Monroe Review

The City of Monroe is pleased to announce the appointments of Derek Lindsay, Scott Smiley and J.D. Wall to the rank of Commander within the Monroe Public Safety Department (MPSD).  Approved by City Council at the October 17th regular meeting, these promotions take effect immediately.

“These appointments help to solidify the restructuring of the Monroe Public Safety Department, which began to take place about one year ago. The cooperation between ranking members of any department is crucial and I am confident these Commanders have the right combination of institutional knowledge, management skills and character to move this department forward.” says Director Chad J. Tolstedt. 

Commander Lindsay (police) and Commander Smiley (fire) each bring their own unique set of skills and qualifications, but what they have in common is the respect of their peers from both the police and fire divisions of the MPSD.  Commander Wall (Administration for police and fire) brings organizational skills and experience as a Public Information Officer that can be implemented across both divisions.

Police Commander Derek Lindsay

Derek Lindsay is a Commander for the City of Monroe Department of Public Safety.  Appointed to Acting Commander in November of 2021, Commander Lindsay oversees police operations for the department which includes the road patrol division, investigative bureaus, and the marine division.

Commander Lindsay has been in law enforcement for just under 23 years. He is also cross-trained as a firefighter since 2011.  In his almost 23 years, Commander Lindsay has been a Patrolman, Undercover Detective, Vice Detective, Road Patrol Sergeant, Vice Lieutenant, Medical Examiner Investigator, and a Detective Captain.  Commander Lindsay is also considered an Expert in Narcotics Investigations as it relates to courtroom testimony.  Commander Lindsay was also a SWAT Operator for the MCSO Special Response Team for 19 years and still maintains a supervisory role with that unit.

Commander Lindsay holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Western Michigan University, attended Firefighter Officer Commander Schools, and is a graduate of the Eastern Michigan University Staff and Command School

Fire Commander Richard “Scott” Smiley

Scott Smiley is the Fire Commander in the Public Safety Department for the City of Monroe.   Commander Smiley oversees fire operations for the department, and is tasked with all Fire, EMS and Rescue matters for the City of Monroe.  Commander Smiley has been in public service his whole career.  Smiley served his country in the U.S. Army for 4 years, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. Most recently, he has been a career Firefighter and Paramedic for over 22 years, 20 of which has been with the City of Monroe.

Smiley has performed many roles within the Fire Division including Fire Mechanic, Sergeant, Lieutenant/Inspector and Captain.  He has been an Arson Investigator and part of the Monroe County Arson Team. During his time as a Fire Officer, Commander Smiley has implemented and been responsible for numerous programs for the department, which include Fire Safety and Public Education, Fire Extinguisher training program, and implementing a smoke detector program for the citizens in the city.

Commander Smiley holds an Associate’s Degree from Jefferson Community College in Watertown, New York.  He obtained his NFPA Inspector and Plans review certifications, as well as his Arson Investigator certification at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  He also attended Firefighter Officer Commander Schools and is a graduate of the Eastern Michigan University Staff and Command.  

Administrative Commander John “J.D.” Wall

John Wall is the Administrative Commander for the Monroe Public Safety Department and has been with the department since the year 2000.  While serving on the Monroe Police Department, Commander Wall has worked in Road Patrol, Detective Bureau and Administration.  In March 2018, he was promoted to the position of Administrative Captain. Commander Wall’s duties also include supervision of the MPD Records Bureau, Professional Standards and the Community Officer.

Commander Wall’s current responsibilities include training, policy management, evidence control and property management, media relations as the Public Information Officer, hiring and recruiting and compliance control.  Commander Wall is also responsible for FOIA requests, LEIN auditing, scheduling and operating systems.  

Commander Wall was a graduate of the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program.  He attended the University of Toledo, Monroe County Community College and Washtenaw Community College, where he received his degree and attended the police academy.  Commander Wall holds several licenses and certificates. 

Original source can be found here.