‘You have been a champion for the West Bloomfield community’

WEST BLOOMFIELD — If West Bloomfield Police Department Chief Michael Patton ever doubted the township’s affections for him, those doubts were likely alleviated at a Board of Trustees meeting Dec. 16.

Patton is set to retire after a nearly 40-year career with the West Bloomfield Police Department Jan. 10, and at the meeting, “on behalf of a grateful community,” a proclamation was read by Board of Trustees members that recognized “the dedication and well-earned retirement of their beloved Police Chief.”

Multiple residents, along with public officials, attended the meeting and expressed their gratitude to Patton, who was in attendance.

After graduating from Mercy College of Detroit — now University of Detroit Mercy — with a dual major in business administration and law enforcement, Patton began his career with the West Bloomfield Police Department in 1985. He started by working patrol before gradually working his way up the ranks.

He was appointed as chief in 2010.

In an interview with the Beacon, Patton said that there was nothing “terribly compelling” about his decision to retire.

“I could (have) stayed longer,” said Patton, who also has a master’s degree in public administration from Oakland University. “It was a difficult decision to consider leaving, but it’s a decision that eventually has to be made. You’ve done your job here and it’s time to move on. I’ll find another way to continue to serve.”

A healthy department that is in a “good place,” along with the decision that was made at a Board of Trustees meeting this past October to appoint Deputy Chief Dale Young as the township’s chief upon his retirement, helped make Patton’s decision easier.

A career in law enforcement is something that some begin to long for even as children, and after decades of being a part of it, Patton still has a high level of respect for the profession.

“I always thought that this was the greatest, coolest job in the world,” said Patton, who is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. “I still think that way. There were some sad days here, but you look at the opportunities that you’ve had here, decisions that you’ve made. It’s motivated me through difficult times that we are providing a great service to people that deserve great service.”

The multiple recognitions that Patton has received during the course of his career include a distinguished service award, a community excellence award, and the Jeff Leib Lifetime Leadership Award.

One of the speakers during public comments was Howard Rosenberg, a former Board of Trustees member.

He credited Patton for teaching that policing is about more than just enforcing laws.

“You don’t have to be a detective to know how much people love you in this community, how respected you are, and how much respect you show them,” Rosenberg said. “I think that’s the key: respect and engagement. I’ve watched you lead with a rare combination of strength and compassion. Your career has been about building community.”

Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown also shared some comments about Patton at the meeting.

“You’ve been a friend to so many people,” Brown said. “You’re not just a chief, you’re a friend, and seeing all the activists from West Bloomfield here to pay tribute to you, I mean, speaks volumes. I don’t know (if) that would happen for every police chief in every community.”

During Township Board comments, Trustee Diane Rosenfeld Swimmer thanked Patton’s wife, Louise, for “sharing your husband with us.”

The showing of support for Patton at the meeting got the attention of Township Clerk Debbie Binder.

“You’ve got a community that has expressed their feelings by showing up in the numbers that they did tonight,” Binder said. “It’s clear to the community how important the community is to you.”

When it was her turn to speak, Township Treasurer Teri Weingarden recalled being part of the process when Patton was appointed to the position of chief.

“The best decision I ever made was on Oct. 4, 2010, when I voted yes to make you the police chief, and you have far exceeded any expectation I could ever have,” Weingarden said. “You are such a true professional, a trusted friend, such an expert in so many areas, and you’re so humble about it. … People in the community know you, (and) kids know you and your officers. They trust you and they bring information to you, and because of that you’re such an integral part of our community.”

Trustee Jim Manna also shared some kind words for Patton.

“Chief Patton, you have a moral compass that cannot be broken,” Manna said. “We truly appreciate you. We love you.”

Trustee Vincent Kirkwood acknowledged Patton for the security that he and his family feel that they have within the boundaries of West Bloomfield.

“I think that is a huge compliment to the culture of West Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield law enforcement, and to you, and I thank you for that,” Kirkwood said.

Township Supervisor Jonathan Warshay said that he moved to the township around the time that Patton became chief.

“I think I’ve known you pretty much the whole time and I’ve appreciated your leadership, your integrity and the way the department has run, and it’s an excellent reflection on the township,” Warshay said.

In an interview with the Beacon, Young said that he has learned a lot of lessons from Patton. Young said those lessons can help him carry on with delivering “exemplary” service to the West Bloomfield community.

“He has had an enthusiasm for law enforcement and put the community first,” Young said. “Because of his leadership and preparing for the future, I feel that much more confident in taking on my new role after he retires as chief of police. Chief Patton has always made sure that we have had the very best equipment and the very best access to training since I’ve known him. Chief Patton has created a strong foundation.”

Although Patton has received a good bit of attention in his role as chief, which has perhaps intensified since announcing his retirement, he has been quick to acknowledge the men and women who make up the department.

He is a proponent of not only the West Bloomfield Police Department, but law enforcement in general.

“Nothing else will go well in the community if your communities are unsafe,” Patton said. “It’s a noble profession and I’m grateful to be a part of it as long as I have. Some of the people that have been disparaging law enforcement over the last several years, they’re not wrong on everything, but they’re wrong on a lot of things. They always need to remember that almost all the men and women that serve as officers, they enter for the right reasons.”

From Patton’s perspective, having a service mentality is an integral part of being involved in law enforcement.

“You’re placing the needs of others ahead of your own,” he said. “Sometimes you can forget what the priorities are. Seldom is (it) yourself. It’s what you’re doing for other people.”

Patton intends to be a part of the West Bloomfield community in retirement. As for leisure time, he suspects that he won’t be the only one who has a say in how that is spent.

“I’m sure my lovely bride, who’s been supportive of me for (a) better part of those 40 years, she’ll have a whole list of things to do,” Patton said. “I haven’t had a vacation in 15 years. Maybe I’ll take one.”

Patton shared a message for township residents.

“I am grateful to the West Bloomfield community to have allowed me to serve them for as long as I have,” he said. “I still have my home here. They may see me again one day, somewhere. It’s been a pleasure.”