Dunwoody's Deputy Chief, Mike Carlson has been named as successor to Police Chief Billy Grogan

Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton announces the promotion of Deputy Chief Mike Carlson to the position of Chief of the Dunwoody Police Department. He’ll succeed Chief Billy Grogan, who announced his retirement last month, effective June 1.

“Deputy Chief Mike Carlson has been with the Dunwoody Police Department since day one, and he has proven himself to be a strong and respected leader,” said Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton. “I’m confident that he is more than ready and right for the top job. He has the support of officers in the department and members of the community.”

Deputy Chief Carlson was one of the founding members of the Dunwoody Police Department, joining as a sergeant in 2009. He coordinated the startup of the department’s Citizen Police Academy, Neighborhood Watch, and Chaplain programs. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2015, major in 2019, and deputy chief in 2021, overseeing the department’s day-to-day operations.

“As Dunwoody’s next Police Chief, I will continue strengthening the partnership with our community, foster innovation, and provide the best training and equipment for our officers and staff,” Carlson said. “I promise to provide effective and compassionate law enforcement services to all who live, work, and visit this great city. As the men and women of the Dunwoody Police Department continue to build upon Chief Billy Grogan’s outstanding legacy, we wish him a happy and well-deserved retirement.”

In 2022, Carlson retired as a captain with the Georgia National Guard. He began his part-time service in 2011 and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Meritorious Service Medal.

“Deputy Chief Carlson's record of excellence spans the entire history of the Dunwoody Police Department, consistently delivering outstanding service to the citizens of our community,” added Chief Grogan. “With unwavering confidence, I believe his leadership will propel the department to new heights of success."

Carlson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership/Public Safety from Reinhardt University and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Georgia International Law Enforcement Exchange, and the Senior Management Institute for Policing at the Police Executive Research Forum.

“Deputy Chief Carlson has played an important role in the building of our excellent police department,” said Dunwoody Mayor Lynn Deutsch. ”He has innovative ideas and a real understanding of the Dunwoody community. I know Deputy Chief Carlson will continue to move the department in the right direction.”

The transition will begin right away, and Deputy Chief Carlson will officially start his new role in April.