Michael "Mac" McClelland, Grinnell's newly sworn- in police chief, spoke at the Rotary Club's virtual meeting held Tues., Jan. 12. McClelland provided Rotarians, along with five high school senior students, an overview of his professional career paths.
An Iowa native, McClelland was born in Des Moines, where he graduated from East High School in 1986. Immediately following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a military police officer for the next three years at Fort Dix US Army Base, New Jersey. In 1990, McClelland returned to Iowa and joined the Iowa Army National Guard at which time he was quickly deployed to support combat operations for Operation Desert Storm. Upon his release from active duty status, McClelland decided to go back to school. He earn his four-year degree in criminal justice at Grand View University, completed the Drake University R.O.T.C program and received his commission as Army Reserve Officer in 1996.
After applying for numerous police officer positions in Iowa, McClelland accepted a job offer with the Aurora Police Department, Colorado. With an overall law enforcement force of 744 officers, he was afforded many opportunities to grow in his profession. Over the past 24 years he has held the following positions; Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Traffic Officer, Patrol Sergeant, Police Area Representative/Foot Patrol Sergeant, Traffic Investigations Sergeant, Lieutenant/Watch Commander, Traffic Section Commander, Honor Guard Commander, Awards Board Chairman, Training Section Commander, Investigative Support Section Commander, along with being an active member on the Law Enforcement Review Board.
In addition to his extremely successful civilian career, McClelland continued his military service by transferring to the Colorado Army National Guard, deploying to combat a second time in 2003-04 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and again in 2010-11 to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom. He retired from military service in 2012 at the rank of Major.
McClelland and family were very happy living in Colorado. However. a lot of changes were being made due to the various police incidences that were occurring throughout the country including his state. Nationwide police officers were feeling a lot of support was gone. Throughout his precinct, including himself, the issues were weighing heavy on them. Somewhere online an application for chief of police for Grinnell appeared. McClelland talked it over with his wife and family, applied for it, and presto a dream came true!
McClelland reiterated, "It is great to be here, great to see the support of the leadership of Grinnell, great personnel who love their jobs, Dennis left a great police department, his shoes will be hard to fill." He mentioned the department is short a couple of officer positions and are currently reviewing applications.
McClelland provided a quick snapshot of his family. He has been married to his wife Mindy, also an Iowa native from Charles City, Iowa, since 1997. They have three children Mikey, Max and Mackenzie. His oldest boy stayed in Colorado and is attending college, his 17- year old boy is finishing his senior year online and will graduate from high school early, targeted for March 2021. His 14-year old daughter has settled into Middle School, loves it here, has made friends already, and loves volleyball. McClelland is looking forward to the day he can come home from work and all the moving/getting settled stuff have been completed.
When asked, "What change or changes he plans to implement, he replied with the following:
- Property crimes is of concern;
- Sexual Assault appears to be an issue when school is in session;
- Community policing-What is currently in place, provide training to community and officers. This kind of training can be accomplished online or Zoom;
- Provide officer training on new methods/ways in communicating with the public;
- Ensure all officers feel supported by leadership and the community.
McClelland thanked the Rotary for inviting him to the meeting and he looks forward to working with various groups throughout community.
Karla Sandell
