By Cortney Casey
C & G Staff Writer

STERLING HEIGHTS — After less than two years as Sterling Heights’ top cop, Police Chief David Vinson has indicated his plans to retire, effective June 27.

The June 16 announcement came weeks after it became publicly known that the Sterling Heights Police Officers’ Association had taken a no confidence vote against Vinson in April.

Vinson, 53, took over the chief position in November 2006, following the departure of Barnett Jones. He joined the Sterling Heights Police Department 28 years ago as a patrolman and worked his way up through the ranks.

City officials credited Vinson for increasing traffic enforcement along Sterling’s major thoroughfares and heavy traffic areas, maintaining strong partnerships with local school districts and establishing “innovative community-oriented policing programs.”

Vinson could not be immediately reached for comment, but in a prepared statement he said, “I am proud of this department and the work that we have accomplished. In law enforcement, there are always new challenges and work to be done. This makes any decision to leave very difficult. But you have to move on at some point and knowing the right time is the key. It’s the right time for me and my family.”

Vinson and his wife, Gail, have two children and a granddaughter.

Community Relations Director Steve Guitar said Vinson has been a great leader for the department.

“We’re sad to see him go,” he said. “He’s a great guy. He’s been an institution around here for a long time. We respect his decision to retire and wish him all the best.”

Guitar said he could not speak definitively about the timing of Vinson’s decision, but indicated that he didn’t believe it was in direct response to the union’s April vote.

“Our contract is up, and there’s some incentives for him to leave during this contract,” he said, noting that, as part of the city’s efforts to address budgetary issues, employees will soon be paying more out of pocket for health care costs. “The benefits aren’t going to be as good if he stays past July 1, with the new contract.”

But, Guitar emphasized, “I can’t say that’s the reason.”

According to officer Richard Heins, president of the Sterling Heights Police Officers’ Association, more than 80 percent of voting members supported the no confidence vote.

At the time, Heins declined to elaborate on the reasoning behind the vote, but Heins and city and police administration insisted they were actively working on solutions to mend the rift.

Heins could not be immediately reached for comment on Vinson’s retirement.

In a prepared statement, City Manager Mark Vanderpool said an interim chief will be appointed shortly. Guitar said it is too early for the city to provide any firm details on a search for a permanent chief.

You can reach Staff Writer Cortney Casey at ccasey@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1046.