HOWELL – Newly sworn-in Police Chief John Storrow is far from a stranger to his colleagues and the community. Of course, Storrow’s also fully aware that the local police union gave his predecessor a vote of no confidence.
The need to appoint a new police chief came after Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick retired as of April 1, 2022. Captain Mark Pilecki took on the role as Interim Chief until Storrow was named as chief with a start date of August 1, 2022.
At a Township Council meeting earlier this month, Storrow was formally sworn in with a touch of pomp and circumstance.
Chaplain James Casey offered an invocation at the start of the meeting. He related a biblical passage to emphasize that the new chief fills the mold perfectly for the functions chosen for him.
Although Chaplain Jeff Wegner attended Storrow’s swearing-in, he was not there to lead in prayer. However, like Casey, Wegner referred to the new chief as a great friend and someone he respected.
The ceremony continued with the Howell Police Color Guard, followed by the Howell Township High School’s Rebel Yell performing the national anthem.
“I’m very confident that I speak for the majority of this governing body when I say that John Storrow is everything our police department needs at this time,” said Deputy Mayor Pamela Richmond. “Chief Storrow has been serving our community for over 25 years, and has done so with honor, respect, and commitment.”
Interim Township Manager Joseph Clark selected Storrow as chief, which Richmond said was not an easy process. Other qualified candidates had also put in for the position.
Before Judge Susan Clark swore in the new chief, Richmond shared Storrow’s long list of credentials. Even before he came to the local department in 1995, Storrow was already working in law enforcement.
If humility and gratitude are any indication of the direction Storrow’s leadership role puts him, the transition sounds promising. Storrow, who seems somewhat reticent to speak about himself, says he’s not fond of the spotlight. His first words after his swearing in, were to offer thanks to both chaplains.
“They never really get the thanks they deserve,” Storrow said. “They come out all hours of the night for no compensation. They respond to critical events and the work they do is really amazing and helps the community.”
Storrow thanked Clark and members of the governing body, as well as the police chief who hired him when he first started with the Howell Police Department.
This November, Storrow begins his 30th year in law enforcement. The new chief thanked his family and especially his wife who put up with the drama especially when Storrow was on the SWAT team and got calls to head out at 3 a.m.
“I can’t imagine it’s easy not knowing if your spouse is going to come home at night,” shared Storrow. “But at least that part is done, as I retired from that three years ago.”
“I was still going on the downslope to retire until a little while ago,” Storrow continued. “So, now my course of action has changed. I will do the best that I can do. I will be here for a while to make sure things get fixed that need to be fixed. Once that is done, and I feel it’s done satisfactorily, maybe I’ll think about moving on at that point.”
Based on his desire to get things in order, Storrow won’t be looking at retirement anytime soon. The new chief also expressed his thanks for his fellow officers who have been there to give him tremendous support. He now stands as the leader of the local law enforcement agency.
“I knew before taking this position that sometimes being the boss means you have to make tough decisions,” Storrow shared after he was sworn in. “Not everyone’s going to agree with the decisions I make, and some people may not be happy with them.
“But, if I have to be the bad guy, I will,” Storrow continued. “As long as it’s for the betterment of the department and the betterment of the wonderful people who live and work in Howell Township.”’
Storrow said he’s looking forward to working with the township officials, and his brothers and sisters in blue.
