Rushton ICPD Chief

City Manager recommends hire to city commission

 

IMLAY CITY — Following several months of working as the Interim Chief for the Imlay City Police Department, Charles Rushton is set to shed the “Interim” tag and take over as Chief.

Although he has the authority to make decisions on leadership with the police department, including hiring a Chief, the city manager makes a recommendation to the city commission, as a formality.

Craig Horton said earlier this week, “The official appointment of Charles Rushton as Imlay City Chief of Police is on the agenda for the City Commission meeting 05/05/2026. It will be my recommendation to appoint him as Chief of Police. Like prior Chiefs, he will not have a contract.”

Neither side gave any details regarding compensation and what benefits were given to the new Chief.

Rushton came on board to the Imlay City department late last year, following the departure of former Chief Brett Selby.

According to Horton at the time, Rushton was one of two people considered for the position. It was not clear if the job was ever posted in various law enforcement circles, or if the hire of Rushton as an Interim came on a recommendation from his former department.

Rushton previously served in the City of Warren, holding various ranks throughout his career.

Last fall, Horton said, “I had two people reach out to me concerning this. We did not contact anyone,” Horton stated. “A decision has been made to hire Charles Rushton out of Warren as the Interim Chief.”

Horton gave a brief background of Rushton saying, “He just retired from the City of Warren where he oversaw 250 officers. He has 27 years of experience in law enforcement and understands this position is temporary. He knew of the opening and contacted us.”

The new Chief took over as Interim when Chief Selby had his leave time extended for several weeks. He requested to return to work, but no action was taken by Horton.

Instead, the matter turned in to a legal matter between the two sides and eventually resulted in Selby and the city agreeing to a separation of services.

The change of leadership came as a result of an incident involving the police department in July of 2025.

Two officers had charges brought against them by the Lapeer County Prosecutor’s Office.

The outcomes of the court issues are still pending. Chief Selby was never under investigation, according to Lapeer County Prosecutor John Miller.

Throughout Selby’s leave, Horton refused to comment on the matter as did Mayor Barbara Yockey.