Elizabeth DiSanto (left), 27th District Court Judge, swears in new Riverview Police Chief Ron Beggs in her courtroom Jan. 13.
By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
RIVERVIEW — The City Council unanimously approved the appointment of new Police Chief Ronald Beggs during a Jan. 11 special meeting.
Beggs was sworn in and worked his first day as chief earlier in the week. He has 25 years of experience in Dearborn, having recently retired as a commander.
“I am incredibly honored and grateful for this opportunity,” he said during the virtual meeting. “I can assure you I will show up everyday to work very hard for the residents of this community.”
Beggs currently teaches budget and finance for police executives at Eastern Michigan University’s School of Fire Staff Command. He has previously lectured at University of Michigan-Dearborn’s criminal justice program for a few years.
“I’ve been fortunate to have been given many opportunities during my time with Dearborn — really in all facets of law enforcement operations and administrative tasks including a lot of interaction with community both on a local, regional, state, national and international levels.”
Beggs also coached varsity football at New Boston Huron High School for the last three years, which he has stepped down from to serve as chief.
He has been a Downriver resident since 1998 and is married with three children.
Mayor Andrew Swift thanked Beggs for joining the Police Department.
“It is an honor to have you,” he said. “I am in awe not only at your law enforcement service, but your activities in the community. We welcome you and look forward to working with you.”
The chief position became vacant after former Police Chief Clifford Rosebohm retired Nov. 6 after 33 years of service. He moved to Tennessee following his retirement.
Rosebohm worked in the city’s police department starting in 1987 as a patrol officer before working his way up to chief which he was promoted to in 2013.
City Manager Douglas Drysdale said the process began in November when the city council authorized a large search for candidates with the help of the Michigan Municipal League.
A MML recruiter met with Drysdale and staff for a discussion for what criteria they were looking for, including qualifications and qualities.
Of the 15 candidates who applied for the position, each was screened by the recruiter based on criteria provided by the city.
The recruiter went back to Drysdale and staff to review candidates over a conference call, but did not identify who each were but instead used numbers to differentiate between each.
Five candidates were selected for interviews and then Beggs was selected for appointment.
Beggs said his first day was great. He also said every interaction with every member of the community matters.
“I will certainly give my best effort every single day along with the great staff that’s already in place, and, really, a goal of mine is — the hallmark of my tenure as your police chief is really a willingness to listen and collaborate with the city administration, city council and most importantly our residents,” Beggs said. “I will always be available to address concerns and try to be innovate.”
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])