Hometown Hero: Gordon Bibby, a.k.a. McGruff the Crime Dog

A "crime dog" was the recipient of a special treat from the Royal Oak police chief for his years of service to the community.

Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue awarded Gordon Bibby, 84, with a Citizen Award for his years of service on the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council and for his role in portraying McGruff the Crime Dog for a decade.

Bibby has lived in Royal Oak since 1962. He became active in the crime prevention council 19 years ago.

“It was just one of those things. You meet people and one thing leads to another,” Bibby said. Before he knew it he was the president of the council, serving five years.

Bibby’s best kept secret was being the man in the crime dog costume. As McGruff he attended neighborhood parties, public events and parades.

“I physically can’t do all the walking anymore,” he said, explaining that wearing the giant dog mask is quite a balancing act.

Ellison presented Bibby with his award at the Dec. 5 City Commission meeting.

“Gordon exemplifies everything we could ask from a citizen of Royal Oak,” said Mayor Jim Ellison. “We thank him for his service.”

Upon accepting a plaque Bibby said he hoped he was not forgotten.

“It’s great to be a citizen of Royal Oak,” he said.

“Gordon, I think it’s safe to assume that you will never be forgotten,” the mayor said.

Here is a list of Bibby’s accomplishments.

• WWII veteran for the United States Navy served from April 1944-June 1948 (Sea duty on four ships)
• Proud resident of Royal Oak since 1962
• Member of the Royal Oak Crime Prevention Council since 1992
• Served as President of the Crime Prevention for the last 5 years
• Served as McGruff the Crime Dog since 2001
• President of the South Point Neighborhood Association (which was instrumental with the closure of Harrison Street and constructing the Clock Tower)
• Travelled to Washington on the 19th Honor Flight on November 2008
• Recently became a Honorary Member of the Royal Oak Crime Prevention
• Graduate of the Royal Oak Police Department’s Citizen Police Academy

Please leave your congratulations an well wishes for Gordon Bibby in the comments. Well be sure to send them to him!