SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Southfield City Council unanimously approved the appointments of Eric Hawkins as the new Police Chief and Keith Rowley as the new Fire Chief to the city.
"Together, these new chiefs represent 55 years of combined experience in protecting and serving the public in the City of Southfield," said Mayor Brenda Lawrence. "They will make a great team and will carry on the high standards of the city of Southfield and the Southfield Police and Fire Departments."
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Hawkins joined the Southfield Police Department in 1990, starting as a Police Cadet and was appointed as a sworn Police Officer in 1991.
Since then, Chief Hawkins has continued to rise through the ranks of the department and has been serving in the role of Acting Chief since May of 2011.
Hawkins, a longtime Southfield resident, implemented initiatives designed to enhance police-community relations, including citizen and youth police academies.
With over 33 years of experience in the fire service, Rowley is extremely familiar with the functions and requirements of the Fire Chief's position.
Rowley has been serving as acting chief in the city for 14 months.
Under his leadership, fire department staff teamed with City Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to reconfigure the SAFER grant to better meet the needs of the City of Southfield. As a result, the City and the Fire Department are now better positioned to maintain the high standards of commitment and care for the community.
"These outstanding appointments reflect the City's commitment to the safety and security of Southfield residents, businesses and all those who enter the City on any given day," said Council President Joan Seymour.