Longtime law enforcement ‘legend’ abruptly let go

WARREN — Police Commissioner William Dwyer was terminated by Mayor Lori M. Stone on March 5 after more than 60 years of “outstanding” service in law enforcement.

What a difference a few hours make.

At 11:30 a.m., Dwyer was talking enthusiastically to a reporter about his retirement on April 19 and planning a light repast before then for him to say goodbye to the community and his fellow officers. Less than three hours later, he was terminated from his position and escorted out of his corner office in the Christopher M. Wouters Police Headquarters.

According to Dwyer, around 2 p.m. the same day, Warren city officials — acting Director of Human Resources Jacqueline Damron,  City Controller Rick Fox and Kristina Lodovisi, the mayor’s chief of staff — came to his office with a letter from the mayor indicating he was terminated immediately and ordered him to pack up and leave the building.

“It was more like a Gestapo type of situation, ordering me out of my office for no reason,” said Dwyer. “If I had done something wrong, I could see that, but I haven’t.”

The former commissioner prides himself on a more than 60-year career with never even a written reprimand.

“I thought it was a sad day. I’ve had a great career. I thought it (the administration’s behavior) was very unprofessional,” said Dwyer.  “I’ve maintained for 60 years my integrity and professionalism in serving the public.”

The mayor issued a written statement on the changes in police leadership that was sent to the media at 5 p.m. that day. Requests were made to speak with her regarding the change. A written response was given by Warren Communications Director Clarissa Cayton which stated, “At this time no further statements are available.”

Stone stated in the written release, “Effective today, Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer is separating his duties as Police Commissioner with the City of Warren.”

Dwyer served two stints as Warren’s police commissioner. The first was from 2008 to 2010 after he was hired by former Mayor Jim Fouts. The second came after Fouts requested the commissioner to return to lead the department in 2017 and continued until March 5.

“I think he has been an outstanding police commissioner. He is a well-known living legend,” Fouts said on March 6. “He took a lot of initiatives and tried to do everything he could to serve and protect the citizens of Warren by doing things no other police commissioner had ever done.”

Hiring practices may be the core issue behind Stone’s decision.

“I had written a letter to the mayor a couple of weeks ago about my concerns over the 22 budgeted openings we had that weren’t filled,” Dwyer said. “It indicated how we took over the recruitment efforts two and a half years ago and it was a successful program. I went in depth about my concerns about losing the officers and it is very difficult to fill the positions. I met with her relative to the letter, last Thursday (Feb. 29).

“She informed me that Human Resources was going to take over the hiring. And I said, ‘OK, that’s fine,’” said Dwyer.

According to the mayor’s written statement, after “careful consideration” and “consultation and agreement” with the Warren Police Officers Association, the decision was made to return the hiring of police personnel to the Human Resources Department.

Dwyer said there was no disagreement or dispute between the mayor and himself regarding the new hiring policy.

“When we (the Warren Police Department) took it (the hiring) over, we were able to go outside of (Michigan) Act 78 and hire a lot of minority officers, and a lot of officers that lived in Warren,” Dwyer said. “She (Stone) said it was problems when it came up to negotiation time. But there were no problems. It was smooth.”

In the mayor’s written statement, she said, “It became recently apparent that our viewpoints on hiring no longer aligned. It is essential for members of my administration to have a united vision on major operational decisions going forward.”

On March 1, the commissioner confirmed his plans to retire in April.

“We had agreed upon that I would retire on April 19.  She’s kind of back stepping now saying she didn’t say that. Well, it is in the news that she did say that” Dwyer said on March 6. “So I’m not sure why she did what she did yesterday (March 5).”

No mutual date was agreed upon, according to Stone in her written statement.

Regarding Dwyer’s dismissal, Warren City Council President Angela Rogensues said, “I am incredibly grateful for the commissioner’s service over the past near decade for the city of Warren. While I don’t have all of the details of his departure, I wish him well. And I look forward to whatever he has in store but also (look forward to) a new police commissioner in the city of Warren.”

On the day he confirmed his planned April retirement when asked about it by the Warren Weekly, Dwyer celebrated a Warren Police Department hiring and promotions ceremony at City Hall.

“At the ceremony last Friday (March 1), I applauded her (Stone) for supporting the men and women in blue,” Dwyer said. “Then all of sudden I get ejected from my office.”

In her release, Stone said she is appreciative of Dwyer’s service in law enforcement, specifically his tenure as the Warren police commissioner and his assistance during her administration’s transition.

Warren Police Department Deputy Commissioner Charles Rushton will serve as acting interim police commissioner while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted.

Dwyer served in law enforcement in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

“I want to thank the residents of Warren for having me. I’m humbled by being able to serve as I did serve in Warren and that goes for Detroit and Farmington Hills,” Dwyer said.

The 61-year police veteran was surprised by the unexpected termination but not daunted.

“I’ve talked to you about the tragedies over the last four years, losing my son (four years ago) and my wife (two years ago),” Dwyer said. “I’ll move on. You have ups and downs in your life, and this is kind of a downer but it’s OK. Everything will work out fine.”

Moving on is what the former commissioner will do. Recently he was elected to the Farmington Hills City Council. He is the founder and president of the Farmington Hills Police and Fire Benevolent Association, which has helped hundreds of public safety employees and their families in need.

“Whatever Bill Dwyer does, he tends to do a great job,” Fouts said.