Men of the Hour

Chief David Russell measures success based on how many people he and the UTPD can help

by Mary Jo David

Around the world, Nov. 19 is recognized as International Men’s Day to “celebrate, worldwide, the positive value men bring to the world, their families, and communities.” Once again, in our November issue, Stockbridge Community News is featuring Men of the Hour—three men from our own little corner of the world who make a notable difference in our community. Congratulations to Police Chief Dave Russell for being nominated as a Man of the Hour. This is Chief Russell’s story.

To some in our community, Unadilla Township may seem more like fictional Mayberry from the 1960s TV sit-com days. Admittedly, when it comes to the qualities of the Unadilla Township’s police chief, David Russell’s personality does bear a striking resemblance to Andy Griffith’s Sheriff Taylor character. Characteristics like kindness, patience, firmness, a sense of humor, and a knack for creative problem solving come to mind.

If memory serves, Mayberry was big enough to warrant one traffic light, something Unadilla Township has never had. But all it takes is an occasional review of the UTPD Activity Logs to know this local police department has plenty to keep its officers and staff busy. According to the logs, which are often published monthly in the Stockbridge Community News, Chief Russell oversees a department that regularly responds to calls for wellness checks, vehicle accidents, harassment calls, domestic disputes, property damage, thefts, animal complaints, suspicious activities, and medical assists. In addition, Russell makes himself available for the fun stuff—like leading the parade for Gregory’s Fourth of July celebration.

According to UTPD reserve officer and administrative assistant Amber Walker Smith, “Chief Russell’s biggest asset and what helps him excel as a chief is that he has a solution-driven approach and leads with empathy. That makes him a good boss and an outstanding leader in the community.”

Policing has been a great fit

With Chief Russell, what you see is what you get.

“I’m really not a different person in my work life,” Russell said. “I like to keep my home life and my work life separate, but the person I am doesn’t change when I put on my uniform.”

Russell has been putting on that uniform and wearing the “Chief” badge for Unadilla since 2013. In the early 2000s he began working in the area as a police officer with shared part-time responsibilities in Pinckney and Unadilla Township. He worked his way up to field training officer, then UTPD sergeant, and was eventually promoted to the Unadilla Township Police Chief.

Russell grew up in the Lapeer area with his parents and a younger sister. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as his father worked for the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office and his godfather was a City of Lapeer police officer. His mother worked for a Methodist church.

“I grew up hearing stories—mainly stories of doing right by people—and I feel like that helped to form the person I am today,” Russell recalled.

He was raised with a strong “right/wrong ethic.” As a youngster, he was Boy Scout and loved fishing and most any outdoor activity. He was also very involved in his church’s youth group.

For as long as he can remember, he always knew he wanted to do police work. Yet, according to Russell, he probably surprised a few people who knew him to be on the quieter side and not one to immerse himself in conflict if given a choice. But, if you take a minute to google what characteristics lend themselves to excellent policing and police leadership skills, you’ll find plenty of references to integrity, honesty, patience, and creative problem solving, and you’d be hard-pressed to find “enjoys dealing with conflict” on the list.

After graduating from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, Russell went to work for the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety before eventually winding his way over to Pinckney and then Unadilla Township.

It’s all in a day’s work

Looking back on what has now been a long career in law enforcement, Russell measures his success by the number of people who have been positively impacted by the decisions he and his department have made and the actions they have taken.

“Obviously, being able to save someone’s life on a call constitutes a MOST amazing day on the job,” Russell said. But sometimes there are “saves” that aren’t so immediate. “I’ve also had the opportunity to change people’s lives for the better over time, and I count those as some of my biggest successes.”

Without naming names, one example he shared was a situation that involved arresting someone for drunk driving and helping that person use that experience as a catalyst for changing his life.

“Of course it’s the driver who deserves all the credit for turning his own life around,” Russell explained, “But he still thanks me for pointing him in the right direction, and it’s not unusual to still get occasional hugs from the guy when I see him.”

Unfortunately, not every day constitutes a win. According to Russell, the worst days are when he or his officers have to answer a call that results in a death—especially that of a child. And, to a lesser extent, but still very frustrating are those times when the UTPD isn’t able to come up with enough evidence to give tangible assistance to a victim who has reported a crime. But whenever possible, the department tries to to refer people to organizations and resources that can help.

UTPD Sergeant N. Gelman had almost 25 years of policing experience when she joined the township’s department in 2017. She pointed out the importance of working for a chief who has like-minded philosophies.

“If we arrest someone and can get them the help they need, it can reduce recidivism. That approach is important to me, so I am fortunate that I work for Chief Russell who promotes this attitude within the department,” Gelman said.

Russell takes pride in the part he has played in converting what was a crowded, chaotic work environment at the UTPD into a more professional office layout. The revamped workspace offers more functional space and an atmosphere more conducive to the UTPD department getting their jobs done. In addition to Chief Russell, the UTPD employs a sergeant, an officer, a detective, and three reserve officers including one who serves as the department’s administrative assistant.

Russell is also proud of the job UTPD has done in maintaining great working relationships with other public safety agencies, including Pinckney and Stockbridge Police Departments, the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Michigan State Police, just to name a few.

Tell us what he’s really like

Carrie Skiles, a longtime personal friend of Chief Russell, pointed out a couple additional qualities people see in Russell.

“Right away, people key in on his kindness, reliability, and steadfastness,” Skiles said, “But if you know Dave well, you know he’s always ready for an adventure or to explore new things. And he has a great sense of humor—he loves to laugh and to make others laugh!”

In his personal time, Russell enjoys fishing and just hanging out with his adult son as well as participating in a counseling and prayer ministry. He explains that “spare time” is rather limited since he purchased his current home, just over a year ago. Since then, he’s been spending a considerable amount of time renovating that home.

As for the people he works for—the community within the Township of Unadilla—Russell views it as being very similar to the environment where he grew up.

“So many of the people in Unadilla Township care about each other and are willing to go out of their way to help each other. It’s a very neighborly place.” And the best part about that is the way Chief Russell takes it upon himself and his department to help keep it that way.

According to Police Chief Dave Russell, the person he is doesn’t change when he puts on his uniform. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

Chief Russell measures his success by the number of people who have been positively impacted by decisions he and his department have made and the actions they’ve taken. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

In years past, Chief Russell has earned first- and third-place trophies competing in the Livingston Police Combat Pistol Shoot competition. Photo credit: Mary Jo David

In his personal time, Russell enjoys time spent fishing with his son, who was behind the camera for this shot. Photo provided by Chief Dave Russell.