03/14/2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE:
To the Bloomfield Township Community
Over the past 48 hours, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, resilient, and exceptional leaders from local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as from our regional fire departments, and from the leadership of the Jewish Federation. Despite representing different organizations, we stood together with one shared purpose: to protect, to lead, to serve, and to comfort.
An incident like the attack on Temple Israel shakes a community to its core. It leaves us asking why, and often, there are no answers that can fully explain such senseless acts. But as first responders, our role is not defined by the why. It is defined by the how.
How we answer the call.
How we come together.
How we protect, support, and reassure those we serve.
I could not be prouder of the officers of the Bloomfield Township Police Department. From those who responded immediately to protect our local places of worship during the incident, to those who responded to Temple Israel to support West Bloomfield, and those who answered the call while off duty to help wherever needed. I watched our officers and partners respond with teamwork, courage, leadership, and professionalism.
I am equally proud of our dispatchers, who remained calm and focused while listening to the chaos unfold over the radio, including reports of shots fired and explosions, all while knowing a daycare was only feet away from the danger and that their peer dispatchers in West Bloomfield were managing an overwhelming volume of calls and radio traffic. Our civilian staff and investigators also worked tirelessly behind the scenes, carrying out the unseen but essential responsibilities required in the wake of such a crisis and unfolding investigation.
I also want to recognize our Peer Support Team and the Oakland Community Health Network for stepping up immediately to support the well-being of all first responders. Their dedication to the health and resilience of those who serve is an essential part of our response.
It is truly remarkable that no innocent lives were lost. While we saw officers risking everything as they rushed toward danger, the real heroes are the security personnel and school staff inside the building who acted with resolve and courage to protect the children, along with the West Bloomfield police officers who were among the first to rush in.
I want to recognize the leadership of Chief Dale Young and the West Bloomfield Township Police Department for their response to this incident. We were proud to stand beside them and support their efforts during this critical event.
We train for active shooter and critical incident responses, but nothing compares to the reality of responding to one. In those moments, our focus is clear: to save lives, support those in need, and restore safety to our communities.
We will continue working closely with our faith communities and regional partners to ensure that houses of worship remain places of peace, safety, and refuge.
To our residents and members of the Jewish community, please know that the Bloomfield Township Police Department and Administration stand with you. We are proud and honored to serve you and will continue to lead with courage, compassion, and professionalism. Moments like these remind us that the strength of our community is not defined by fear, but by the unity, resilience, kindness, and compassion we show to one another.
With Gratitude,
Chief James Gallagher
