Department History

The Foundation

The Midland Police Department has grown over the years as the city itself has grown.  Midland began as a logging town and scientists known as Herbert H. Dow and Rollin Gerstacker had
many new inventions and ideas.  Those ideas proved quite successful as they formed the Dow Chemical Company (now known as Dow DuPont).

1913 - Midland Police Department began with Martin H. Ryan who was appointed the City of Midland Marshall.

1922 - Fred Sayles was named the first Chief of Police.

1939 - One patrol car was purchased for the police department.  Along with that came one short wave receiver radio set, which was purchased for $100.00.  The police department was located in the basement of City Hall.

1947 - Uniform Traffic Tickets are implemented.

1948 - The MPD grew to one chief, two lieutenants, one sergeant, fourteen officers, one traffic officer and one desk officer.  The first traffic radar unit was put into use.

1956 - The MPD purchased a 16mm camera to share with other agencies in the area.

1963 - The police department joined forces with the fire and sheriff's departments to have one common goal, "protect citizens."

1968 - Parking meters were installed.

1979 - Connie Barr is the first female to enroll at the Delta Police Academy as a police officer for the Midland Police Department.