DEARBORN — Mayor Jack O’Reilly’s appointment of Ron Haddad as the city’s new police chief became official on Monday when Haddad was sworn-in by City Clerk Kathy Buda.

O’Reilly selected Haddad to head the department in October, citing Haddad’s extensive career on the front lines and in police administration, and his far-reaching community involvement.

Haddad is the city’s first Arab American police chief.

A retired deputy chief of the Detroit Police Department, Haddad began his career with Detroit Police in 1973 and retired in January 2007 as deputy chief of the northwestern district. He also spent time serving as deputy chief of the eastern operations bureau and deputy chief in charge of homeland security.

Haddad has been honored for his role in security for Super Bowl XL in 2006 and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2005.

O’Reilly said Haddad has a strong background in budgeting and administrative details, as well as a talent for inspiring organizational excellence.

Haddad graduated from Salesian High School in Detroit. He holds degrees in law enforcement from the University of Detroit-Mercy and Eastern Michigan University.

The head of the city’s fire department, Chief Nazih Hazime, is also an Arab American.

Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly (L) and Deputy Police Chief Gregg Brighton (R) watch as Ron Haddad is sworn-in by City Clerk Kathy Buda as the city’s new police chief on Monday, his first day on the job. The mayor selected Haddad in October to replace the late Chief Michael Celeski, who died of a heart attack in July. Photo Courtesy of the City of Dearborn