WARREN (WWJ) — Former Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer says he was “very disappointed” and felt he was “ambushed” when he was removed from his post last week.
New Warren Mayor Lori Stone announced Tuesday Dwyer’s departure from the department would be effective immediately, saying “it became recently apparent that our viewpoints on hiring no longer aligned.”
While Dwyer had previously announced his intentions to retire next month, Stone said in a statement Tuesday “no firm date was mutually agreed upon.”
On Sunday Dwyer told WWJ’s Charlie Langton he was “blindsided” by the decision and wished he had gotten the opportunity to say goodbye to the members of the department.
“It was the worst day of my life. It really was,” Dwyer said. “You know, after I served all those years in law enforcement, and I think I did a good job in Warren. We did a lot of good things in Warren, I’m very proud of my time in Warren. But that’s a tough way to go out; it’s not what I planned. Everything will be okay.”
In her announcement of Dwyer’s departure, Stone said it is “essential for members of my administration to have a united vision on major operational decisions going forward,” noting hiring practices for the police department will return to the Human Resources Department.
Dwyer said Sunday he’s not sure whether that will be effective.
“I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I’m really not that optimistic that she’s going to be able to fill these positions,” Dwyer said, noting the new hiring process will take more time and pose “more problems.”
Though Dwyer was disappointed by the decision, he says he still has a lot going for him moving forward, as he is currently serving on the Farmington Hills City Council.