SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — South Haven is in search of a permanent police chief after Chief Kevin Swope resigned after just one month on the job. Swope, who took on the role in January, stepped down on Tuesday for “personal family reasons,” according to a statement from the city.
In response to his departure, the city has named Sgt. Pat Carlotto, a veteran officer with 25 years of service, as the interim police chief. Carlotto, who previously worked as a patrol officer and was a member of the Southwest Enforcement Team, a multijurisdictional narcotics task force, is now tasked with leading the department as the search for a permanent successor continues.
City Manager Kate Hosier expressed her gratitude for Swope’s brief tenure, commending him for the positive changes he implemented in the department during his short time in the position. “Despite Chief Swope’s short tenure with us in South Haven, we commend him for the positive changes he has already made in the department,” Hosier said in a statement on Tuesday. “We appreciate all he has done and look forward to finding a permanent successor to support the department.”
The city indicated that it would be reevaluating candidates from the previous search to find a new police chief. In the meantime, Carlotto will assume the leadership role, bringing decades of experience and familiarity with the department to the position.
As South Haven moves forward with its search, the department remains focused on maintaining its commitment to public safety under Carlotto’s interim leadership.
