ALPENA — Employees of the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office, including deputies, corrections officers, and staff, are proudly showing their support for the Detroit Lions as the team pushes toward a Super Bowl win.
Sheriff Erik Smith authorized his personnel to wear Detroit Lions hats while on duty, an exception that will remain in place for the duration of the Lions’ playoff run.
The Lions recently clinched the NFC’s top playoff seed with a victory over the Minnesota Vikings, setting a team record with a 15-2 season.
Their first playoff game will be next weekend, with their opponent determined after this weekend’s games.
“We have a lot of dedicated Lions fans here who have endured many tough seasons,” Smith shared. “This could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them, so I wanted to give them a chance to celebrate.”
Smith acknowledged that recent budget cuts and potential layoffs have added stress to his department, but he believes small gestures like this help lift spirits.
He compared the Sheriff’s Office to the Lions, both having faced challenges and controversies but continuing to work hard toward success.
“We’re like the Lions, an underdog for years, but we keep pushing forward to do our best,” Smith said. “We’re always striving to succeed.”
A lifelong Lions fan, Smith takes on the role of motivator for his staff, much like Lions coach Dan Campbell.
“I try to be a cheerleader for our department,” Smith said. “Letting them wear Lions hats is just a small thing, but it boosts morale and makes work a little more fun.”
After enduring countless losing seasons, Smith and his team are now savoring the thrill of a possible Super Bowl appearance, something the Lions have never achieved.
When asked how far he
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