BATTLE CREEK, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As 2023 begins, Battle Creek Police Chief Jim Blocker will retire, and current Deputy Chief Shannon Bagley will step up as interim chief.
Blocker has served was sworn in as chief on July 16, 2014, and has served with the BCPD since 1997 in a variety of roles.
Blocker also served as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel through multiple tours of duty earning multiple awards.
Blocker called it an “incredible experience” to both start and finish his policing career in Battle Creek.
“The community has supported the BCPD – and me – in extraordinary ways,” said Blocker. “In looking back at the goals of improving BCPD morale; improving training, equipment, communications, and facilities; establishing partnerships with community organizations; and community outreach – with the support of the City Manager, City Commission, and one of the best staffs a chief could ask for, we hit the mark. There is much more to do, and I can think of no one better in the region – who is prepared to continue and improve BCPD and community relations – than Shannon Bagley.”
Bagley will serve as interim chief for six months. After that period, the Battle Creek City Manager will determine if he is ready to assume the chief role permanently. If not, the city will begin a national search.
Bagley joined the BCPD as Investigations Deputy Chief in September 2021. He was a captain with the Kalamazoo Valley Community College Public Safety Department, and retired from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety in 2018, after 25 years with that department.
He graduated from the KVCC Police Academy, has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from KVCC, and a bachelor’s degree in organization and resource management from Spring Arbor University.
“It has been my honor serving this community, and working with the outstanding women and men of this department and city,” said Bagley. “The City of Battle Creek is exceptional, and this community is so special because of the people who live and work here. It has been a pleasure meeting neighbors and building relationships throughout the city, and I look forward to continuing those efforts. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as your interim chief. The BCPD is in an exceptional position, a direct result of the extraordinary leadership, hard work, and vision of Chief Jim Blocker. His commitment and service to this community is unmatched, and it has been an honor to work with him. I look forward to continuing our department’s work in the community, alongside our incredible BCPD team.”
Bagley will lead the department through a major technology and software upgrade, a continued focus on community policing, discussions on the potential for a Citizens Review Board to involve the community more in police issues, and in receiving the results of the ongoing Center for Public Safety Management study.
