Commander resigns, then seeks job as rookie.
By Ben Schmitt, The Detroit Free Press
After more than 30 adventurous years as a Detroit cop, the normal course of action for a retiring executive might be buying a time-share in Florida or booking more tee times.
Not for Charles Barbieri.
The former 5th (Jefferson) Precinct commander, who resigned after being demoted this week, has reapplied to the department.
He says he wants to start over again as a rookie police officer -- at 56.
Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully-Cummings relieved Barbieri of his commander status Monday, as part of an effort to clean house in the troubled department.
Barbieri had the option to revert back to the highest rank of a nonappointed officer, which is lieutenant. Instead, he resigned after 34 years.
On Thursday, Barbieri filled out an application at the department’s recruiting office to become an officer.
“If they process it, I’ll do it,” Barbieri said Friday. “Of course, they’ll never approve it.”
Bully-Cummings said Friday that she questions Barbieri’s motivation.
“For him to play games and turn around and submit an interest card is not in the best interests of this department and this city,” she said. “At what point in time is he going to put this to rest?”
Said Barbieri: “I’m physically fit and the oldest trained bicycle officer.”
Deputy Police Chief James Barren was ousted the same day as Barbieri. He chuckled when told of Barbieri’s application.
“He’s got to do what feels right for him,” Barren said. “He’s a hard-charger, and the troops respect him. Unfortunately, the leadership did not see that.”