LANSING, Mich. — Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee is retiring at the end of the month.
Lansing police confirmed Sosebee's retirement to FOX 47 News early Monday afternoon.
According to the city's website, Sosebee has been in law enforcement since 1999 and with the Lansing Police Department for over two decades. He started his career in Meridian Township as an officer before joining the LPD. During his tenure with LPD, he was in many capacities, including on the road patrol, Tactical Team, Honor Guard, and Emergency Management Team. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2014, Lieutenant in 2014, and Captain in 2019.
According to the city, he was promoted to interim Police Chief on June 26, 2021, before Mayor Andy Schor promoted him Chief of Police at the end of 2021.
Mayor Schor sent us the following statement on Monday afternoon:
“Chief Ellery Sosebee rose through the ranks of LPD over the course of his career, eventually becoming our Police Chief. He has been a dedicated officer and leader for the City of Lansing and I have been incredibly honored to work with him. Ellery’s strong, steady leadership during some stressful times has been a tremendous asset to this City and to me personally. I appreciate his years of service and truly wish him well as he begins this next chapter.”
Mayor Schor has asked Assistant Chief Rob Backus to lead the Department during this transition. Chief Backus, who has worked closely with Chief Sosebee, will take over as Interim Chief of Police on July 1 upon Chief Sosebee’s retirement.
Broadcast transcript:
"Very proud and very fortunate the city of Lansing has been great to me" said Ellery Sosebee
After nearly 3 years as the Lansing Police Chief Ellery Sosebee has announced he will be retiring. I'm your neighborhood reporter Asya Lawrence here in Lansing and Monday I spoke with Chief Ellery Sosebee as he reflected on his time at LPD
"I decided the end of June would be my time to let everyone know I'm retiring" Sosebee said.
Lansing's law enforcement leader is stepping down..
I sat down for an interview with Chief Sosebee after his announcement ... where he shared with me some of the difficulties the department has faced the past few years...
"Including some social unrest, some political unrest and some police reform" he said.
Another challenge.. gun violence.
According to the department... In 2021 when Chief Sosebee was appointed there were a total of 25 homicides.
The following year.. that numbers decreased to 15.
Here in 2024.. we know that some violence continues.
One person was shot and killed in Lansing just this weekend.
On the topic of gun violence Chief Sosebee says the issue has been handled the best way they know how.
"We navigated those trying times, came out on the other end in a positive manor with still great relationships in our community"
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor recognized Sosebee's leadership Monday, saying in part quote: " Ellery's strong, steady leadership during some stressful times has been a tremendous asset to the city into me personally"
As the search opens up for a new chief, Schor said Assistant Chief Rob Backus will lead the Department during this transition, and take on the interim chief role July 1.
Sosebee's last day will be June 28th
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