Board Members
Whitmer appoints MAP Executive Board President as MCOLES Commissioner
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
MAP Executive Board President Mike Hawkins was appointed as a Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Commissioner in March 2022 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The Trenton Police Lieutenant represents Michigan Association of Police (MAP) on MCOLES for a term commencing March 18, 2022 and expiring Dec. 31, 2025. He succeeds recently retired MAP Executive Board Vice President Michael Kunath, whose term expired Dec. 31, 2021.
“I was honored to be nominated by MAP for the position to replace Mike Kunath, who retired from Sterling Heights Police Department,” Hawkins said.
MAP Executive Director Fred Timpner nominated Hawkins for the appointment. As an MCOLES Commissioner, Hawkins will make decisions about key issues related to law enforcement requirements and standards, licensing issues such as keeping and revoking licenses, continued training and continued education. MCOLES appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
“We are fortunate to have Mike represent the Michigan Association of Police on MCOLES,” Timpner said. “His presence ensures that our members and their needs will be heard.”
Hawkins has many years of experience serving fellow Union members and the community. MAP Executive Board President since Dec. 2018, Hawkins was originally voted onto MAP’s Executive Board in 2011 as Treasurer and later elected Vice President.
Read more: Whitmer appoints MAP Executive Board President as MCOLES Commissioner
New MAP Board President plans to continue growing membership
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Mike Hawkins has spent most of his career as a MAP member and representative, so it seemed a natural fit to take over as the new MAP Executive Board President when former President Rich Heins announced his retirement in December.
“Rich Heins did a great job,” Hawkins said. “When there was a vacancy and Fred reached out to see if I was interested, I felt I served enough time on the current board to step up and help out.”
A Trenton Police Lieutenant and member of Trenton Inspectors and Lieutenants Association, Hawkins began his law enforcement career at Gibraltar Police in 2000. He joined Trenton Police in 2001, becoming a K9 Officer and serving as local police union President for 10 years. He was voted onto MAP’s Executive Board in 2011, taking over the Treasurer’s position when a co-worker retired. He was later voted Executive Board Vice President.
“I replaced Rich Lyons when he was getting ready to retire. He was the Treasurer of MAP,” Hawkins said. “We (Trenton Police, Inspectors and Lieutenants) have been with MAP for as long as I’ve been here, and I’ve been here for 18 years.”
He’s felt honored to fill vacancies on the Executive Board, given all the Union has done for him and his co-workers. “When we went to the Defined Contribution pension system, MAP was a big part of helping us get back into the (Employer paid) pension,” Hawkins said. “We went from Defined Contribution to Defined Benefit and we were one of the only departments in the nation that went back into the pension system through our negotiations.”
Read more: New MAP Board President plans to continue growing membership
MAP Executive Board Officers

MAP Board Members
The Michigan Association of Police Executive Board Members
Executive Officers
President:
Michael Hawkins
Trenton Inspectors & Lieutenants Association
2872 W. Jefferson, Trenton MI 48183
Vice President:
Jesse Wilson
Sterling Heights Police Officers Association
40333 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights MI 48313
Secretary:
Ricky Day
Henry Ford Health System Police Officers Association
2799 West Grand Blvd, Detroit MI 48202
Treasurer:
Rob Ginther
Beverly Hills Lieutenants & Sergeants Association
18600 W. 13 Mile Rd., Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Executive Director:
Fred Timpner
Michigan Association of Police
667 E. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 109, Troy, MI 48083
Executive Administrator:
Julie Palmquist
Michigan Association of Police
667 E. Big Beaver Rd., Suite 109, Troy, MI 48083