Jackson Police Chief Matthew Heins has announced his retirement from the City of Jackson. Heins serves as Director of Police and Fire Services for the city and will be leaving his post on December 16th upon retirement.
Heins’ entire professional career has been with the City of Jackson, starting as a Cadet in 1989. That same year, he became a patrol officer and worked his way up the ladder, with promotions to Sergeant in 1997, Lieutenant in 1998, Deputy Chief in 2001. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2007 following the resignation of then Chief Erv Portis. In 2011 he was assigned additional responsibility as the Fire Chief under the title Director of Police and Fire Services.
A lifelong resident of Jackson, Matt Heins graduated from Hanover-Horton High School in 1985. He attended Jackson College for two years before transferring to Michigan State University where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. In 1992, he returned to school at Western Michigan University and completed a master’s degree in public administration in 1995.
Henry Ford Allegiance Health announced today that Heins will be joining the Health System as its new Security Manager. Heins will lead a team of 41 security officers beginning January 6, 2017.
“Henry Ford Allegiance Health is a staple in this community,” Heins said. “As a lifelong resident of Jackson, I am excited to join this great team and start a new chapter in my career.”
Jackson City Manager Patrick Burtch said the Chief will be greatly missed, praising him for his strong leadership of both the police and fire departments. As to his replacement, Burtch said, “We will begin the process soon. We have a great group of officers and leaders in our police and fire departments. I am sure we will be attracting candidates from both within and outside the departments when we post the position.”
Heins is a past graduate of the Leadership Academy, Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, and the FBI National Academy. He has been an adjunct professor at Jackson College as well as Siena Heights University.
His involvement within the community is diverse having served in various capacities in local organizations. He is currently a Trustee on the Jackson College Board of Trustees. He has been a member, board member and officer with various organizations including the Northwest Jackson Kiwanis Club, the Elks and the Cascades Humane Society.