Dearborn Heights Welcomes New Interim Police Chief
In a significant leadership change, Dearborn Heights is set to welcome its new interim police chief, Deputy Police Chief Hussein Farhat, effective January 6. This announcement follows the resignation of the current interim police chief, Kevin Swope, who has accepted a similar role in a different city. Swope took over the reins in July after former police chief Jerrod Hart stepped down amid ongoing legal issues with the city.
A Familiar Face in Leadership
Deputy Chief Farhat brings an impressive 30 years of law enforcement experience to the table. He has dedicated his career to serving in various capacities at local, state, federal, and even international levels. A resident of Dearborn Heights since 2008, Farhat previously held the position of director of emergency management for the city. His diverse experience and intimate knowledge of the community set him up to lead effectively in this new role.
Mayor Bill Bazzi expressed enthusiasm about Farhat’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted to appoint Deputy Chief Farhat as our new interim police chief. He is exceptionally qualified, is a well-known and respected member of the law enforcement profession, is familiar with the workings of our city, and through his passion for reaching out to the community, already has a great rapport with a number of our residents and business owners.”
Bittersweet Farewell
While the city is optimistic about the future under Farhat’s leadership, there is a note of sadness in saying goodbye to Chief Swope. Mayor Bazzi acknowledged Swope’s contributions, saying, “Chief Swope was a great leader and played an important role in our mission to improve our police department’s operations and bring it back to a higher level of respectability.” It’s clear Swope’s efforts have made a lasting difference in the department’s standing and operations.
The transition is set to culminate in a formal swearing-in ceremony on January 6, where the community can come together to welcome their new chief. Mayor Bazzi’s sentiments reflect a shared hope that the department would continue to thrive and grow under Farhat’s stewardship.
Looking Ahead
As Farhat steps into his new role, he faces the challenge of maintaining stability and trust within the department and the wider community, especially after the turbulence of recent months. Residents can expect a continuation of the department’s commitment to community engagement, safety, and operational excellence. With his extensive background and community ties, Farhat is well-poised to lead the department through this transition smoothly.
The upcoming swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to draw attention from residents eager to hear Farhat outline his vision for the police department moving forward. Engaging with the community has been a hallmark of his career, and many are looking forward to building a stronger relationship between the police and the citizens of Dearborn Heights.
In this era of change, Dearborn Heights appears to be embracing the future with optimism, as it bids farewell to one leader while warmly welcoming another. As both the mayor and the community rally around Farhat, the hope is that the police department continues to build on the foundational work laid down by his predecessors.
Stay tuned as we follow this developing story and bring updates on Chief Farhat’s initiatives and community engagements in the coming weeks!
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
