06/02/2023
The City is mourning the loss of former Police and Fire Chief, Ralph Soffredine, who passed away Memorial Weekend. Soffredine served as police chief and fire chief in the City for 21 years, and retired in 2003. He then went on to serve on the City Commission from 2003 - 2011. Soffredine also served on the boards for TCAPS and the Women's Resource Center.
"Ralph was an inspiration and example for all of us in public service. His time serving as Chief of the Police and Fire Departments, on the TCAPS Board, City Commission and the many community boards within our community showed his dedication to our community. More importantly, he cared about every individual he came in contact with and I was fortunate to be a recipient of that caring on many occasions. Our deepest condolences go out to Pam and family. Thank you for sharing him with us," says Traverse City Mayor Richard Lewis.
Traverse City Police Chief Jeffrey O'Brien stated, "In 2003, Representative Bart Stupak recognized Ralph on the floor of the US Congress. With all of the accomplishments Ralph had achieved, he emphasized implementing community policing at the Traverse City Police Department as his greatest accomplishment. We have attempted to live out his vision within the department for the past eight years."
"I have known Ralph Soffredine since the early 1990's when he filled the position of Public Safety Director for City Fire and City Police upon the retirement of then Fire Chief Charlie Duell. I worked for/with Chief Soffredine until Ed Fisher took over as Fire Chief in 2002. During his tenure at the fire department, he helped us acquire new fire apparatus, equipment and other items we need to protect the community. In my experience, Ralph was a good person to work for and he was always willing to take time to lend an ear to help others with challenges they may be having whether work-related or personal. Chief Soffredine set the bar for public service beyond his position and being involved in the Community through his seats on various boards, commissions and committees. I will miss him and his habit of trying to crush my right hand every time we shook hands," stated Traverse City Fire Chief Jim Tuller.
We thank Ralph Soffredine for his many years of dedicated service to law enforcement, education, and community, and extend our sincere condolences to his loved ones.
