Hilliard to host Chief Grile retirement reception May 6, Chief Woods to be sworn in May 9

By Press release submission

Apr 27, 2022

The Hilliard community is invited to attend two upcoming events as the City of Hilliard Division of Police celebrates the career of Chief of Police Eric Grile and welcomes incoming Chief Michael Woods.

A retirement reception will be held for Chief Grile Friday, May 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Safety Services Building, 5171 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard. Presentations will take place at the flagpole at 3 p.m.

All are invited to attend the celebration, which recognizes Chief Grile’s 29 years of public service.

“I have a firm belief that leaders should lead only when they’re driving forward an organization. At this point in my career, I feel confident I’ve helped HPD advance and grow to the best of my abilities,” said Grile, who joined the agency in 2016 as Deputy Chief. “Now, it’s time for someone with a new skillset to take this Division to the next level.”

Deputy Chief Michael Woods will be promoted to Chief on Monday, May 9, at 1 p.m. The public is also invited to attend the event, which will be held outside of the Safety Services Building. An indoor reception will follow.

“Chief Grile’s service with the City of Hilliard Division of Police epitomizes the leadership and dedication our community expects from its First Responders,” said City Manager Michelle Crandall. “His work to lead the department while setting the stage for Deputy Chief Woods to succeed him are evidence of his character and passion for public service. I thank him for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Chief Woods, who joined the City of Hilliard in 2021, is a seasoned law enforcement professional whose previous service with the Columbus Division of Police included experience as Interim Chief of Police and as a long-time Deputy Chief of Police.

Chief Woods said the Division will remain focused on service and community interaction.

“I want to thank Chief Grile for his many years of service and for the opportunity to work together over the last seven months,” Woods said. “I look forward to working with City Manager Crandall and other City leaders as we continue to make Hilliard a great place to live and work.”

Woods began his career as a patrol officer with Columbus Division of Police in 1988. He became a sergeant in Patrol Operations in 1996, in the Narcotics Bureau in 2000, and the Public Information Unit in 2006.

He was promoted to Lieutenant in Patrol Operations in 2006, and subsequently served in the Strategic Response Bureau’s Enforcement Section and then the Property Crimes Bureau.

He was promoted to Commander in 2011, working in Patrol and the Special Services Bureau before being promoted to Deputy Chief of Police in December 2013. As Deputy Chief, he served in the Support Services Subdivision from 2013 to 2015, the Homeland Security Subdivision from 2015 to 2017, the Administrative Subdivision from 2017 to 2019, and the Patrol Operations Subdivision from 2019 to January 2021.

Woods served as CPD’s Interim Chief of Police from January to September 2021, when he joined the City of Hilliard.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Capital University and his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration with a Concentration in Homeland Security from Tiffin University. His other professional education includes being a member of the FBI National Academy’s 258th Session in 2014.