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Administration
William L. Federspiel
Saginaw County Sheriff
William L. Federspiel, Saginaw County Sheriff, has held the position of Sheriff since January 1, 2009. He was elected November 4, 2008. Currently, he commands 146 sworn and civilian employees and over 81 support unit members for the Office of Saginaw County Sheriff.
Sheriff Federspiel resides in the City of Saginaw with his wife, Mandy. They were married in Cape Coral, Florida, August 26, 1993. They are devout Christians and attend St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Saginaw. Sheriff Federspiel has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Development from Central Michigan University and an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Technology, from Edison Community College, Ft. Myers, Florida. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Administration Degree at Central Michigan University.
Sheriff Federspiel was born in Saginaw and has lived in the City of Saginaw for the majority of his life. During his early adult life, Sheriff Federspiel accepted a position as a police officer with the City of Cape Coral in southern Florida where he achieved the rank of Master Corporal. During his nearly 10 years of distinguished service, Sheriff Federspiel kept himself informed of what was taking place in Saginaw County. He saw what was happening with the gangs, drugs, and senseless homicides, and felt a strong pull to return home. His desire was to serve the community in which he grew up and help the hometown community he loved.
After discussions with his wife, Mandy, the decision was made and Sheriff Federspiel accepted a position with the Saginaw Township Police Department in 1996. Sheriff Federspiel has spent over 21 years in law enforcement, serving in Saginaw County for 12 years at the Saginaw Township Police Department. He served as Detective, Road Patrol Officer, Certified Crime Prevention Specialist, Explorer advisor and Acting Supervisor when required. During his career, he received several awards and commendations to include the Saginaw Township Police Department Officer of the Year (2001); Saginaw Township Police Department Explorer Post Two Unit Citations; and the Saginaw Township Police Department Chief's Citation for "Do the Right Thing" Awards ceremony.
Sheriff Federspiel is a member of several community and law enforcement organizations in Saginaw County and serves on several committees and boards, which include: the Saginaw County Board of Commissioners Courts and Public Safety Committee, the National Sheriff Association, the Michigan Sheriffs' Association, the Michigan Chiefs of Police Association, the Saginaw County Community Corrections Advisory Board and the Community Corrections Long Range Planning Committee.
Prior to being elected as the Sheriff of Saginaw County, Sheriff Federspiel was a member of the Board of Directors, Saginaw County 911 Authority (2005-2008); Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (1987-1996); and Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) (1996-2009) where he served as President, Vice President and Secretary. In addition, in 2005, Sheriff Federspiel was appointed, and then elected, to the Saginaw City Council. He served on numerous committees and worked hard to pass a community-supported millage for the City of Saginaw Police Department. On January 14, 2008, Sheriff Federspiel made a choice for his community. He tendered his resignation from the Saginaw City Council and announced his candidacy for the Saginaw County Sheriff post.
Robert Karl
Saginaw County Undersheriff
Robert X. Karl, Saginaw County Undersheriff, with honor and gratitude, accepted the appointment to Undersheriff, on January 1, 2009. As Undersheriff, he assists the Sheriff with all of the day to day operations of the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office.
Undersheriff Karl resides in Tittabawassee Township and has been married since 1995 to his wife, Mary Jo. Together, they have raised their five children. Undersheriff and Mary Jo Karl enjoy running their horse ranch and being with their children. His first wife, Kimberly Sue, died in 1994.
Undersheriff Karl was born in Saginaw County. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas Grade School (1974); attended St. Stephen High School (1975 and 1976); attended Sts. Peter and Paul High School (1977-1978), graduating with honors in 1978; attended and graduated from Delta College with an Associate of Applied Science Degree (Law Enforcement) in 1980. After graduating from Delta College, Undersheriff Karl moved to Houston to become a police officer where he served for four years.
Undersheriff Karl returned to Saginaw County in 1985 and became a police officer for Buena Visa Township (1985-1986). He then joined the Saginaw Township Police Department (1987-2008). In December 2008 he tendered his resignation to accept the appointment to Undersheriff, Saginaw County Sheriff's Office. During his tenure as an officer at Saginaw Township Police Department, he was decorated for Courageous Service, Distinguished Service, Meritorious Service, Life Saving, Fitness Awards, Unit Citation from Saginaw City Police Department, and the 1995 Exchange Club Officer of the Year for Saginaw Township. Undersheriff Karl served as Saginaw Township Police Department's training officer in Weapons, O.C.A.T., PPCT, Ground Fighting, S.A.L.T.S., Edged Weapons, Simulator (1998-2006). He was a member of the Saginaw Emergency Service Team (SWAT) (1992-2005) where he served as the weapons and tactical trainer and was a six-time winner of the prestigious TOP GUN Award.
In Undersheriff Karl's 28 years in law enforcement from Houston Police Department to the Saginaw County Sheriff's Office, he has been called upon to train, supervise and lead countless officers from numerous police agencies. He has also conducted in-depth research on various pieces of police equipment, from firearms to computerized simulation training machines. He is aware that good leadership is the single-most important ingredient for a successful law enforcement agency, and that quality training is key to having quality employees.
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