Bloomfield Hills Introduces New Public Safety Director Tonight

The Bloomfield Hills City Commission will formally introduce new Department of Public Safety Director David Hendrickson at tonight's meeting at City Hall at 7:30 p.m. 

Hendrickson, who comes to the city following a 26-year career with the Warren Police Department, officially started his new role last week. He said it was a week full of new beginnings and challenges.

"It's been a new challenge, to be honest," Hendrickson said of his first week by phone Monday. "There's a lot to learn, a lot of people to meet and get to know, and I'm soaking in a lot. But I made it."

Hendrickson, of Macomb Township, was a captain with the Warren Police Department, where he worked for 26 years. He fills the spot left by Rick Matott, who retired at the end of April. 

"I am impressed with him," Commissioner Pat Hardy said. "He is sensitive, taking his time to know the guys and see how the city runs.  I think he is respectful of people from all walks of life, and that tells me a lot about him."
Commissioners voted 4-1 to hire Hendrickson following a month-long search that drew mor than 30 candidates, said Mayor Sarah McClure. Commissioner Stuart Sherr cast the only opposition vote in favor of another candidate, city officials said.  

Among the adjustments Hendrickson said he'll have to make is getting used to a smaller department than Warren's several hundred sworn officers and civilian personnel. Another is managing a department also tasked with fire protection duties, as all Bloomfield Hills officers are cross-trained as firefighters. 
He is familiar with general practices and equipment involved with fire service as the former director of Warren's emergency dispatch center, and was also trained as a medical first responder when he started his career. 

"There are bigger numbers (in Warren) but the attention to detail I have will be the same here."

Hardy also said she liked his innovative spirit and believes residents will appreciate how he can envision positive changes where they need to be made. 

Commissioner Michael Dul said he was impressed with Hendrickson's leadership qualities and ability to analyze the department's current practices to improve the department and maximize resources.

"He hit the ground running in analyzing the pros and cons of our canine unit, meeting his counterparts in the neighboring communities of Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, and even having time over the weekend to attend a community event," Dul said.