McCanham retires; new police chief appointed

Bloomfield Township Police Capt. Phil Langmeyer was sworn in on Monday, May 13, as the department's next chief of police, following the planned retirement of Chief Scott McCanham, who has lead the department since April of 2017. “Due to unforeseen changes – and positive changes – in my life over the past several months, I tendered my resignation with supervisor Savoie three weeks ago,” McCanham said. McCanham said his retirement comes after recently remarrying and deciding to move closer to his wife's work in central Michigan. While he said he is pursuing an opportunity related to public safety with Central Michigan University, he said his retirement wasn't precipitated by another job opportunity. “My 31-year career here couldn't have ended any better,” he said. “It's been an amazing career, and I thank you for allowing me this opportunity.” Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie congratulated McCanham on the retirement and said he nominated current captain Phil Langmeyer to be the next chief. That motion was approved unanimously by the board, with trustee Dave Buckley absent. “We are happy for you and for what the future holds for you, and we are excited for you,” Savoie said. Langmeyer is a longtime veteran of the Bloomfield Township Police Department, starting his career as a patrol sergeant and heading nearly all divisions in the department. Langmeyer has served for the past two years as captain in charge of the department's investigations division. He previously served three years as captain over the patrol division and has served in a supervisor-command position in all areas of the department, with the exception of traffic sergeant. “You name it, I've done it here, and with pleasure,” he said.