Former Detroit Mayor Roman Gribbs Dies At Age 90

DETROIT (WWJ) - Former Detroit Mayor Roman Gribbs has died at age 90.

Gribbs took over two years after the city's riots, serving prior to Coleman A. Young, from 1970 to 1974.

After his stint as mayor, Gribbs was a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals until his retirement in 2000.

"Roman Gribbs was the textbook definition of a dedicated public servant," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said in a statement.

"Through a career that stretched nearly half a century, and in his roles as an assistant prosecutor, a respected judge, and as sheriff and mayor, he admirably served Detroit — a city he loved dearly. I am grateful for his service, and my heart goes out to his family."

Gribbs was at the helm when, aimed at reducing crime, the Detroit Police Department's controversial STRESS units were created — eventually coming under fire for the deaths of African Americans in the city.

Former Detroit Police Chief Isaiah "Ike" McKinnon was just a young police officer when Gribbs was first elected and later served on his executive protection unit.

"(He was) a wonderful man, family man in particular, who treated everyone fairly and was just a tremendous person who did everything I believe he could for the city of Detroit," McKinnon told WWJ's Sandra McNeill.

Gribbs was the last white mayor of Detroit before Mike Duggan's election in 2013.