LANSING, Mich. — Ten Senate Republicans on Thursday announced they have sent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer a letter demanding she request the immediate resignation of disgraced Michigan State Police Director Col. James Grady and Deputy Director Lt. Col. Aimee Brimacombe or promptly relieve them of their duties.
“Each day these two remain in charge is another day that failed accountability and a serious lack of integrity erodes public trust in one of our state’s most respected institutions,” said Senate Committee on Civil Rights, Judiciary, and Public Safety Minority Vice Chair Jim Runestad, R-White Lake. “It has become obvious they lack any sense of personal responsibility to step down voluntarily. It’s time for the governor to act.”
The MSP remains marred in turmoil fueled by questionable promotions and a wave of departures. Other scandals have included reports of exam-rigging in 2023, the director’s controversial response to a fatal chase in 2024 and Brimacombe’s “insubordinate” disciplinary record that includes misuse of her state vehicle.
This month, a retired MSP inspector and chief diversity officer filed a lawsuit against the agency and Grady, alleging gross patterns of workplace harassment, including blatant favoritism and retaliation, and two sergeants sued the department, alleging that rigged promotions continue at the Flint post.
In June, over 98% of MSP troopers voted they had no confidence in Grady and Brimacombe’s direction. Many state leaders called for their resignations or firings at that time, but the governor has yet to take any action.
“Gov. Whitmer must listen to Michigan’s troopers and put an end to the appalling tenure of these failed leaders who have harmed our state police force under her watch,” said Senate Republican Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township. “The brave men and women of our state police deserve to have a governor who has their backs.”
The letter was also signed by Sens. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell; Joe Bellino, R-Monroe; Kevin Daley, R-Lum; Roger Hauck, R-Mt. Pleasant; Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton; Rick Outman, R-Six Lakes; Lana Theis, R-Brighton; and Roger Victory, R-Hudsonville.