STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – Former Troy police Cpt. Andrew Satterfield has been named the new chief of the Sterling Heights Police Department.
Satterfield’s appointment is effective July 14, 2025, subject to a vote by the City Council on July 1.
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Satterfield replaces former Chief Dale Dwojakowski, who transitioned to assistant city manager on Dec. 9, 2024.
Sterling Heights officials said extensive evaluation led to three top candidates, and Satterfield was chosen after assessment by Empco Inc., a local company specializing in independent candidate testing services for public entities.
The candidates also interviewed with the city manager, human resources, and some city directors.
“Mr. Satterfield comes strongly recommended by municipal and law enforcement leaders from across the region,” City Manager Mark Vanderpool said. “His proven leadership, commitment to public safety, and strong community values make him an outstanding fit for our city. We look forward to his vision and experience guiding our police department into its next chapter of excellence and service.”
Satterfield has a 27-year career in policing, leadership, and community service with the Troy Police Department.
“He has served as a law enforcement officer, progressing through departmental ranks, accruing vast experience including work as a patrol officer, background investigator, sniper, honor guard, evidence technician, detective, and command officer,” the release says. “Satterfield played a key leadership role in department accreditation, traffic safety improvements, and tactical and emergency response preparedness. He has studied multiculturalism as a tool to enhance recruitment efforts in light of declining interest in the policing profession across the country.”
Satterfield was a lieutenant and led internal affairs, officer recruiting, training, and facility management from 2017-2019. Over the past six years, he’s overseen operations and support services as a captain in Troy.
He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s in administration and leadership, and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command.
Satterfield has won four Chief Awards and received multiple service recognitions. He’s also served as a volunteer firefighter for 20 years and founded a public safety scholarship endowment.
He is also a proud U.S. Army Reservist veteran with an honorable discharge.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected as the next chief of police for the city of Sterling Heights,” Satterfield said. “I’m committed to continuing the department’s legacy of integrity, service and innovation as well as building on our transparency and community trust through collaboration with our residents, visitors and local businesses. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Sterling Heights Police Department to ensure Sterling Heights remains Michigan’s safest big city.”