City Manager Cindy Rohlf has named Assistant Police Chief Michael C. Grinstead to serve as Interim Police Chief effective September 1. Grinstead will serve in that role until a permanent replacement for Police Chief Richard Myers who announced his retirement earlier this month.
“We have been fortunate to have Chief Myers lead our exceptional police department these past 3½ years,” City Manager Cindy Rohlf said. “I’m extremely pleased that Assistant Chief Mike Grinstead has agreed to serve as interim police chief. I firmly believe his years of experience, knowledge and skills will serve the department and the community well.”
A graduate of Menchville High School, Assistant Chief Grinstead has been with the City of Newport News for 35 years, starting as an Auxiliary Police Officer and progressing through the ranks over his career. He has served as Assistant Police Chief since 2015, initially overseeing Administration and Support, which includes Training, Internal Affairs, 911, and Community Outreach. Most recently he serves as Assistant Chief responsible for the Patrol Bureau. Grinstead holds a bachelor’s degree in governmental administration from Christopher Newport College and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University. He retired from the United States Naval Reserve as a Senior Chief Petty Officer and is a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq.
“It is an honor to have been asked to serve in this capacity and I look forward to strong partnerships within the organization and across the community with a steadfast resolve to serve the citizens of Newport News in the most professional manner possible,” Assistant Chief Grinstead said.