By Sara E. Teller

THE HAZEL PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED IN THE 1940S WITH JUST A HANDFUL OF OFFICERS. Since then it has grown ten-fold, with at least three dozen full-time members in addition to those employed part-time. Chief of Police Brian Buchholz has been at the Department for just over two decades, taking an entry level position in 1998 as a patrol officer. Since then, Buchholz has been promoted several times, moving up the ranks and becoming a sergeant, detective, and lieutenant with various responsibilities, until ultimately reaching his current post.

“I have been here for over 20 years. This was my first police job,” Buchholz explained. “I started as a patrolman at 23. I was pretty young when I got my start. In 2009, I was promoted to sergeant and, in 2012, to lieutenant. I’ve been chief for seven months now.” He added, “I’m still getting used to the job. I have many sleepless nights with stuff running through my head, but I get a lot of help from my team.”

Buchholz has also been a records bureau supervisor, personnel equipment supervisor, and hiring administrator as well as internal investigations coordinator. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University, and has gained extensive in-service training in a wide range of disciplines designed to help him under-stand how best to respond to difficult situations. Some of these include active-shooter and deadly-force encounters, specialized interviewing, interrogation, and combat techniques. He has received a certificate of merit from the City of Hazel Park as well as letters of commendation and appreciation from the neighboring communities of Ferndale and Madison Heights.

Buchholz’s wide range of experience lends well to his current position. “This is a small town and we’re a smaller department than most. So, we’re a tight knit group. We help each other out. We all do each other’s jobs and know what’s going on in the city. I’ll pick up the phone at the front desk from time to time. We just all help each other get the job done.”

IN LOOKING AFTER A SMALL TOWN, it’s necessary for members of the Hazel Park PD to keep a close working relationship with the City Council and local residents. “Mr. Klobucher has been Hazel Park’s City Manager for quite a while and knows how to get us to communicate with each other. We also have weekly staff meetings, so departments can get in touch with one another and better serve our residents. I have an open-door policy here and people will stop by and see me from time to time to talk about a number of things.”

The Department has long prided itself on its quick response time whenever officers are called for duty. “As a small town, we should be getting there quickly but it’s just something we’ve always focused on and done well, and we’re always working on,” Buchholz said, adding, “We really rely on residents to be our eyes and ears on the streets, though.”

As a tight-knit community, citizens of Hazel Park are able to benefit from services not typically found in larger areas. “We are able to serve residents with specific needs and do things for them that bigger cities simply can’t,” explained Buchholz.

“We assign officers to the same areas, so they can get to know residents and there are many who consider the officers their friends. They’re on a first-name basis with them. When our citizens are comfortable, it makes our jobs a whole lot easier. It helps everyone rest easier.”

The Department not only relies on the help of its sworn-in staff, the City, and call-ins from residents, it has also put together a few community policing programs that help keep the crime rate down and the city functioning as it should.

THE AUXILIARY UNIT
THIS SPECIAL PROGRAM IS NOW CALLED the “Reserve Unit,” and consists of volunteer police who supplement Hazel Park Police officers at special events and activities, emergencies, disasters, or other assignments as determined by Buchholz. The volunteer officers undergo training at the reserve academy. They offer their time and services to the Department, which is highly valuable when extra helping hands are needed.

“Members of this unit attend community events, such as the annual Memorial Day Parade and carnival,” Buchholz said. “They will also attend local sporting activities, such as basketball and football games, and ride along in patrol cars with full-time officers.”

The volunteers wear police uniforms and are able to perform many of the same tasks while
on duty. Their assistance is appreciated.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
THE HAZEL PARK NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH is an organized group of civilians who help to prevent crime. Should members see anything suspicious, they must report this to authorities rather than intervene themselves.

“One of the reserve officers who is a dispatcher here runs it,” Buchholz explained. “It’s intertwined with the City and Police Department. The Watch holds meetings open to all citizens within the city of Hazel Park, and they try to get them involved with the program. They also appoint block leaders.

The group meets every three months with residents to go over different things, such as reviewing in-home surveillance cameras, reporting suspicious activity, and protecting everyone’s homes and personal property.” For more information, contact the Hazel Park non-emergency line (248-542-6161).

MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT UNIT (MCSU)
THE MCSU IS A UNIFORMED CIVILIAN VOLUNTEER GROUP dedicated to keeping Hazel Park’s streets and neighborhoods safe. Members do not possess police powers or authority and, therefore, cannot make arrests or do many other officer-related duties. The special unit has been in existence since the 1960s and has provided non-police assistance to the community during storms, emergencies, power outages, events, carnivals, festivals, fairs, and serious motor vehicle accidents.

“The MCSU consists of a group of volunteers who are our eyes and ears on the streets,” Buchholz said. “They are out and about in the community keeping watch. Sometimes they’ll sit in the Kroger parking lot, at the ice arena, or at another place of business. They’ll report weather hazards, and in the case of a down power line they’ll block off the street.”

MCSU volunteers are a huge asset to the city, according to Buchholz, helping sworn-in staff keep the crime rate down by tending to other important needs of the city which can sometimes arise and require manpower being used elsewhere. “It’s a great thing to have them on short notice,” Buchholz said.

The MCSU works with both the police and certain neighborhood groups to increase visual presence by patrolling in highly visible vehicles, too. This helps residents to feel safe and secure. When patrol cars are spotted in an area, it also minimizes the likelihood for crime.

There is an ongoing need for new members of the MCSU, and those interested in lending a hand are encouraged to apply. Applicants must meet a few minimum standards in addition to having a clean driving record and a clear criminal history. There is a minimum time commitment required.

The Hazel Park police department is also actively seeking qualified, competent candidates for available officer positions. Officers looking to get their start or make a career change should call the office at (248) 542-6161.

THE HAZEL PARK FIRE DEPARTMENT was first established in 1947 and moved into its current location in 1967. “In the ‘60s, the Department was operating in a two-bay, automotive shop type of set up, so it eventually outgrew this,” explained Fire Chief Rich Story, who has been with the Hazel Park Department since 1994.

“We help out with fires, of course, and provide medical and paramedic support,” he said. “Basic-ally, everything you’d expect. We currently have 21 members. We’ve ebb and flowed throughout the years, depending on the money that is coming into the community. When I first got here, we had 17 members, and our high point was 23.”

Story said of the Department’s relationship with City Council and other local public safety and community-based departments, “It’s the best it’s been in the 24 years I’ve called Hazel Park home. This Council is very pro-community. They have everyone’s best interest at heart, and our leadership ensures we all stay in close touch. We also have a good rapport with the police department, the DPW, and with Parks & Rec. There are a lot of great department heads and employees.”

Story graduated from Wayne Memorial High School, and entered Fire Academy and EMT training at Schoolcraft College following graduation. He took a part-time position first, while applying for full-time opportunities, and eventually landed a spot in Hazel Park where he moved up the ranks. “I’ve really enjoyed my career,” Story said. “We go on 32,000 runs every year. We serve a 2.8 square mile community with approximately 17,000 people.”

Hazel Park has agreements in place with neighboring Ferndale and Madison Heights as well. They provide each other with auto-aid as needed. “If there is a fire, we will supply each other with any available manpower and equipment,” Story explained.

“We’re known for doing our job well, if not better than larger departments,” he said. “We take pride in the fact that we’re able to do what we do with how small we are. I would put our members up against the best of them.”

IN ADDITION TO TRADITIONAL SERVICES, the fire department offers CPR training courses. “We also spray down the kids every year during fire prevention week. We visit the elementary schools and give fire safety talks,” Story said. “We help out with the Lions Club and with other community organizations.”

The Department also offers a smoke detector program in which one free detector will be supplied to residents who stop in and show an ID. This will be installed as needed. Blood pressure checks are available at the Recreation Center on specified dates and times, or residents can stop by the department for a free check.

Firefighters also perform periodic hydrant maintenance, and offer a residential Knox Box program, which is a secure key box system that allows them to access a home in the event of a medical or fire emergency. This system is already widely used in many of the area’s commercial and industrial properties and will be tailored to specific residences upon request.

“We try to appease whoever we can. This city pays our salary, and we’re happy to help out wherever we’re needed,” the Chief said. “We’re proud to serve this community.”

THE STATION IS CURRENTLY LOOKING to put together a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), a concept first developed following the 9/11 tragedy in 2001.

“We’ve tried it in the past, but unfortunately didn’t receive a lot of interest,” he explained. “But we have a few applicants this time around. We’ll be putting more information on our web site in the coming weeks regarding classes we’re holding, and we’re hoping to get some membership.”

CERT volunteers are members of the community who help out in the event of a major emergency, including severe storms, floods, and airplane crashes. “They’ll do some logistical work, blocking streets and checking homes. The volunteers will also help the fire department out at events, including the Memorial Day parade.” Those interested in CERT or the department’s other programs and services can visit the Hazel Park Fire Department’s page in the list available at http://www.hazelpark.org or call 248.546.4086 for more information.

HAZEL PARK’S CLASS OF 1966 MADE PLANS TO HAVE THEIR 50TH CLASS reunion on the night of September 10, 2016. That morning, they had an opportunity to visit their old stomping grounds, strolling the hallways of Hazel Park High School. “We had an opportunity to walk the halls,” said ‘66 graduate, Linda McLatcher. “We went into the courtyard, of course, because that area was off-limits when we were students. And we noticed a Viking head. Underneath, there was a plaque that read ‘Class of 1966.’”

The former students were perplexed at first. Many didn’t realize their class had donated the monument many years prior. “We looked at it, and the head was in perfect condition but the column was falling apart,” she said. “We became determined to find out more so we could restore it.”

That night at the reunion, one classmate, Nelson Brandymore, made a plea to the others, asking them to organize an effort to refurbish the Viking head and the column around it. McLatcher explained, “Everyone was excited. We put together a committee and people sent in donations. We deposited these in the bank and eventually had enough to pay for what we wanted to do.” The small committee consisted of Linda and Dan McLatcher, Tom Moberly, Barbara Repke and Sandra Nichols.

Once the funds were gathered, the team solicited the help of a local sculpture business, Detroit Design Center, and owners/brothers, Eric and Israel Nordin, happily came on board. “They were as excited about this as we were,” McLatcher said. “They worked on a new base for it and cleaned up the head. Then, the brothers suggested we move it to the front of the building. We contacted principal [Matthew Dailey] and he was on board.” They were also in touch with School Superintendent, Dr. Amy Kruppe, who was happy to see the structure come to life again.

However, the landscaping around the area needed to be revamped. “We had enough money to do some landscaping,” McLatcher explained. “I wanted to keep this project local, so I went online and found Paradise Garden Landscaping in Hazel Park. Once again, they were so excited about it.” Zaid Hanna donated his labor and furnished the plantings at cost. Additionally, Lou DeCiantis donated his time and material to create the concrete pad at the front entrance.

When everything was complete, the class held a rededication. “There had to have been 50-60 people there,” McLatcher said. “Classmates, administrators, and school board members all came. This was totally a community project.”

Thanks to the community, the head will stand for many years, showcasing the pride of everyone who attends Hazel Park High.

DR. AMY KRUPPE CAME TO HAZEL PARK WITH A VISION: To share the success she’d had in her 24 years as an educator, and director of business, human resources, special education and technology in a larger Illinois school district with a community that reminded her of Holt, Michigan, where she was born.

“I love the students and community of Hazel Park. It feels so much like my small hometown of Holt. Hazel Park is filled with friendly, hard-working people,” she said. “I knew I could bring some best practices with me, some talent to the table, and facilitate change.”

In accepting her position as Hazel Park’s Superintendent, Dr. Kruppe wanted to help mold Michigan’s education sector, emphasizing first and foremost the importance of providing sufficient funding and taking care of its teachers. “I wanted to make a difference in Michigan education,” she explained. “Current funding is disproportionate to what it takes to run an effective school district. Districts are taking cuts, and I wanted to be a part of positive change both locally and at the state level.”

Dr. Kruppe had originally pursued math and music majors at Albion College, but ultimately changed her career path to special education and transferred into Grand Valley State’s special education program. She then pursued a master’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate degree in social justice. While focusing on social justice, she learned about the importance of considering differences in ethnicities, social economic statuses, cultures, and gender when approaching societal issues, a perspective which she said has helped her be successful in her career path.

Following a minimalist approach, which she described as “doing a lot with a little,” she has also learned to work wonders with limited resources. Utilizing this approach, Hazel Park schools have “put so many changes in place with a small staff and have been able to make these changes in a short period of time,” she said.

Dr. Kruppe has an open-door policy, encouraging staff, students, and parents to come into her office at any time. “My door is always open. I’m in early and here late, and am happy to answer any questions.

Right now, she is focused on mitigating recent changes to funding at the federal level that have really hit schools hard. “It’s difficult to come out of a deficit when schools aren’t funded properly,” she said. “You have to have support and services available to teachers, and institute programs that draw people to the district, while at the same time, remaining frugal.”

Some notable district changes since she’s taken the reigns in Hazel Park include the creation of a robotics team and STEAM programs. She’s also revamped the way students learn. “We’ve made changes to the curriculum, focusing on how we’re teaching and making sure the educational needs for all students are met. We’ve redeveloped our K-12 program, looking for more consistency and rigor,” she said.

Dr. Kruppe noted that it’s not easy to get everyone on board with the fact that change is necessary, saying, “We’ve had to make some systemic changes. A school needs to have systems and structures in place, and change can be hard.” But it’s important to garner support from staff, parents, students, and other members of the community to make improvements, nevertheless.

“Support your teachers and your schools,” she said. “Parents are very important, too. We need them to volunteer for activities, and for their children to come to school ready to learn. Students need to be taught to be kind to one another and be willing to work hard.”

When she’s not spending time in the office, the Superintendent is highly active in the community at large. She is part of the Lions Club, the Community Coalition, and the Madison Heights-Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce. Through these efforts, Dr. Kruppe is able to support charitable giving and the goals of local businesses. In everything she does, she is hoping to facilitate positive changes that will help Hazel Park thrive.

Despite any challenges she’s had to face, Dr. Kruppe believes in the District’s potential. She said, “The Hazel Park school district is a great place for children. It’s a small community with great teachers. Those looking for a change should consider coming here.”

TUCKED INTO A LARGE DEDICATED CLASSROOM in Hazel Park High School is a small, powerful organization new to the building this year. Established in January of 2018, the Hazel Park Literacy Project is focused on providing supplemental professional assistance to students who are reading below their grade level.

Garden Fresh Gourmet founders, Jack and Annette Aronson, established the Ferndale Literacy Project in the Fall of 2016, and armed with remarkable results, set about replicating the project for Hazel Park where a large percentage of their student body is from other parts of the Metro Detroit area. The Aronson’s bigger vision includes bringing their literacy project to the entire Metro Detroit area.

“Literacy in this country is an enormous problem. As a nation, we have been struggling so much,” Jack laments. “We used to have people come into Garden Fresh in Ferndale who couldn’t fill out an application.”

That stuck with Jack. “Our literacy project reading models work, and work quickly,” he shares. “If we don’t get busy and fix this, all those great jobs now becoming available in Detroit will not go to the Detroit kids. Detroit kids will be serving popcorn at Little Caesar’s Arena.”

The growth of the students in the High School Literacy Project has been inspiring for everyone involved. They are not just learning to read, but are adding to their vocabulary, which will impact their careers, their upward mobility, and the educational trajectory of their own children. Dr Amy Kruppe stated, “ What an amazing gift the Jack and his wife are giving to communities as they develop these literacy projects. There is no better gift than the gift of reading and education.“

“The literacy model we use is very easy for students and organizations to follow,” Jack says. “It is pretty fixed. We are trying to perfect it to eventually take the program to Detroit high schools.”

A little over 50 students are enrolled in Hazel Park High School’s Literacy Project’s inaugural half year. They are looking to increase enrollment in the fall of 2018, and can take as many as possibly 100 students. Carol Jackson is the Operations Manager and handles the behind-the-scenes details of the literacy projects for the Aronsons.

“Leasing the Read 180 software program the first year and the Reading Specialist Teacher salaries are the two biggest expenses,” Jackson explains.

“Hazel Park Literacy Project will be getting new desks, chairs, books and supplies as well as a fresh coat of paint.”

So far, everything for the Literacy Project is paid for by Jack and Annette Aronson, who have demonstrated that they are on a mission to make a dent in the 47 percent illiteracy rate in the Metro Detroit area. Not a dime is charged to the school, and all funds that are raised for the project through events are channeled directly to the Hazel Park Public Schools, and ear tagged specifically for the Hazel Park Literacy Project.

“All money transactions for the program are transparent,” says Jackson. The state doesn’t pay for a reading specialist at the high school level, so that expense falls to the Literacy Project. Kyle Rowley is the project’s Reading Specialist Teacher for Hazel Park. A football coach and enthusiastic school supporter, Rowley has a warm rapport with the students. Superintendent of Hazel Park Schools, Dr. Amy Kruppe, and Matt Dailey, principle of Hazel Park High School have been very supportive of the new Literacy Project, as well.

Rowley picked out a large computer room in the high school to be used for the literacy room. The space has two smaller suites attached to it that will be designated as a reading room, Kyle’s office, and possibly a coffee/hot chocolate lounge for the literacy students. This summer will be spent getting the literacy rooms finished. They will be working on painting the walls, and ordering new desks and chairs. There is talk about the possibility of a summer reading program, as well.

“The Aronsons are working hard to reach and help as many children as they can,” Jackson says. “While other programs are addressing the literacy problems with younger children, this one is designed to find the older ones and get them back on track and reading at grade level.”

Jack and Annette Aronson are very hands-on with this project and can be found purchasing lunch for the students in the Hazel Park Literacy Project several months of the year. They stay and have lunch with the students to check in and see how individuals are progressing. The Aronsons show up with submarine sandwiches, pizza, water and other healthy foods for the kids, who have been very appreciative of their generosity.

Donations of any size are needed for this ongoing worthy project and to help it expand into the Detroit schools. Contact Carol Jackson at cjackson0205@gmail.com, or at 586-747-1394.