Longtime law enforcement leader Gary Gorski has been named University of Michigan-Dearborn’s chief of police and director of public safety, effective June 17.
Gorski brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience to the role including 32 years with the Michigan State Police (MSP). He recently served Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids as the dean of students, protecting the health and welfare of more than 650 students and 40 faculty and staff.
Interim Police Captain Jim Knittel will serve as UM-Dearborn’s deputy chief, effective immediately.
Gorksi will report to Eddie L. Washington, Jr. the executive director of U-M Division of Public Safety and Security. He will work closely with Jeff Evans, UM-Dearborn's vice chancellor for business affairs.
“Gary has demonstrated strong leadership and team performance throughout his career," Evans said. "His strategic planning and implementation skills make him an excellent choice for this important leadership role on our campus."
Gorski served in several roles with weighted responsibilities within the MSP including executive leader, supervisor, trainer and investigator. He rose to the level of lieutenant colonel and served as the deputy director for the Specialized Services Bureau, which includes the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and Intelligence Operations Division. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing MSP’s Cyber Section and the OK2Say program.
“Gary’s proven leadership skills, depth of law enforcement experience, and demonstrated commitment to servant leadership make him ideally suited to lead UM-Dearborn’s safety and security efforts,” Washington said.
Gorski holds a bachelor of applied science degree in public safety professions from Siena Heights University and is a graduate of the 204th session of the FBI National Academy.
“I am humbled and honored for this opportunity to serve as the next director of public safety and security at UM-Dearborn. I look forward to working with the department staff to support the entire UM-Dearborn community by providing a safe, secure and welcoming campus environment,” Gorski said.
Knittel has significant experience in managing multi-jurisdictional investigative units, including leading a federal task force and supervision of uniformed patrol operations. Most recently, Knittel has served as sergeant and interim captain within UM-Dearborn’s police and public safety department.
Before joining UM-Dearborn, Knittel served at the Farmington Hills police department where he was the most decorated officer in the department’s history. Knittel supervised the department’s DEA high-intensity drug trafficking area and organized crime drug enforcement task force for more than 10 years.
“In addition to Jim’s excellent credentials, he has proven himself as an outstanding leader and has been recognized as such by all on campus since he began over a year ago,” Evans said.
Knittel holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Madonna University and is in the process of earning a master’s degree in criminal justice from UM-Dearborn.
