Crime & Safety

Bloomfield Township Police Chief Bowden Announces Retirement

Kirt Bowden will step down effective May 16.

 

Bloomfield Township Police Chief Kirt Bowden will retire this year, ending a career that spanned more than three decades, officials said Wednesday.

“The Bloomfield Township Police Department is one of the most professional police departments in the country,” Bowden in a statement released through he township Wednesday afternoon. “We hold our officers to exceptionally high standards. It has been an honor to serve this community alongside the men and women of this Department.”

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Bowden started as a patrol officer with the department in 1977 and gradually moved through the ranks, according to the press release. He became a detective in 1988; was promoted to sergeant in 1993; lieutenant in 2006, and appointed chief in 2007.  That same year, he completed certification courses at the FBI National Academy, and three members of the current command staff followed in his footsteps.

He was the department's Officer of the Year in 1987 and also received a Department Unit Commendation, an Honorable Mention, a Meritorious Service recognition and a Letter of Recognition during his career.

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The release provided no specific information about the process for finding a successor. However, Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said Bowden and his command staff developed a ‘smooth’ transition plan.

“Kirt has been a pleasure to work with,” Savoie said. “He has been steadfastthat every person is treated equally and fairly. You can tell by how this has gone that Kirt loves both the Department and the Township. He will be missed.”

Bowden’s announcement came just weeks after Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety Director Rick Matott announced his resignation after 33 years with the department.

Check back with Bloomfield Bloomfield Hills Patch for updates.


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