Hillard selected for chief of police role

Ryan Hillard

By BRAD HEINEMAN

Clinton Local

The Clinton Village Council didn’t have to look far when coming to a conclusion as to who would take the reins as full-time police chief.

Since serving the community as acting chief in the immediate days following the unexpected death of former Chief Tony Cuevas June 21, Ryan Hillard — past sergeant — was promoted to full-time chief of police by the village council earlier this month.

“We are proud to appoint Chief Hillard to this important role,” Village President Doris Kemner said in a news release announcing Hillard as police chief. “Ryan has demonstrated sound judgment, a deep understanding of our community’s needs and a clear vision for maintaining public safety in the village.”

The selection of Hillard for police chief concludes the village’s monthslong search and deliberation for who should take leadership duties of Clinton’s police force. 

Hillard applied for the full-time post Aug. 14, and the village council met for a special meeting on Aug. 18 to discuss the police chief position along with other matters. At the discretion of the council — and to ensure the most qualified candidate(s) applied for the post — the police chief position was opened to all applicants, those within the Clinton Police Department and from outside agencies.

The position had an application submission deadline of Sept. 22.

Rather than having the full village council conduct interviews, the village used a structured hiring panel made up of four individuals: Village President Kemner, Village Manager Kevin Cornish, former Clinton Police Chief Mike Randolph (who served for 21 years) and Village Clerk Leslie Owens.

A phone interview was conducted with several applicants and the panel then narrowed the candidate pool. The top three candidates were invited for in-person interviews with the panel. After those interviews, Village Council member David Clark was brought into the process for additional discussion.

Following a review of all candidates, the panel presented its recommendation of appointing Hillard as police chief to the village council at a Nov. 10 special meeting, which included going into closed session to discuss union negotiations.

“I am honored to serve the residents of Clinton in this capacity,” Hillard said in the news release. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation of our department and working together with the community to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.”

The village praised Hillard for his service to the community “with dedication, professionalism and integrity throughout his career with the Clinton Police Department.”

“His strong leadership abilities, extensive experience in law enforcement and commitment to community-focused policing made him the top choice to lead the department into its next chapter,” the village said.

Hillard served as sergeant with the Clinton police force from 2023-25 and was a police officer from 2009-23. In 2014, he worked with the Eaton Rapids Police Department. From 2008-14, he served in several capacities with the Morenci Police Department.

His education includes a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Western Michigan University in 2003, a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) certification in 2007 from the Kalamazoo Law Enforcement Training Center Police Academy, and a host of additional certifications and specialized training.

As sergeant, Hillard said he provided direct supervision to patrol officers, led complex investigations and ensured all department activities were aligned with the department’s policies and legal and ethical standards. In his new role, he will oversee departmental operations, continue to strengthen community partnerships and lead ongoing efforts to enhance safety and responsiveness throughout the village.

The Clinton Police Department is a 7-day-a-week department in which the officers each work 10-hour shifts. As the village operates under a council-manager form of government, the police chief reports to the village manager.

“Strong law enforcement leadership is built on integrity, accountability and trust. My work has focused on fostering positive community-police relationships, enhancing officers and training programs. I take pride in creating an environment where officers feel supported and the community feels protected,” Hillard previously shared with The Local.

In addition to Hillard, the Clinton police roster includes officers BJ Horn, Dillon Howe, Donovan McCarthy, Joe Rutherford and Curt Whiting. The department’s personnel overview states it consists of a police chief, one patrol sergeant, two full-time patrol officers and three part-time patrol officers.