Swan Valley High School Distinguished Alum 2021
The Swan Valley High School Class of 2021 is proud to announce that retired Saginaw County Sheriff Deputy, Sgt. Mark Garabelli has been selected as the SVHS Distinguished Alum for 2021. A committee consisting of Swan Valley staff, administrators, and class advisors made the selection based on the following criteria: community involvement, significant career achievements which may include honors and awards, dedication and commitment demonstrated within his or her profession, demonstration of positive character and leadership, and pursuit of ongoing education and evidence of success in setting and fulfilling worthwhile goals. Sgt. Garabelli will be honored on Monday, June 7 at the Commencement Ceremonies of the Swan Valley High School graduating Class of 2021.
Sgt. Garabelli served the county with excellence for 32 years. During his tenure with the Saginaw County Sheriff Department, Mark served in several roles within the department, moving from the road patrol to a position in the multi-jurisdictional Saginaw Metro Narcotics Team. This role let to participation in the first multi-jurisdictional Gang Task Force in the country. He has received recognition from the United State Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Michigan Legislature. During this time, he was also deputized as a U.S. Marshall.
After this, Mark spent several years in the Detective Bureau and the Road Patrol. Through his experience, training and education, Mark has distinguished himself in many areas including Homeland Security, Counter-terrorism, Community Policing, Hostage Negotiation, Active Shooter events, K-9 Deployment, Undercover Operations, and Homicide Investigation. He has received many departmental awards for lifesaving, meritorious service, courageous service and the Medal of Honor among many others. He has also been recognized by the American Red Cross, U.S. Immigration and Customs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Saginaw Valley Medical Control Authority and various local police departments including Saginaw City, Saginaw Township, St. Charles and Bridgeport.
A lifelong Thomas Township resident and member of the SVHS Class of 1980, Mark is married to Peggy Schrems Garabelli (1981). Mark and Peggy have three daughters, Christine Shattuck (2007) of Sanford, MI, Rachel Garabelli (2011) of Big Sky, Montana and Nicole Garabelli (2013) of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. .