HOWELL – A long time police officer is turning in his badge and is retiring from the force.
Corporal Michael Pavlick wears badge number 180 and he began his career with the township police department in 1995. He was assigned to the patrol division. In 2002, he became a K9 handler with partner Nero.
Throughout his years in patrol, Corporal Pavlick became known not only to his colleagues but those within the community as a highly respected police officer.
In 2014, due to his familiarity and enforcement of street level crime, he was assigned to the newly formed Crime Suppression Unit where he was instrumental in reducing the opioid epidemic that greatly affected this community.
Pavlick was also a valuable and effective member of the Howell Municipal Alliance. He established a relationship with everyone within this community, especially the younger generation.
Alliance Coordinator Christa Riddle offered her congratulations to Pavlick noting that while he will be leaving the police department, he won’t be missing from the Alliance.
Riddle said, “the Howell Township Municipal Alliance would like to congratulate Corporal Michael “Mike” Pavlick on his retirement. For years, Mike has been a valuable member of our Alliance who kept us afloat during the transitional times before I came on as coordinator in August 2018.”
“Mike stands as an example of how every police officer should interact with youth as a positive role model and active listener. During his time as the Howell High School SRO and as a police officer at community events, there was not a time I came upon Mike that he wasn’t chatting away with teenagers as an active listener who values the opinions of youth and what they have to share,” Riddle added.
She said, “of course, I had to tease him about talking non-stop, but this is something I always admired about Mike. He is truly an asset to the betterment of the Howell community through his genuine demeanor and candid personality.”
“The kids know Mike is sincere and honest with them, so they are also willing to listen to what he has to say, which builds a positive rapport between youth and police over time. After retirement, Mike promises to stay on as co-chair of the Howell Township Municipal Alliance; we refuse to let him go and haven’t given him a choice,” Riddle added.
In 2017, the officer was assigned as the full time School Resource Officer at Howell High School where he established a rapport with the faculty and students. He was also responsible for their safety and security as well as being a positive representation of law enforcement.
The corporal regularly educated students with open dialogue reducing stigma and improving police relations.
Howell Police Chief Andrew Kudrick said, “Mike was an outstanding Police Officer, and exceeded the high standards long associated with being a Howell Township Police Officer. Mike’s impact on the department and the community can never be replaced.”
“That is the true definition of a legend. It was an honor working alongside Mike for the past 25 years,” the chief added.
“On behalf of the men and women of the Howell Police Department, although it is sad for us, we are happy for Mike and his family as he begins a new chapter in life. He has absolutely earned a place in the history of this police department,” Chief Kudrick added.
