COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — Two communities in Collin County are grieving the loss of Michael Sullivan. Sullivan was the assistant police chief in Fairview and before that, the Farmersville Chief of Police for nearly 14 years.
Sullivan died unexpectedly from complications after a medical procedure. He started at the department in April 2024.
“He was the calm in the constant chaos,” said Chris Chandler, the Fairview Chief of Police.
Chandler said Sullivan was the type of person who loved his community and departments.
Chief Chandler said Sullivan was responsible for getting the department accredited through the Texas Police Chief’s Association and starting a Criminal Investigations Division within the department. “When you lose a member and it's unexpected and it happens so quick ....it just really hits hard,” said Chandler.
Asst. Chief Sullivan had nearly 40 years of experience working in law enforcement. He worked at the DeSoto Police Department for 19 years, and the Dallas County Constable’s Office for 2 ½ years, and at the Heath Police Department for almost three years.
Along the way, he served as a mentor to Chief Marsha Phillips who is now the current Chief of Police of Farmersville.
“He was that person. Everyone called him, for everything, said Chief Phillips.
In February 2022, WFAA followed alongside Sullivan as he helped neighbors who didn't have power during a winter storm.
Phillips said Sullivan showed humility and servitude sometimes working extra shifts when the department was short-staffed, to helping residents find lost pets.
“To say thank you I just... I don't know...I don't know how you do that,” said Chief Phillips.
Services to celebrate Asst. Chief Sullivan’s life will be Tuesday, November 19th, 2024, at 10 am. The services will be at the Lakepointe Church, 701 E Interstate 30 in Rockwall, TX 75087.