Matt Wolfe Takes Over Portage Public Safety After Three Decades in Department

New Portage Public Safety Director Brings Thirty Years of Service to Role

*PORTAGE, Mich.* -- Matt Wolfe began his tenure Wednesday as the new director of Portage Department of Public Safety, succeeding Nicholas Armold who retired after a 38-year career in law enforcement.

Wolfe, who has been with the department since 1996, expressed his commitment to building on the successes achieved under Armold's leadership.

"Being here 30 years, you take a lot of pride in your community," Wolfe said.

Wolfe has served as the city's assistant police chief since May 2023. He began his career in Portage as a police officer and worked his way up through the ranks, serving as an investigator, detective, sergeant, acting deputy chief and lieutenant over the years.

Wolfe is also a 2018 graduate of the Eastern Michigan University School of Staff and Command, and a 2023 graduate of the FBI National Academy.

"To ensure continuity of command, Wolfe is expected to be appointed interim director of public safety Tuesday at 3 p.m. following current public safety director Nicholas Armold's final call, according to the agenda item," the city council agenda stated.

Armold, who served as the public safety director for the last eight years of his career, was praised by Wolfe for his contributions to the department.

"He really pushed our department forward in a lot of ways in his decade here," Wolfe said.

Wolfe stated that the city's crime rate is not a major concern at present, but he is preparing to address the challenges that lie ahead. One significant challenge for Wolfe will be familiarizing himself with the fire division.

"The learning curve for me is going to be the learning more about the fire division and that's going to be a lot of listening and learning," Wolfe said. "So, I'm pretty familiar with the police operations. However, there's a learning curve on the fire side."

As Wolfe steps into his new role, he assured the community of his commitment to maintaining a high level of professionalism within the department.

"You're in good hands. I think we have a top-notch public safety department," Wolfe said. "I think it's one of the top-min size agencies in the state of Michigan, and we're going to continue to serve with the utmost professionalism."

City Manager Pat McGinnis issued a statement thanking Armold and welcoming Wolfe.

"With deep appreciation, the city of Portage thanks Director Armold for his steady leadership and commitment to our residents," McGinnis said. "We wish him the very best in his retirement."

"We are excited to appoint Matthew Wolfe as our next Director of Public Safety," McGinnis added. "His long-standing service, proven leadership, and dedication to the City of Portage make him the ideal choice to lead the department and support the safety and well-being of our residents."

Wolfe acknowledged the trust placed in him by the city council when they appointed him as the public safety director, describing the moment as "really impactful."

"He really pushed our department forward in a lot of ways in his decade here," Wolfe said.

Wolfe is also a 2018 graduate of the Eastern Michigan University School of Staff and Command, and a 2023 graduate of the FBI National Academy.