From the Chief of Police: Police and community partnerships in action

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I hope you had a safe and joyous holiday season. The giving spirit is in the air, and I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank the very generous folks who have shown by their actions that they support the police and community partnerships that the Stockbridge Police Department has strived so hard to achieve for nearly 13 years.

Teresa Knightlinger. Thank you to John and Teresa Knightlinger at My Body Shop for their very generous support of SPD’s involvement in the “Shop with a Cop” program this year.

John Knightlinger

First, thank you to John and Teresa Knightlinger at My Body Shop for their very generous support of SPD’s involvement in the “Shop with a Cop” program this year. A few months back, we had My Body Shop do some work on our patrol car. When the Village’s insurance sent the Knightlingers a check for the work, they in turn, signed the check over to “Shop with a Cop.” This program benefits local, less fortunate kids and ensures they have a Christmas to remember. Thank you also to the many other local organizations who have also been generous with this program over the years.

Back in 2017 SPD sent out requests to local businesses for support with the “Child Safety of America” initiative in which thousands of coloring books, magazines, and other literature were purchased and distributed to Stockbridge students of all ages. Again, this could not have been possible without support from the community who believe that partnering with local law enforcement is beneficial for a better, safer community. The following businesses and religious groups were very generous, and I thank them: Jon Fillmore, Hybroco, My Body Shop, Rush Archery, CG Lantis & Daughters, Walnut Ridge Country Estates, Positively Chiropractic, Ted Waters and Sons, Rob’s Pizza, SSB Bank, Scott Karns/McDonald’s, and First Presbyterian Church.

In 2006, Village of Stockbridge residents made a decision to invest in their own police department, and the whole community has benefited. SPD will continue to stay committed to these partnerships, and we look forward to building new relationships with the fine citizens, businesses, and other charitable organizations of the Stockbridge community who believe in the many benefits that come from working together now and in the future.

Stay vigilant; stay safe,

Chief Torres

Chief John Torres, a native of Flint, began his career as a reserve police officer before joining the City of Lansing Police where he served for more than 14 years. He joined the Stockbridge Police Department in 2009 and became its chief in 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and is married with two adult children.