Murphy named new Scottville police chief.

Matt Murphy

Murphy named new Scottville police chief.

SCOTTVILLE — Matt Murphy has been named the new full-time Scottville Police Department chief. Murphy, a resident of Scottville, currently works as a full-time road patrol deputy with the Mason County Sheriff’s Office and as a part-time officer for Scottville Police Department.

The last time the city had a full-time chief was in 2011. After the retirement of Chief Larry Nichols in July 2011, the city entered into an administrative agreement with the City of Ludington where its police chief and captain oversaw the administrative duties of the Scottville Police Department. In July 2013, Scottville cancelled its agreement with Ludington and hired a part-time chief, Don Riley, who was a retired police officer from the east side of the state. 

In November, the city’s public safety and personnel committees recommended the city hire a full-time chief who will also perform patrol duties. The City Commission unanimously agreed to transition the position back to full-time, opening it first to current employees of the city’s police department. Murphy was the only applicant.

“I am confident that Matt will be an excellent fit and serve the City of Scottville well,” said City Manager Courtney Magaluk.

Murphy is a 2003 graduate of Ludington High School and is a graduate of West Shore Community College’s police academy and its corrections training program. He also has a bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State University with a major in fire science and a minor in public administration.

“We believe that Mr. Murphy will be a great fit for Scottville,” said Mayor Bruce Krieger.

Murphy said he wants to put an emphasis on community policing and also strengthening the police department’s relationship with Mason County Central Schools and Gateway to Success Academy.

“I want the citizens of Scottville to know that they can be confident in their police department,” Murphy said. “The other officers and I will be making an effort to get to know the residents better. We plan on having more foot patrols and being more available. I would like the department to also work closer with other agencies.

“I’m excited for this opportunity and am very thankful for the leadership of both Chief Riley and Sheriff Kim Cole.”

Mayor Krieger praised Chief Riley. “Don has been a great leader in our department for the past six years. He is well respected and his work is appreciated.”

Murphy will officially start Feb. 12.

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