by Melissa McPherson

John Tyler stepped into the role of interim chief for the Stockbridge Police Department just three weeks ago, but he is no stranger to small-town police work. He brings with him more than two decades of law enforcement experience and a desire to strengthen the connections in our community.

Tyler has been a police officer for 21 years. He currently serves as chief of police in Fowlerville, a job he’s held for over 10 years. In October 2025, the American Legion named him Police Officer of the Year in Livingston County. Tyler has a master’s degree in business administration from Cleary University, where he also teaches business negotiation courses every semester. He initially heard about the interim chief position in Stockbridge through a friend who thought he would be a good fit for the role.

Tyler says his top priority as interim chief is ensuring that the department is meeting all federal, state, and local requirements. Everything from budgeting and FOIA procedures to internal communications and daily operations. But he is also focused on building connections between the police department and the community.

“I’ve noticed a bit of a disconnect between the police department and the government offices, and also with the people and the school district,” Tyler said. “I want to bring us all together into a real cohesive group.”

He believes Stockbridge is not far off from achieving this level of connectedness. “Everyone I’ve met—the school officials, people working in town hall, the police officers, the residents—they’re supportive. They want to work together. They just need someone to help tie all the personalities together.”

When he is not on the job, Tyler enjoys spending time outdoors. He and his wife, Tammy, own property in Harrison, where he enjoys hunting and owns two B and B rentals. They also love to travel. He recently returned to Italy and plans to travel to Hawaii this Thanksgiving. Tyler has four children. His twins, Alex and Jozlynn, graduated from Fowlerville last spring. Jozlynn is studying nursing at Central Michigan University, and Alex is in Army boot camp in Missouri. Tyler’s middle son, Kaiden, is stationed in Poland with the army, and his oldest son, Dustin, works in Mount Pleasant as an apprentice in construction trades.

As part of his interim responsibilities, Tyler is helping lead the search for Stockbridge’s next permanent chief. Though several applications have come in, he says none so far has been the right fit.

“For me, it’s about finding someone who wants to be here for the right reasons,” he explained. “Not someone looking for a title, but someone who wants to be a part of the community for the long term.”

Tyler says he has received a warm welcome and is enjoying his time here in Stockbridge. He looks forward to getting to know everyone and being involved in community events. As he continues his dual role in Fowlerville and Stockbridge, residents can expect to see Tyler out in the community, doing what he can to shape the foundation for the department’s next chapter.

All photos provided by SPD Interim Chief John Tyler.