Clawson appoints former Harper Woods Public Safety Department director as interim police chief

CLAWSON — On May 5, the Clawson City Council unanimously approved appointing an interim police chief following the retirement of longtime Clawson Police Chief Scott Sarvello on April 28.

City Clerk August Glitschlag swore in Vincent Smith, who retired in January as director of the Harper Woods Public Safety Department, at the meeting. The interim position is slated to last 60 days, with a possible 30-day extension.

“We had an opening, and Mr. Smith comes to us with great words of support, so we look forward to having you here for however long you happen to be here,” Mayor Paula Millan said.

According to backup material in the meeting agenda packet, City Manager Joseph Rheker is moving forward with the process of hiring a police chief from within the department and decided, after lengthy conversations with Sarvello, to bring in an interim chief.

“This outside interim will allow the department to function at full staffing levels and will also allow full attention to be given to the many officers who hold a probationary status within the department,” the memo states. “This timeline also gives the administration time to focus on the ongoing budget process and will buy time to give the administration’s complete attention to the hiring of a permanent Chief of Police.”

After being sworn in as interim police chief, Smith said he was honored when he was chosen to lead the Harper Woods Public Safety Department and is equally honored to lead the Clawson Police Department.

“I consider myself lucky to get the opportunity to work with a great group of employees that I’ve met so far,” he said. “The members of the department are very professional and have a lot of leadership skills in the community.

“I know Chief Sarvello was huge in the community and the department was active in the community, as well, and I look forward to building on the foundation that he’s laid for the time I’m here,” he continued. “Thank you again.”

During the May 5 meeting, Glitschlag also swore in Niklas Stepnitz, assistant to the city manager, to the position of interim assistant city manager, a role that Sarvello formerly held, until the city makes a decision on a permanent replacement. A council vote was not required on the action.

“Our city manager has decided that he needs to fill the interim assistant city manager position and took it upon himself to name Nik,” Millan said. “Nik has been a great asset to us.”

Stepnitz said he has held the position for just shy of three years, but “it feels like it’s been about 10 to 15.”