Fraternal Order of Police v. Kalamazoo County

In November, 1976, the voters of Kalamazoo County reelected defendant to the office of sheriff of said county. Defendant was to commence his second term of office on January 1, 1977. Prior to that date, defendant sent a letter to 11 deputies who had served under him during his prior term, informing them of the fact that they would not be reappointed when defendant began his second term of office. After receiving this notification, the 11 deputies and the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #981 commenced an action against defendant and Kalamazoo County, alleging that the discharge violated the…