Lee BeGole -
A True Novi Original
by Bernie Fratto
May 2004
 

Driving along 10 Mile Rd in Novi, it’s impossible to miss the impressive building that sits on the south side of the road, just east of the Civic Center. And, it’s impossible to miss the name that is adorned on the face of the north wall. The structure, is of course, the Novi Police Department and the name that graces its presence is none other than Lee BeGole, a true Novi original.

Lee BeGole started the Novi Police Department in 1954, and was not only the first officer and Police Chief, but initially he even held the dual role of Fire Chief as well. He essentially began the Dept. of Public Safety and for all intents and purposes, he was the Dept. of Public Safety!

“The Township of Novi was starting to grow, and had been relying on the services of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Dept,” BeGole stated. “As a member of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Dept., I’d spent a lot of time chasing taillights and figured I could build and head up a Department of Public Safety.”

And his remarkable 37-year track record of excellence reveals he did that and much more. The Novi Police Department is one of the finest in the state and there can be no doubt that BeGole’s vision, presence, and leadership set the tone and paved the way for the organization as it stands today.

Under Lee BeGole’s leadership the burgeoning department was on the move. By 1955, they acquired their first two-way radio system. In 1957, the Fire Dept. got radios as well. Entering 1958, Novi Township was the largest incorporated village in Michigan, and the Police Dept. was now 7 officers strong!

“What made Novi,” BeGole added, “was in 1955 when the Lincoln Plant opened on Wixom Rd.” “That brought population, action and traffic!” You have to remember these were the days long before the (96) freeway, and much traffic flowed through Novi. “Grand River became very hectic particularly as people headed to and from Kensington and there were many head-on collisions.”

One of the highlights of Lee BeGole’s tenure was his involvement as he assisted security for the Walled Lake Casino. In his travels he met many major celebrities including Stevie Wonder. Lee BeGole also became President of the Metropolitan Police Academy of Michigan around 1970. That spawned formal training for all police officers in Michigan.

Even to this day BeGole’s influence is in demand. He is still Chairman of the Board of Review for the City of Novi, and is a Director of TIA. (Traffic Improvement Association) of Oakland County.

Lee BeGole instituted many of the high standards currently upheld by the Novi Police Department. Originally, to be considered an applicant for the Novi PD, one had to be a veteran with an honorable discharge. Novi was also the first city to require all prospective police officers to hold a 4-year Degree.

Perhaps these high standards were the direct result of the personal integrity, and high moral value with which Lee BeGole has conducted himself for his entire life.

A World War II US Army Veteran, BeGole served his country with honor and distinction, and soon after joining the military, was promoted to Corporal. In addition to that, he took time-intensive military courses and specialized in learning foreign languages, and specifically focused on German area and language.

An educated man, BeGole also graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Pre-Law degree, and in 1952 he graduated from the University of Detroit School of Law and subsequently passed the Michigan Bar Exam.

So when Lee BeGole retired from the Novi Police Department in 1991, and when the Police Headquarter building dedicated the name to it’s original founder one year later, it marked 50 years of selfless service to his country, and the citizens of Novi.

To a great degree the freedoms we enjoy, and the safety and prosperity that Novi residents benefit from are attributed to the high standards of excellence, performance, and commitment that Lee Begole displayed.

Lee BeGole made multiple sacrifices during World War II, even suffering the tragic loss of this brother in battle. But, his quest to serve his fellow man resulted in a highly visible, and highly successful law enforcement career in what has become one of the crown jewel cities in the State of Michigan.

The Lee BeGole Building stands tall and proud, and it’s significance is certain… It’s a simple yet profound reminder that pioneers like Lee BeGole paved the way for future generations to enjoy and prosper as productive citizens of Novi, Michigan.

When the history books are written BeGole’s place in the annals of great achievement, sacrifice and contribution, is assured.

Lee BeGole is a true Novi original…