There’s a new cop on the beat in Oxford Township, but he’s certainly no stranger to the community.
Jon Elges is the new detective in charge of all youth-related incidents at Oakland County Sheriff’s substation. He replaces Det. Joe Ashley, who was reassigned.
‘It’s good to be back in Oxford,? Elges said. ‘I actually put in a letter to come out here. It’s the community that I grew up in.?
The 35-year-old is a 1996 graduate of Oxford High School, who began his academic career here in the fourth grade when he attended Daniel Axford Elementary.
Much of his youth consisted of spending summers at Stony Lake, riding dirt bikes and playing pond hockey.
‘I had a very fun childhood growing up in Oxford and it’s nice to come back and give back a little,? Elges said.
Elges went on to receive his associate’s degree in criminal justice from Oakland Community College and has been with the sheriff’s department for 14 years.
‘I tried out a lot of different things, but law enforcement just seemed to fit,? he said.
Prior to landing back in Oxford, Elges worked as a detective at the Rochester Hills substation for a year-and-a-half.
Before that, he was a road patrol deputy.
‘There wasn’t one (substation) that I didn’t work,? said Elges, who noted that prior to making detective, he was working the midnight shift in Oxford.
He’s looking forward to working with local youth, parents and the school district, and building a good relationship with all three.
‘I enjoy working with the youth because you can have more of an immediate effect on their lives,? said Elges, who’s raising two kids, ages 6 and 8, and coaches youth football and baseball.
He noted his job isn’t just about arresting criminals, it’s about helping young people deal with their problems and make good decisions.
‘If you can change one child’s life, it makes it all worth it,? Elges said.
When he’s not working, Elges enjoys spending time with his family, especially at their cottage in northern Michigan.