Kearney takes over as Birmingham police chief

By Grade Lovins

Birmingham police captain Ryan Kearny was tapped to be the city’s next police chief during the Monday, August 12, city commission meeting.

Kearny was sworn in and officially became chief Monday night, taking over for former chief Scott Grewe who retired July 17.

City manager Jana Ecker explained that Kearny had been serving as interim chief since Grewe’s retirement and was her selection to fill the vacancy.

Kearny has served in the department for 23 years working his way through the ranks to become sergeant, lieutenant, captain and eventually interim chief. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Western Michigan University and graduated from the Eastern Michigan University School of Staff and Command in 2021.

As a captain, Kearny was responsible for overseeing special events, overseeing the department’s patrol division and has acted as the police liaison to the city’s multi-modal transportation board. He also took on the responsibility of acting police chief while former chief Grewe was on medical leave.

"It's an honor and a privilege to become the next police chief for the city of Birmingham,” Kearny said.

All five commissioners present voted in favor of appointing Kearny as the city’s new police chief. Commissioner Andrew Haig was missing from the meeting.