Posted by: jgomori Posted date: March 23, 2021

By Jennifer Gomori, POJ Editor

The Police Officers Labor Council is saddened by the loss of Clinton Township Police Chief Fred Posavetz, 64, who passed away March 22 from complications of COVID-19.

Posavetz was hospitalized in late February after contracting coronavirus, said POLC Labor Rep. Jim Stachowski, a retired Clinton Township Police Lieutenant.

The POLC represents Clinton Township Captains, Sergeants and Lieutenants. POLC Director Rob Figurski described Posavetz as a man of integrity who was respected by many.

“Chief Posavetz was always very professional, honest and fair in our dealings with him,” Figurski said. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, children and the members of the Clinton Township Police Department.”

Chief Posavetz served 41 years with the police department, rising through the ranks and being promoted to police chief in 2007, according to a Township press release.

“Fred was a great man and a great police officer. It was a pleasure to serve under him and I owe him a debt of gratitude since I was promoted to Sergeant and Lieutenant while he was Chief,” Stachowski said. “The news of his tragic passing so close to his retirement is truly sad and a huge loss to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

Posavetz’s sons, Ryan and Eric Posavetz, were hired as Clinton Township Police Officers in 2019.

“Dad being a K9 handler and having the K9s at the house, I always loved the stories about protecting people,” said Eric Posavetz in 2019. “He’s always been my role model since I was a little kid. If I could be half the man that he was, I will have a very good career in law enforcement.”

“Fred lived and loved the life he chose, and he was very proud that his sons followed in his footsteps,” said Clinton Township Supervisor Robert Cannon.

Cannon said Chief Posavetz elevated the state of policing in Clinton Township by hiring officers based on temperament, demeanor and professionalism. “Fred understood what was important and how to prioritize,” Cannon said. “He was able to separate those things of little consequence.”

Fred Posavetz was hired in 1980 as a Clinton Township Officer. He was promoted to Sergeant, then Captain of Road Patrol, Special Investigations Division, Criminal Investigations Division and Support Services. He graduated the FBI National Academy and was a member of FBI National Academy Associates training curriculum for the Michigan Chapter. He served as President of the Macomb County Chiefs Association and was a founding member of Clinton Township Police Honor Guard.

Chief Posavetz was slated to retire this June. “He had the heart of a lion, strong and courageous,” Cannon said. “We will miss him immensely, are appreciative of his lifelong dedication to the residents of Clinton Township, and extend our sincere condolences to his family.”