Michael Cecchini (retired) served as the director of public safety for the Bay City Department of Public Safety, overseeing the city’s integrated police, fire, and emergency medical services. He joined Bay City in December 2006 as its 10th police chief, after retiring from the Phoenix (Arizona) Police Department. Upon the consolidation of the public safety departments in 2013, Michael Cecchini assumed the director position and led the agency for 16 years.
Prior to his tenure in Michigan, Mr. Cecchini spent 20 years with the Phoenix Police Department, where he gained extensive operational and leadership experience across various assignments including patrol, planning and research, professional standards, and the Office of the Police Chief. He also held the role of commanding officer at the Ahwatukee-Foothills Substation.
Michael Cecchini holds a master of science in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University and a bachelor of science in justice studies from Arizona State University. He is a graduate of Arizona State University’s advanced public executive program, earning the Certified Public Manager designation, as well as the FBI National Academy (Session 236), the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (Session 77), and the Bay County Fire Academy, where he obtained Michigan Firefighter I and II certifications.
Residing in Bay City, Michigan, Michael Cecchini remains engaged in community affairs. During his tenure as the director of public safety, he was an active member of the Bay City Morning Rotary Club and president of the Board for the Antique Toy and Fire Truck Museum. He has served on the boards of directors for the 100 Club of Bay County and the United Way of Bay County, and contributed to the Delta College Criminal Justice/Corrections Advisory Committee and the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority Law Enforcement Advisory Committee. Additionally, he has participated in advisory committees for the Literacy Council of Bay County and Saginaw Valley State University’s Certified Public Manager Oversight Committee.
Mr. Cecchini is the parent of three adult children. Two work in the public sector and one is employed in the medical field.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Time is my most precious commodity. I try to make good use of it. The night before, I go over in my mind what I am going to do the next day. I wake up early and get a cup of coffee and either watch or read the latest news headlines. I then pray to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am retired from law enforcement and am now a territory sales representative for an after-market auto parts company. Being efficient in my use of time allows me to maximize the number of customers.
How do you bring ideas to life?
In my current profession, I bring ideas to life, which basically means I bring products to life. I sell automotive tools and paint by bringing the products to life and explaining to my customers the usefulness of the tool and how it will save them time and money and increase my ability to sell products and meet the needs of my customers.
What’s one trend that excites you?
A trend that excites me in the automotive tool industry is the use of diagnostic computers that literally provide a diagnosis of what’s wrong with a vehicle and point the mechanic in the right direction to fix the problem. It is basically using AI to not only help the mechanic diagnose the problem, but tell the mechanic the probable fix for the problem.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Starting my day with prayer and meditation helps me focus, set sales goals, and choose products for each customer. This mental preparation boosts my motivation and encourages daily excellence.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Enjoy it while it lasts, meaning enjoy your youth and each day of your life because it passes by very quickly. Enjoy the small things, stop and smell the roses. It’s great advice, but when you are balancing a career and family, sometimes it’s’ hard to slow down but you need to do it.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I generally hold mainstream beliefs, but one exception is my conviction that I have a singing voice comparable to that of Frank Sinatra or Nat King Cole—a belief that, realistically, no one else shares.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Pray at least twice a day at the start and end of each day and stay focused on your goals. And remember that perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. Constant negativity will constrain you.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I begin with prayer and respond to challenges by working harder rather than giving up or feeling sorry for myself.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I plan my work and follow through, boosting my efforts when facing setbacks. Success and failure both teach important lessons, with failure often providing deeper insights.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
My career setback was mainly due to being too emotionally invested in my community and expecting support that never came. When I needed backing from colleagues and community members, they were absent. Standing up for what’s right can leave you feeling isolated, so avoid getting emotionally attached to your work. If you’re employed in public service, especially by a municipality, don’t live where you work.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Voice-to-text and AI tools help save me time—typing isn’t my strength, even after taking a high school class. Voice-to-text speeds up notes and emails, but it’s important to review them for grammar and tone. AI streamlines my research on different tools and manufacturers. Always check AI-generated information and links for accuracy before using them.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?/
I bought an espresso machine because nothing beats a good cup of coffee to begin your morning whether you’re heading to work or enjoying the weekend.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I enjoy reading books and listening to podcasts. Recently, I read Greg Harden’s book Stay Sane in An Insane World, which emphasizes focusing on what you can control with a positive attitude and effort, rather than worrying about things beyond your influence. I also listen to “Daily Strength: A 365 Day Devotional for Men” by Ascension, a Christian podcast offering biblical guidance specifically tailored to men’s roles as Christians.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I enjoyed watching the original Star Trek series. Despite being made in the 1960s, it accurately predicted the technology we use today. The show highlights that while technology evolves, human behavior often remains the same—and technology can amplify both positive and negative traits.
Key learnings
- Humbled and blessed for a 36-year career serving the public.
- Work hard and never give up. Always fight through adversity.
- Optimism is a force multiplier.
- Don’t take stock in your critics and naysayers.
- Be thankful for every day.