Chief Wagner Retiring, New Police & Fire Chiefs Named

Public Safety Director William Wagner to Retire from Northfield Township,
New Police Chief and Fire Chief Hired in His Stead

At the June 28, 2022, meeting of the Northfield Township Board of Trustees, Public Safety Director and Fire Chief William Wagner announced he would be retiring after 38 years of public service.  In addition to his time as a paid on-call firefighter for Northfield Township in the mid 90’s, Chief Wagner joined the Northfield Township Fire Department on a permanent basis in 2007 after retiring from the City of Ypsilanti Fire Department. Chief Wagner began as a part-time fire chief, later being promoted to full-time Northfield Township Fire Chief in 2008.  He was appointed as Public Safety Director in 2010 where he began overseeing both the Police and Fire Departments.   

Chief Wagner is a prominent figure in the Whitmore Lake community and has served on several local committees over the years, both professionally and personally. He is always willing to step up and provide his services to the community whether it be organizing trainings for area businesses and agencies, spending a night in “jail” to help raise funds for the Whitmore Lake Public Schools, or simply providing our residents some relief from the heat with the pumper truck. 

Chief Wagner's last day in the office will be Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Thank you Chief Wagner for everything you have done for our community! We wish you a very happy retirement!

As Chief Wagner’s replacement, the Northfield Township Board of Trustees has decided to split the Public Safety Director position back into two separate roles – Police Chief and Fire Chief.  The Personnel Committee posted the positions internally, conducted interviews and came back to the Board at the August 23, 2022, board meeting with their recommendations.

Congratulations to our new Police Chief, Martin Smith, and our new Fire Chief, Chris Bishop! 

Chief Smith has served as Northfield Township Police Lieutenant since 2018 and has been with the Northfield Township Police Department since 2005 when he began as a patrol officer after retiring from the City of Oak Park's Public Safety Department.  Chief Smith has worked with Chief Wagner for many years and is very familiar with Northfield Township and its personnel.  We look forward to working with Chief Smith in the years to come.  Congratulations Police Chief Martin Smith!

Chief Bishop has also worked for many years with Chief Wagner and the Northfield Township Fire Department, most recently in the role of Deputy Chief.  Chief Bishop has worked in fire service since 1995.  He recently retired from his position with AT&T and became full-time with the Northfield Township Fire Department in July.  His extensive experience in the township will be a great asset as he transitions into his new role!  Congratulations Fire Chief Chris Bishop!

Each of our new Chiefs will be formally sworn in and introduced to the community at our September 13, 2022, Board of Trustees meeting.  

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