corrections Training Program in October of 2006.  Deputy Kapala has now been employed with GTSO for over six years in the Corrections Division.  In 2012, he completed training to become a Cassification Officer. 

Deputy Kapala enjoys working with his administration, fellow employee’s, and is proud to the serve the citizens of Grand Traverse County. He is honored to receive this award.



2011 Employee of the Year:

            Luke Lansbach
Name: Luke Lansbach
Current Assignment: Deputy (Corrections Division)
Officer Bio:

Deputy Luke Lansbach began his employment with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office in 1997. He is currently assigned to the Corrections Division. Deputy Lansbach was previously employed with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department, which is located in the state of Wisconsin.

While Deputy Lansbach was employed with the Outagamie County Sheriff's Department he taught in the Juvenile Division and worked in the adult section of the jail. Deputy Lansbach is a graduate of the Grand Traverse County and Wisconsin Corrections Academys. His formal education includes a Bachelors degree from Arizona State University, teaching degree from the University of Wisconsin and a mortuary science license from the Milwaukee Institute of Technology located in Wisconsin.

While employed with the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Lansbach has served under three different Sheriff Administrations. He has enjoyed working with agency staff and is very proud to have been given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Grand Traverse County in his current capacity. Supervisors of Deputy Lansbach indicate that he always brings a positive attitude to work.

Deputy Lansbach is most proud of his wife and children as they have supported him during his employment with our agency. In his off time, Deputy Lansbach enjoys watching old western films, weight lifting and spending time with his family.