History
Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety History
The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores was incorporated on April 3rd, 1911, under provisions of Public Act 278 of the year 1909 by a vote of 39 in favor and 15 against.
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The newly elected president, Geroge Osius hosted the first Village Council meeting in his home on Tuesday April 11, 1911. During this meeting the Council approved police protection for the Village of Grosse Pointe Shores and decided to hire a Marshall and two Patrolman. The Council was creative and added an additional responsibility to the officers, the role of the fire department. The Council approved the fire departments first equipment purchase and bought a small hose cart and hose. Being proactive, the Council made verbal agreements with the neighboring cities of Detroit and Grosse Pointe Farms to render and receive aid for any confirmed fire in the Village limits. It is from this initial 1911 framework that President Geroge Osius created, what is known today as Americas first Public Safety Department and Public Safety Officer.
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Today, the Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department still operates inside the original 1911 building at the corner of Lake Shore and Vernier Roads. The Director of Public Safety, also referred to as the "Chief," oversees a staff of 17 public safety officers. All officers are crossed trained and licensed as police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics. Currently, the original 1911 "verbal agreements" still exists and are referred to as "Mutual Aid" agreements. The Village of Grosse Pointe Shores has a written Mutual Aid agreement with all four Grosse Pointe communities and the city of Harper Woods that allow these communities to assist each other during any public safety emergency, police, fire, or EMS.
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