Dunwoody's Deputy Chief Mike Carlson has been named the new head honcho of the local police force, taking the reins as the Dunwoody Police Chief. City Manager Eric Linton made the announcement of Carlson's promotion following the retirement of Chief Billy Grogan, whose departure takes effect June 1, according to a Dunwoody city press release.
Rising through the ranks, Carlson, joining as a sergeant in the department from the beginning in 2009, built his career on a firm foundation of public service and leadership. With the transition period kicking off immediately, his official start as Police Chief is set for April. In the words of Eric Linton, "Deputy Chief Mike Carlson has been with the Dunwoody Police Department since day one, and he has proven himself to be a strong and respected leader."
Carlson is widely recognized for having coordinated several key initiatives, such as the Citizen Police Academy, Neighborhood Watch, and Chaplain programs. Throughout his tenure at Dunwoody PD, Carlson climbed the ladder, having been promoted to lieutenant in 2015, then to major in 2019, and eventually to deputy chief in 2021, where he managed the department's daily grind. Carlson himself is committed to upholding community bonds, vowing, "I will continue strengthening the partnership with our community, foster innovation, and provide the best training and equipment for our officers and staff," according to a statement obtained by the Dunwoody city press release.
Apart from his police work, Carlson has also retired as a captain with the Georgia National Guard in 2022, after being deployed to Afghanistan in 2014. Serving part-time since 2011, he was decorated with the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, among other commendations. Identifying with his impressive record, Chief Grogan stated, "With unwavering confidence, I believe his leadership will propel the department to new heights of success." Carlson's academic credentials, coupled with leadership training, include a Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership/Public Safety and a Master of Public Administration, as well as being a graduate from the FBI National Academy.
Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch has thrown her support behind Carlson, highlighting his innovativeness and deep understanding of the community he serves. "He has innovative ideas and a real understanding of the Dunwoody community. I know Deputy Chief Carlson will continue to move the department in the right direction," Deutsch said, in praise of the newly appointed Chief's vision for the future of Dunwoody's police force.
