W. Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton Named 
Diversity Champion
(United We Walk Press Release, April 15, 2015)
United We Walk, a celebration of the life, dedication and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is proud to announce that West Bloomfield Police Chief Michael Patton is this year’s 2015 Diversity Champion sponsored by the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force. The mission of the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force is to actively promote and embrace an appreciation for diversity and to advocate for inclusivity, equality, and justice in the region. Chief Patton will be officially recognized at the Race Relations & Diversity Task Force Breakfast on May 7, 2015 at the Birmingham Community House.
Every business, non-profit, public agency or faith community in the metro Detroit area is invited to give special recognition to one individual whose vision of diversity has created a significant impact on others. Chief Patton has made an invaluable contribution by helping to ensure that all people feel included and empowered in the shared endeavors of United We Walk and in our larger community
Through his leadership as Co-Chairperson of United We Walk for 3 years, Michael Patton has worked diligently to develop and maintain an open, intentional community that works to overcome racism, prejudice, and discrimination through education, advocacy, and response. Chief Patton was also recognized this year by United We Walk with the 2015 United We Walk Community Leader Award, noting that he values diversity, promotes unity, and underscores the worth of every person. He exemplifies all of United We Walk’s initiatives year round of caring, fairness, citizenship, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.
Chief Patton mentors for social justice and peace, developing strong relationships with the following community groups:
- West Bloomfield High School African American Awareness Club
- West Bloomfield African American Parent Association
- West Bloomfield School District Parent Communication Network
- United We Walk
- MLK365
- West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce
- Chaldean Chamber of Commerce
- Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
- Anti-Defamation League
- West Bloomfield Clergy Association
- Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
- West Bloomfield Youth Assistance
- West Bloomfield Civic Center TV
- Middle Eastern American TV & Radio
- West Bloomfield Optimist Club
- Defeat the Label
- West Bloomfield Police Department Teaching, Educating, and Mentoring (TEAM) Program
- Crime Prevention Association of Michigan
- Crime Stoppers of Michigan
- West Bloomfield Parks & Recreation
- West Bloomfield Township Public Library
Patton has served as the West Bloomfield Police Chief since October 2010 and has been a member of the West Bloomfield Police Department for 29 years. Police Chief Michael Patton is a positive role model for all communities across America, striving to develop Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.’s beloved community in the West Bloomfield community and beyond.
