Novi Police Loses Hart To Saline

NOVI, MI — The Novi Police Department is losing one of its most familiar faces. Assistant Police Chief Jerrod Hart has been selected as the new chief for the city of Saline.

A 26-year veteran of the department, Novi officials plan to celebrate Hart’s career at a retirement party from 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Fireside Grill at Hyatt Place Detroit / Novi. Hart beat out Muskegon Public Safety Director Jeffrey Lewis for the job.

“Assistant Chief Hart was instrumental in assisting me and my mom during the sudden death of my dad in Feb 2015; he gave great care and comfort during an extremely difficult and emotional time,” wrote Novi resident Cyndi Stern in a recent Facebook post announcing the retirement party. “Thank you Assistant Chief Hart- wishing you all the best in your new position.”

Hart landed the job after meeting with Saline residents and city council members last month. The city, which sits south of Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, has has 13 sworn officers, including the chief, according to a MLive report.

Hart began his career with the Novi Police Department in 1991 after graduating from Ferris State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. He holds a Master's degree in Technology from Eastern Michigan University.

In 2010, he graduated from the School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC) at Eastern Michigan University. Hart was promoted to deputy chief in Novi in 2012.

Photo courtesy of the city of Novi