In June 2000, Richard Fenton joined Ilitch Holdings as the Senior Director for Corporate Security, Safety, and Investigations and was promoted to Vice President of Corporate Security in 2005 and achieved the title of Chief Security Officer in 2018.  Rick oversees/directs all corporate security and safety functions, venue security and safety, security systems, corporate loss prevention, investigations, and executive services across all the Ilitch Companies.

In addition to overseeing Ilitch Holding Corporate Security, Rick led Corporate efforts for DHS SAFETY Act Certification for the Security Program at Comerica Park / Detroit Tigers and the Security Design at the Little Caesars Arena/ Detroit Red Wings. He also directed the achievement of SAFETY Act and NCS4 SESA Designation for Joe Louis Arena / Little Caesars Arena Security Program. Rick is additionally the National Chairman for the NCS4 National Advisory Board.

Prior to his work with Ilitch Holdings, Richard retired as the Executive Commander of the Wayne County Sheriff Department in May 2000 after more than twenty-seven (27) years of service.  Rick also served as Police Chief/Commander at Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports for seven (7) years. 

In addition to his lengthy law enforcement career, Rick has been part of the adjunct faculty at Eastern Michigan University for eighteen (18) years teaching in the Interdisciplinary Technology Department and School of Police Staff & Command.  Additionally, he’s been a guest instructor at the Northwestern University Traffic Institute/School of Police Staff and Command as well as the FBI National Academy.  

Rick is the Co-Founder of the innovative and successful Public Safety/Private Security Partnership, “LIGHTHOUSE PROGRAM.”  The “LIGHTHOUSE PROGRAM” is a multifaceted Law Enforcement/Private Security program developed for the City of Detroit’s Central Business District with the goal of enhancing the safety and security of this “vibrant area” for guests, patrons, employees and residents through cooperative and coordinated private/public partnerships of security and law enforcement entities serving the area. 

Rick graduated from Wayne State University in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science of Degree and earned his Master of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1978.  He is also a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy (NA) and the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command (SPSC).