City of Grosse Pointe Public Safety Director James Fox to Retire

James Fox began with the as a dispatcher making $12,000 a year about 29 years ago. Later this month, Fox will retire as the Public Safety Department's Director—a role he says was never something he expected but certainly something he enjoyed.

Throughout his career with the City, Fox continually moved up in rank. Before being appointed as the interim chief in 2006 and then given the permanent title in 2007, Fox led the detective bureau.

"Nothing gave me more enjoyment than busting the bad guys," Fox said, noting a few of the more noteworthy cases including the 2004 Bon Secour credit union robbery, the 2005 Barbara Iske homicide and a series of home invasions that plagued the City in 2002—all of which garnered convictions.

Fox completed the FBI's National Academy and participated in the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police. He received a variety of honors throughout his career including medal of valor, chief merit award, Fraternal Order of Police Officer of the Year in 2005.

His decision to retire is fueled by a variety of factors. Among them, Fox said, the many changes likely on the horizon for the City as well as all of the Pointes. At this point, Fox said, he's done every job within the department and he's ready for a change personally.

Upon retiring, Fox intends to enjoy a few months without a job but he may consider looking for something part-time afterward. His only requirement: the job must have nothing to do with law enforcement, he said, laughing. "I've had enough. I want to try something else."

Fox grew up on the west side of Detroit and did not necessarily set out to settle in Grosse Pointe. He served four years in the U.S. Marines. He first went to the University of Maryland. Then he moved to Virginia. He earned a bachelor's in criminal justice from Madonna University. His wife of 29 years, Debbie, brought him to the area permanently.

Although he did try to leave the City to become a dispatcher for Grosse Pointe Farms, it lasted all of one day because the chief in the City at the time did not want to let him go. He worked out a deal with the chief in the Farms to get Fox back to the City, Fox said.

Without the support of his wife, and their sons, Brian, 26, and David, 20, Fox said his career would not have been what it turned out to be.

Fox speaks highly of his career in the City and describes as it as being rewarding and challenging.

"It has been really rewarding because you're not spending all of your time fighting crime," he said. "You really develop close relationships with residents, business owners and the schools."

He did not expect to lead the department, he said.

"I was very satisfied being in charge of the detective bureau," Fox said. "I was very honored to be asked to be chief."

City Manager Peter Dame appointed Fox after selecting him to lead the department after former chief Al Fincham left to work for Grosse Pointe Woods.

"Chief Fox has served the City of Grosse Pointe with honor and distinction for nearly 30 years, starting out as a dispatcher and capping off his career as Director of Public Safety," Dame said. "After serving in the Marines, Chief Fox dedicated his working career to the Department and to the community, and I hope the citizens join me in being proud and grateful for all his service to the City of Grosse Pointe."

Fox was recognized by Mayor Dale Scrace and the city council in mid-October during his last meeting, during which he was repeatedly thanked for his years of service to the community and always being helpful to council.

He echoes the compliment, noting how supportive the city council has been throughout the years, especially when requests came in for new equipment. They often helped in obtaining grants, he said.

While he believes the department is still in need of better equipment and updated technological tools, his length of time in the public safety field gives him appreciation.

When he began with the department, he was issued a black jacket, thigh-high boots and a helmet for fighting fires. All reports were handwritten and black and white Polaroids were used for evidence documentation.

Fox says bullet proof vests, protective fire safety gear and technology are some of the most significant changes to the field. The technology has made investigation much faster and more efficient, he said.

One of the more difficult tasks Fox handled as the director relates to a switch officers made a number of years ago from 24-hour shifts to 12-hour shifts. As a combined public safety department, keeping up with changes for both police officers and firefighters has also been challenging, Fox said.

As of late, the reduced staffing levels of directed patrol officers has also been a challenge, he said, noting an it impacts morale among the officers. He leaves his position, however, knowing he's fought for what he believed in on behalf of the officers.

A few years ago, Fox began golfing with his wife. They took their first golf vacation this year and he plans to play many more rounds with her after retirement. He also plans to do more of his other hobbies, including fishing, hunting and, of course, he said, projects around the house.

In the coming weeks, Fox will be working with his . He is currently the Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Director.