Roderick Grimesย will speak about his book, “The Blue In Me,” where he shares captivating memoirs from his over 40 years of dedicated police service in Detroit. Mr. Grimes will also be signing copies of his book.
Roderick Ive Grimes, born on April 21, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, is the sixth child of the blended family of Ive and Emma Grimes. He is a renowned author and public speaker with a fascinating background in law enforcement and community service.
Divorced and a proud father of one son, Roderick also cherishes his two beautiful granddaughters. He is the talented author of the first book in his trilogy, “The Blue In Me,” where he shares captivating memoirs from his over 40 years of dedicated police service in Detroit. This book offers a profound insight into his unique experiences while serving the community.
Roderick Grimes is not only an accomplished author but also a captivating public speaker who has delivered inspiring talks on public safety, school safety, and community enrichment in various cities and states. As the President of the Competition Corvette Club of Michigan, a non-profit organization deeply connected to Southeast Michigan, he passionately supports students through scholarships, community outreach organizations with funding and mentoring, and serves as a positive role model for many.
Apart from his literary and public speaking endeavors, Roderick has excelled in sports at a high level, including baseball, golf, and bowling. He has been inducted into two Softball Hall of Fames and boasts seven perfect games in bowling on his impressive resume.
In terms of education, Roderick attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Pershing High School in 1974. He furthered his academic journey by studying Business Administration and Accounting at the Detroit Business Institute, earning his Associates Degree. Throughout his law enforcement career, he pursued additional studies in Criminal Justice at Wayne County Community College, Wayne State University, and Eastern Michigan University.
With a natural flair for leadership, Roderick’s journey began at a young age when he was elected as the President of his Little League baseball team. His leadership roles continued to flourish in his professional career, starting from his early managerial roles in the commercial cleaning industry.
Roderick’s illustrious law enforcement career commenced in 1978 when he joined the Detroit Police Department. His exceptional leadership skills were recognized during his time at the police academy, where he was honored to lead his class procession carrying the American flag during graduation ceremonies. Throughout his 25 years of service with the department, including nine years as a Sergeant, he undertook various challenging assignments showcasing his dedication and commitment.
After retiring from the Detroit Police Department, Roderick continued his law enforcement journey by joining the Public Safety Department at Detroit Public Schools. During his tenure, he was promoted to the position of Police Chief in 2009, skipping 5 ranks while securing the appointment. Roderick served as Chief until his retirement in 2014. where he implemented significant reforms and initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on the department and the community.
Roderick Grimes’s accomplishments as Police Chief include reorganizing the department into three divisions, restructuring levels of authority, overseeing the construction of a state-of-the-art headquarters, implementing safety programs in schools, and fostering strong relationships with law enforcement agencies.
In addition to his professional achievements, Roderick has actively contributed to various community initiatives, including the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative in Detroit and the Detroit Public Schools Youth Voice campaign.
Roderick Ive Grimes is a distinguished individual whose remarkable journey in law enforcement, community service, sports, and leadership continues to inspire and uplift those around him.
This program is sponsored by the Popular Library Department of the Detroit Public Library.
For more information, please contact 313-481-1369
