Big changes afoot for WB Police Department

WEST BLOOMFIELD — From the perspective of Trustee Howard Rosenberg, a “big moment” for West Bloomfield Township occurred during a Board of Trustees meeting Oct. 21.

At that meeting, the Township Board unanimously accepted the retirement notice of West Bloomfield Police Department Chief Michael Patton. The township’s deputy chief, Dale Young, was appointed to the position of chief.

Patton’s last day is set to be Jan. 10, 2025, with Young starting his new role Jan. 11.

According to Township Supervisor Steven Kaplan, Patton could have remained as long as he wanted.

“He probably wants to spend more time with his wife, traveling and engaging in other pursuits, but he definitely was welcome to remain,” Kaplan said. “He wasn’t forced out by any means or encouraged.”

According to Kaplan, Patton has spent his entire career with the West Bloomfield Police Department, with his tenure beginning in 1985.

He has been the township’s police chief since 2010.

Kaplan shared some thoughts about the service that Patton provided to the community.

“One must look to the results, which are outstanding,” Kaplan said. “(For) many years we’ve been rated the safest community in Oakland County, and one year we were the safest community in Michigan.”

Kaplan pointed out that the West Bloomfield Police Department is not a “one-man band,” as it consists of 82 police officers who are compensated at an above-average level in the tri-county area, which is one of the reasons he cited for the success that the Police Department has had.

According to him, compensation for officers in West Bloomfield begins at $71,000 per year, with officers also receiving pensions.

At the meeting, Rosenberg recalled being on the Board of Trustees when the decision was made to appoint Patton as the chief of police.

“It was a difficult decision, and it was the best decision I ever made to appoint Chief Patton,” Rosenberg said. “He’s been a magnificent chief. He’s (going to) be a tough act to follow, Dale, but I’m sure you’re up to it and I congratulate you on the ascension to this position. I hope you take a good lesson from Chief Patton, as he was so active in the community, so I’m obviously in support of this.”

According to Kaplan, Young began as a police cadet at the West Bloomfield Police Department in 2004.

He was hired as a police officer in 2006, before being promoted to sergeant in 2015 and a lieutenant in 2021.

Young was appointed as deputy chief this past January.

Young has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in communications from Oakland University.

He is also a graduate of the Northwestern Center for Public Safety Police Staff and Command, the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police executive and new chief’s school, and the Michigan police executive development seminar.

Trustee Jim Manna took the opportunity to acknowledge Patton at the meeting.

“Not only has he been a phenomenal chief for all the residents of West Bloomfield, but he oversaw a visit from a prime minister from another country, he oversaw two vice presidents who came and visited West Bloomfield, (and) he oversaw other heads of state that came and visited West Bloomfield or did business in West Bloomfield,” Manna said. “Thank you for keeping West Bloomfield one of the safest communities in the state of Michigan.”

Trustee Jonathan Warshay also weighed in on Patton’s decision to retire.

“You’ve been a rock and a pillar of the community, a really great ambassador, and we will miss you,” Warshay said. “I am looking forward to working with Deputy Chief Young when he becomes police chief.”

Treasurer Teri Weingarden also had some encouraging words for Patton.

“I think (the) chief knows how special he is to me and everyone,” Weingarden said. “As you said Dr. Rosenberg, best vote I ever made. I’m very excited our future chief Dale Young will be serving in your footsteps. Big shoes to fill, but sir, you have already impressed me greatly with the work I’ve been doing with you.”

Township Clerk Debbie Binder told Patton that she is grateful for his service. She also acknowledged Young.

“We’ve worked with you quite a bit already, and it’s been an absolute pleasure,” Binder said. “Your commitment is clear.”

At the meeting, Patton endorsed the appointment of Young as the township’s next police chief.

“I’m really pleased and excited about the appointment you’re making tonight of Deputy Chief Young,” Patton said. “I think it’s important to say he’s well-respected by all the West Bloomfield team members. This will be a welcome appointment by the township board.”

Aside from thanking the board, current and past colleagues and his wife, Young also focused some of his attention on Patton when speaking at the meeting.

“Please understand that part of my vision for our Police Department moving forward is to continue to build upon the foundation that Chief Patton has created,” Young said. “I look forward to continue working with Chief Patton, the township board, other department heads, the community, and the people that make up the West Bloomfield Police Department.”