Growing up in Sandusky,
Michigan, David Molloy learned some extremely important values
at a very young age. These values not only define him, but they
dictate his actions and decisions, and they permeate his service
to the 50,000 citizens of the City of Novi, Michigan.
“Do what’s right, do the best
you can at all times, and treat others as you wish them to treat
you,” Molloy reminds us. And these are not merely words to live
by, but rather a way of life for a very successful man on the
fast track.
David Molloy has been at the
helm of multiple law enforcement assignments since September of
1989, and although his body of work is significant, you sense
his best days are ahead of him. He still
maintains the enthusiasm and idealism of a rookie with wide
eyes.
After graduating from Saginaw
Valley State in 1989 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal
Justice, David Molloy joined the Novi Police Department. His
initial rank was Patrol Officer.
In 2003, Molloy also earned a
Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University, but in between,
his odyssey is one of many experiences and various duties that
have worked in constellation to formulate the man he is today.
After 3 years as a Patrol
Officer, he was assigned to the Michigan State Police Narcotic
Enforcement Team in Pontiac. This complex, challenging position
required undercover police work, and undercover narcotics
assignments, and it meant dealing with a very dangerous criminal
element.
In 1994, he was transferred
back to Patrol, but just two years later, he was promoted to
Detective, and specialized in juvenile investigations. His
caseload included child abuse, sex crimes, and “crimes against
person” in general. That role required that he interact with
multiple agencies and professions including Social Services,
social workers and care houses.
His exemplary performance
earned him another promotion in 1997, and he was soon handling
the responsibilities and duties of the Sergeant. As the “Watch
Commander” he supervised all patrol officers. This
multi-dimensional task included managing the Communications
Center, Lock-up, and Booking & Detention as well.
In 2001 David Molloy
transferred back into investigations and his star continued to
rise as his accomplishments continued to grow. He was
responsible for reviewing all police reports and assigning them
to various investigative teams. He oversaw major crime
investigations, and helped to coordinate investigative response.
This included death investigations, suicides, overdoses, sexual
assaults, robberies, and the full gamut of all types of crime.
After reviewing and absorbing
the data, Molloy would put into motion a competent and
comprehensive investigative response. It is during this phase
that David Molloy is emphatic when he states, “Teamwork is
critical.”
Gathering and collecting
evidence, preserving evidence and working as a cohesive unit are
the crucial elements of a successful investigation.
We often wonder how accurately
a law enforcement show on TV will capture the essence of the
job. But as Molloy aptly pointed out, “It’s pretty tough to
re-create a series of events in one hour, when in reality an
investigation can easily take 2 to 3 months.”
This statement points out the
incredible dedication, thoroughness, and professionalism that
exemplify Molloy and the entire Novi Police Department.
Always on the move, David
Molloy was promoted again to Lieutenant in 2003. In this role
Molloy manages and oversees all criminal investigations.
Narcotics, surveillance, the School Resource Officer, crime
prevention and general investigations are just some of the
responsibilities of his position.
The City of Novi is divided
into 7 patrol districts, and detectives are responsible for
these various geographical areas. This type of structured,
linear approach keeps the Citizens of Novi safe, as one of the
finest teams assembled anywhere approaches it’s mission with raw
efficiency.
DARE investigations, department
training programs, and internal affairs operations are also part
of David Molloy’s bailiwick. Ever humble and polite, Molloy
downplays his accomplishments, but his responsibilities are
extremely complex and broad-based.
Perhaps Molloy’s greatest asset
is that he is truly a “student of the game.”
“9/11 changed everything,” he stated. Rather than simply be
first-responders, “our mission must now ensure the best possible
level of service as protectors of the homeland.” To that end,
training is very comprehensive, and partnering with the
community is of paramount importance.
In addition, the study of the
most current technologies enables Molloy and his team to stay
ahead of even the most sophisticated criminal element. “It’s
critical that we stay prepared for any criminal element we may
face, and for any element we may face during an investigation,”
Molloy added.
At the end of the day, Molloy
is magnificent in his preparedness to carry out his daily
mission, in spite of its impossibly unpredictable nature.
“As public servants and
government officials, we must be strong leaders as we tackle the
emergencies we face. We must be responsible to citizens,
and as leaders we must lead by example.”
David Molloy has served with
honor and distinction for over 15 years. His multiple roles and
responsibilities have worked in concert to formulate and develop
a very well-rounded, seasoned professional. And through it all
he remains well-grounded and humble.
“Do what’s right, do the best
you can at all times, and treat others as you wish them to treat
you.” There are some things we learn as children, we should
never forget.
… We must be talking about Lt.
David Molloy.