Dearborn Heights Appoints Deputy Chief Hussein Farhat as New Interim Police Chief

Dearborn Heights Welcomes New Interim Police Chief

In a significant leadership change, Dearborn Heights is set to welcome its new interim police chief, Deputy Police Chief Hussein Farhat, effective January 6. This announcement follows the resignation of the current interim police chief, Kevin Swope, who has accepted a similar role in a different city. Swope took over the reins in July after former police chief Jerrod Hart stepped down amid ongoing legal issues with the city.

A Familiar Face in Leadership

Deputy Chief Farhat brings an impressive 30 years of law enforcement experience to the table. He has dedicated his career to serving in various capacities at local, state, federal, and even international levels. A resident of Dearborn Heights since 2008, Farhat previously held the position of director of emergency management for the city. His diverse experience and intimate knowledge of the community set him up to lead effectively in this new role.

Mayor Bill Bazzi expressed enthusiasm about Farhat’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted to appoint Deputy Chief Farhat as our new interim police chief. He is exceptionally qualified, is a well-known and respected member of the law enforcement profession, is familiar with the workings of our city, and through his passion for reaching out to the community, already has a great rapport with a number of our residents and business owners.”

Bittersweet Farewell

While the city is optimistic about the future under Farhat’s leadership, there is a note of sadness in saying goodbye to Chief Swope. Mayor Bazzi acknowledged Swope’s contributions, saying, “Chief Swope was a great leader and played an important role in our mission to improve our police department’s operations and bring it back to a higher level of respectability.” It’s clear Swope’s efforts have made a lasting difference in the department’s standing and operations.

The transition is set to culminate in a formal swearing-in ceremony on January 6, where the community can come together to welcome their new chief. Mayor Bazzi’s sentiments reflect a shared hope that the department would continue to thrive and grow under Farhat’s stewardship.

Looking Ahead

As Farhat steps into his new role, he faces the challenge of maintaining stability and trust within the department and the wider community, especially after the turbulence of recent months. Residents can expect a continuation of the department’s commitment to community engagement, safety, and operational excellence. With his extensive background and community ties, Farhat is well-poised to lead the department through this transition smoothly.

The upcoming swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to draw attention from residents eager to hear Farhat outline his vision for the police department moving forward. Engaging with the community has been a hallmark of his career, and many are looking forward to building a stronger relationship between the police and the citizens of Dearborn Heights.

In this era of change, Dearborn Heights appears to be embracing the future with optimism, as it bids farewell to one leader while warmly welcoming another. As both the mayor and the community rally around Farhat, the hope is that the police department continues to build on the foundational work laid down by his predecessors.

Stay tuned as we follow this developing story and bring updates on Chief Farhat’s initiatives and community engagements in the coming weeks!