Canton's New Director of Public Safety to Start Jan. 1

Lieutenant Todd Mutchler has been selected as Canton’s new Director of Public Safety, following the retirement of Patrick Nemecek at the end of the month, according to a news release from the department. 

Mutchler has worked his way up through the ranks to this top position, starting as a patrol officer hired by Canton in 1988. Todd holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Technology, both from Eastern Michigan University. He is also a graduate of EMU’s Police Staff and Command School.

Throughout his career, Todd has been active in the department, working several special assignments including Detective Bureau Supervisor and member of the Western-Wayne Special Operations Team. He has also initiated and participated on numerous committees, most notably assembling Canton’s Response to Hate Crimes Coalition, a collaborative effort of non-traditional partners working together to respond to and prevent hate crimes.

As Director, Mutchler will be responsible for planning, administering and continually developing the Public Safety Department with assistance from his command staff consisting of Deputy Police Chief Robert Kerr, and the newly promoted Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief, Joshua Meier and Gregory Sprys-Tellner.