After an award-winning career spanning more than four decades, Wyoming Director of Police and Fire Services Chief James E. Carmody has announced his retirement, effective April 26.
Chief Carmody has served in his role since 2006, leading a team of nearly 130 full-time personnel, including 86 sworn police officers and 29 full-time firefighters. During his tenure with the department, he has built a strong foundation of community trust and led his team to serve and protect the public during natural disasters, organized crime and medical emergencies, among others. Carmody also developed innovative programs improving the department’s ability to address key issues, while bringing a hands-on approach to police services.
Under his leadership, the City of Wyoming:
· Consolidated police and fire services into a single Department of Public Safety, improving efficiencies while expanding services and saving money
· Worked to secure accreditation for the Department from the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies, making Wyoming one of the few CALEA-certified departments in Michigan
· Developed cross-training of City employees so they can serve as on-call firefighters, supplementing full-time firefighters as needs arose
· Directed safety and recovery efforts during two tornadoes that did significant property damage in the City
· Instituted a community policing model that placed officers in every Wyoming school every day of the school year in an effort to build relationships
· Built stronger relationships with the business community by developing an after-hours program of checks and visits
“Chief Carmody has been a significant asset and leader not only within our City offices, but especially for our residents, whom he has built countless positive relationships with,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “I’m deeply honored to have served with him for more than a decade and am incredibly proud of his accomplishments and contributions to improve Wyoming.
“Jim has become a personal friend as well over the years, and I know that I speak for all of us at the City in wishing him the best as he begins his next chapter.”
With more than four decades of law enforcement experience, Carmody began his career as a police officer in Port Huron in 1975, where he held positions of increasing responsibility – up to a major – until joining the City of Wyoming as chief. In 2013, he managed the development of a joint public safety department and was named public safety director with responsibilities for both police and fire services in Wyoming.
“The departure of Chief Carmody is tremendously bittersweet,” said Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll. “He has exemplified superb professionalism and leadership during his time here, while bringing an incredible amount of energy, passion and commitment to his profession, his City and his department.
“We wish him well as he transitions into his retirement and thank him for his remarkable service throughout the years.”
As it begins its search for Carmody’s replacement, the City plans to look first at internal candidates before expanding beyond the department.
In his letter to Wyoming’s City Council, Carmody wrote: “…I leave you with an organization that is at the top of its game. The police and fire services that are provided to the residents and visitors of the City of Wyoming are second to none. You have, without question, some of the very best public safety professionals who work extremely hard every day for you and the people of this City.”
During his career, Carmody has received multiples awards and recognitions for exemplary service. Most recently, Carmody was recognized as Michigan Police Chief of the Year in 2016 by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
Carmody received his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and his master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy, the Michigan Police Executive Development School and the Michigan Law Enforcement Leadership Institute.
Carmody has served as longtime assessor with CALEA, evaluating departments across the country and in Mexico. He has also served on Michigan District 5 MACP as executive board alternate representative. In 2017, he was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to serve on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission.
Carmody sits on the interview panel for Congressman Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, reviewing high school students who have applied for appointment to West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and the nation’s other military service academies. In January 2016, Carmody represented the MACP and Michigan’s law enforcement community when he attended Pres. Barak Obama’s final State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.
A passionate advocate for law enforcement, he has taught several police executive training classes that focus on topics ranging from suicide prevention to officer-involved shootings.
Carmody and his wife, Ralene, will continue to make their home in Wyoming.
