John grew up in Allen Park, MI, spending his summers visiting his grandparents on Higgins Lake. John and his family moved to Gerrish Township in 2017. He worked as a Correctional Officer for the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Gerrish Twp. Police Department.
John was sponsored as a Cadet in training by Gerrish Township through the Kirtland Regional Police Academy and graduated from the Academy on December 2, 2022. He was sworn in by Chief Hill as a full-time police officer that afternoon.
On his off-time, John enjoys spending time with his family outdoors off-roading, snowmobiling, skiing, hiking, camping and hunting are some of their favorite activities. He looks forward to serving the community that he has loved his whole life.
Officer Ellis took over as the Roscommon Area Public Schools SRO (School Resource Officer) in the fall of 2024. Officer Ellis was promoted to Road Patrol Sergeant on May 13, 2025.
John is trained in the following areas:
- PBT/Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
- OC (Pepper Spray) Training
- MCOLES Concealed Pistol License Safety Training
- Taser CEW Training
- Speed Measurement/Radar Certification
- Behavioral Health Emergencies
- CPR/AED/First Aid Certified
- Active Duty Firearms Training
- Expert Shooting Award
- Basic LEIN Operator
- Active Violence/Shooter Emergency Response
- FEMA NIMS (National Incident Management System) Certification in ICS 100/200/700/800
- Intoxilyzer 9000 Certified (Breath Alcohol Testing)
- Certified Evidence Technician
- Cyber Crime Training
- LEIN TAC (Terminal Agency Coordinator)
- Vulnerable Adult/Elder Abuse Training
