Larry Perry’s grandfather should be a proud man.
Not only is his grandson celebrating his 15th year with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, his promotion to lieutenant was announced last week and he’s Oxford Township’s new substation commander.
‘I look forward to having a great working relationship with the community,? said the always polite and respectful Perry, who replaces Lt. Al Whitefield.
Whitefield retired last month after a long and distinguished career.
It was Perry’s grandfather, Bruce Boyd, that motivated him to seek a career in law enforcement. Boyd was a sergeant with the Orchard Lake Police during the late 1950s and early 1960s.
‘He was with them for a few years and then, due to financial reasons, he had to leave and go to work for General Motors,? said Perry, a 1984 Lake Orion High School graduate. ‘He had four kids and was only making like $4,000 a year.?
Looking back, Boyd always told Perry that being a police officer ‘was one of the best things he best things he ever did with his life.?
‘It was the most rewarding job he ever had,? Perry said.
The new lieutenant feels the same way. He appreciates having the ‘ability to help people in the worst times of their lives.?
‘To be able to positively affect somebody, help them, direct them, that’s what I like to do,? he said.
Prior to his current assignment, Perry worked in the county jail, served as a patrolman in Orion Township, worked in the sheriff’s Boot Camp program (eventually overseeing it), and was Oxford’s school liaison officer for two years.
His two favorite assignments were the Boot Camp and school liaison position because he enjoyed ‘the ability to help mold and mentor the younger guys and gals.?
‘Trying to reinforce the difference between right and wrong? and teach the people ‘how to become a success? made those ‘the most rewarding jobs I had.?
Perry was promoted to sergeant in 2001.
When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 18 years, Wendy, and their four children.
He also coaches youth football and loves to hunt and fish.