Northern Michigan University alumnus Steven Snowaert has retired from the Ishpeming Police Department after a 39-year law enforcement career that began with NMU Public Safety. He also taught NMU criminal justice courses as an adjunct instructor. Snowaert had previously retired from the Marquette Police Department, where he spent 26 years in different capacities, before he was appointed as Ishpeming police chief in 2017.
Snowaert earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from NMU in 1985 and a master of public administration (MPA) in 1999.
In an ABC 10 report, Ishpeming City Manager Craig Cugini said Snowaert shaped a path to public safety in the community.
“He worked hard to secure some quality leases on vehicles, making sure all of the equipment was operational. He was always looking out for the officers' safety and their ability to do their job effectively and efficiently,” said Cugini. “He is a very professional individual; someone you can count on always. We're going to miss him. Retirement is a bittersweet moment.”
Snowaert also implemented bike patrols in the city and started a community biking program that thrives in the summer.
His service with the Marquette Police Department included three years on the FBI Mid-Michigan Area Computer Crimes Task Force, 16 years as detective sergeant, five years as school liaison or youth services officer, and 10 years as a police patrol officer.
After his retirement from the MPD, he worked part time as the rental code and blight inspector for the City of Ishpeming, which put him on the radar as a possible candidate to fill the police chief vacancy. He was selected for the position from nine “highly qualified” applicants, according a letter from former City Manager Mark Slown to WLUC-TV6 announcing Snowaert's hiring.
“Chief Snowaert is the best fit for the City of Ishpeming due to his education, experience, temperament, and vision for the Police Department and community,” Slown wrote. “His list of professional training covers almost two full pages in single space. Chief Snowaert continues to demonstrate a commitment to higher learning and self-improvement that is essential for success in this dynamic field and in our changing community. … He has the right combination of professionalism, expertise, initiative, thoughtfulness, and determination to make a great Chief of Police.”