Northern Michigan police chiefs honor Petoskey’s Matt Breed as he retires

PETOSKEY — After 33 years with the Petoskey Department of Public Safety, the last six as director, Matt Breed announced earlier this month that he intends to retire, effective Feb. 1, 2023.

As the city prepares to find a new public safety leader, law enforcement officials from around Northern Michigan gathered on Monday to honor Breed, his career and the legacy he is leaving behind.

Joel Jett, chief of police for the City of Alpena, said the group was at Monday’s Petoskey City Council meeting on behalf of the Northern region of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Northern region is the largest in the state, with 46 counties represented from Newaygo all the way north to Keweenaw.

“A group like that, though, is only as effective as its members, as we all know,” Jett said. “It takes dedication. You have to be engaged. And it’s members like Matt (Breed) that make it work.”

More:Petoskey Public Safety Director announces retirement, interim director appointed

More:City of Petoskey seeks input from community on new public safety director

When Breed was appointed director in 2016 and joined the association, Jett said he “brought a lot to the table and became a good, good friend.”

“So while we are happy for our friend, we are sad for us,” Jett said. “His retirement, while very well earned, will leave a tremendous, tremendous void in our ranks.”

Kyle Knight, chief of police for the City of Harbor Springs, said that when he was hired as chief in 2017, Breed welcomed him and provided him with good advice.

“It was all new to me and he was very welcoming. I’m glad that he’s retiring, I’m going to miss him,” Knight said. “The last thing I’ll say is that it’s a tribute to have all these guys here, that’s the type of boss he was. They all showed up tonight to pay honor to him as well.”

Mackinaw City’s Police Chief Todd Woods presented Breed with a plaque on behalf of the association as a “token of admiration, in gratitude for over 33 years of law enforcement service, your leadership, and most of all, your friendship. We wish you a very long, happy retirement. You’ve earned it.”

“I’ve known Director Breed for many years. I got to know him even more since I was appointed chief over five years ago. At our meetings, one of the things I noticed and will not forget was his immediate willingness to contribute to our group in whatever discussions that were presented before us,” Woods added. “A combination of common sense, good nature, a good sense of humor was his key to being one of the most respected individuals that I know.”

Subscribe:Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you

City officials also commended Breed on his long career in Petoskey.

“We all are so appreciative of what you’ve done for the city,” said Mayor John Murphy. “We couldn’t ask for more. You brought a calmness to the police department. You brought a real relationship between the police department and the public that you serve and they respect you for that … Thank you very much for all you do.”

During public comment, Val Meyerson, director of the Petoskey District Library, said she has worked with Breed on security matters for both the library and Temple B'nai Israel over the years.

“He was always there when we needed him,” she said. “He was just a pleasure to work with. It seems like I called him a lot and he always took my phone calls. It’s really sad that we’re losing him and I’m hoping that we get somebody just as good. It’s exciting to have somebody new and I’m sure that they will have that same kind of attitude of working with the public.”

The city has already launched the search for its next director of public safety. Breed is currently working with Adrian Karr, who will serve as interim director until the position can be filled permanently.

The job listing has been posted internally and externally through several outlets. The city has also posted an online survey seeking input from residents on the director position.

“I’ll just share one feedback that I got. One of the questions was ‘What qualities would you like to see in a new public safety director?’” said city manager Shane Horn. “One response was ‘Matt Breed 2.0.’”

The survey will be live until Jan. 13, which is also the deadline for applicants.

— Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@petoskeynews.com.  

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Northern Michigan police chiefs honor Petoskey’s Matt Breed as he retires