City of Lowell names Dennis J. Albert its new Police Chief

As Police Chief, Albert will lead recruitment, training, supervision and professional development of the department’s 12 sworn officers.

After an extensive search, the City of Lowell has named experienced law-enforcement professional, Dennis J. Albert, as its new police chief.

Albert joins Lowell after a 25-year career with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, most recently as a lieutenant. In his new role, he will be responsible for the overall management of police operations for the City, which has a team of 13, serving a community of more than 4,100 residents. Albert is also trained as a firefighter and emergency medical technician.

As Police Chief, Albert will lead recruitment, training, supervision and professional development of the department’s 12 sworn officers. He will respond to public safety emergencies, direct internal and high-profile investigations, recommend crime-control strategies and develop proactive community relationships programs. Albert will also manage the department’s budget, capital needs assessments and other duties.

Albert will begin his new duties on Feb. 17. He replaces Christopher Hurst, who is retiring after a 31-year career with the Lowell Police Department, including four years as chief.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Dennis as our new Chief of Police,” Lowell City Manager, Mike Burns said. “He brings a broad skill-set to his new role, along with a strong work ethic and effective leadership abilities. Dennis has spent his entire law-enforcement career in West Michigan and knows our community and its needs.”

Albert began his public safety career as a paid on-call firefighter for Grattan Township, a position he held for nine years and while finishing his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Grand Valley State University. He joined KCSO in March 1999 as a road patrol deputy sheriff before moving into roles of increasing responsibility. He completed additional training at GVSU to earn his law enforcement certification from the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards.

As part of KCSO’s road patrol, Albert later served as a sergeant supervising 20 deputies assigned to keep county residents safe. He also served on the Tactical Apprehension and Confrontation, or TAC, Team and as a detective, supporting the FBI Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, and with the Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team.

Albert then served as a sergeant supporting Family Services, overseeing nine detectives focused on combatting child abuse, online predators and domestic violence. Most recently, he served as commander of the Court Security/Transfer Crew, where he was responsible for the security of 34 courtrooms for the 17th Circuit, 61st District and 63rd District courts.

“I am honored to have been chosen as Lowell’s new Police Chief,” Albert said. “As law enforcement professionals, our main objective is to protect the community members we serve and to provide them with the best possible assistance in their time of need. I look forward to leading the department and ensuring our officers are well trained and well equipped for whatever situations they may encounter.”

Albert was recognized as the top recruit from GVSU’s Police Academy in 1998. He received the Distinguished Police Service Award in 2005 for the apprehension and prosecution of an armed bank robbery suspect. He was recognized in 2010 as Enforcement Deputy of the Year for his work leading the road patrol.