Grand Haven City officials announced Thursday, April 18, that Hawke will be retiring May 31. Hawke has led the Grand Haven Department of Public Safety since 2012, overseeing the city’s police, fire, EMS and code enforcement operations. He came to the city after a lengthy career in Cadillac.
“Chief Hawke will be sorely missed,” said Mayor Bob Monetza. “Since his arrival in Grand Haven in 2012, he has built the Department of Public Safety into a widely respected and effective organization.
“His emphasis on community outreach, compassion, situation de-escalation, and respect for all individuals has made our community a safe, stable, and comfortable place for all residents.”
City officials say the public safety director position will be posted soon and that they hope to fill the role before October. City officials did not immediately return comment on who would serve as interim public safety director in the meantime.
Monetza said Hawke is leaving the department in a strong position.
“Chief Hawke leaves us with a solid foundation, a dedicated, effective and well-trained force of firefighters, police officers, and emergency responders, with strong ties to neighboring jurisdictions and a reputation for fair play,” Monetza said. “Jeff will be tough to replace; he has made his place in our hearts with his quick wit and big personality. We appreciate all he has done for us, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”
It wasn’t immediately clear what Hawke’s plans after retirement are. Hawke had previously been a finalist in the running for director of the Muskegon Department of Public Safety.
However, he withdrew from consideration in March 2022 after Grand Haven provided him with a new retention agreement that gave him a 2% salary increase and a severance clause he previously didn’t have. That severance clause afforded Hawke one year’s salary if the city terminated his employment without just cause, Hawke previously said. Severance is not given if Hawke leaves voluntarily, like he is with his retirement.
