40th Annual Police & Fire Awards - 2024 by Redford Chamber

40th Annual Police and Fire Awards

Welcome

Tim Young, President - Redford Chamber of Commerce

Posting on The Colors

Redford Township Police Honor Guard

National Anthem

Kristle Rice - Community Member Invocation

Mike Gorr, Pastor - Mercy Road Church

***Dinner***

Introduction of Dignitaries

Tim Young, President - Redford Chamber of Commerce

Awards Presentations by:

Chamber President Tim Young

Interim Police Chief Scott Byrnes

Fire Chief Scott Demoff

Police Officer of The Year

Officer Robert Hall

Firefighter of The Year

Battalion Chief Chris Mayes

Commendation

Officer Ryan Kensinger. Case# 23-19177: On 09/02/2023 around 03:58am Officer Kensinger was on patrol near 7 Mile and Lennane, which was an area that had been dealing with multiple larceny from auto and stolen vehicle incidents. Officer Kensinger located a male wearing a black ski mask walking in the area. As Officer Kensinger began to investigate, the male proceeded to run away and through the nearby alley. Officer Kensinger was able to catch up to the suspect and tackle him. The suspect began attempting to reach for something under his body. Officer Kensinger was able to take the suspect into custody and located a stolen Glock 9mm next to the suspect. The suspect was charged with CCW, Resisting Arrest, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

Officer Ryan Plymel and Officer Ryan Eddings. Case# 23-21271: On 09/26/2023 around 11:10pm, Officers Plymel and Eddings were patrolling in the area of Telegraph & West Chicago. Officers located an individual walking with a ski mask and satchel near the closed businesses. Officers stopped to investigate, at which point the suspect immediately began running away. Officers pursued the suspect, who was later taken into custody. Officers located a 9mm handgun and crack cocaine within the satchel.

Officer Ryan Plymel, Officer Alan Reichenbach and Officer Christian Werner. Case# 23-26530: On 12/06/2023 around 04:40am, Officer Plymel, Reichenbach, and Werner were patrolling in the area of Woodbine and Elmira. Officers observed a suspect walking in the middle of the road wearing a backpack. Officers began watching the suspect from a distance, at which point the suspect was observed to be tampering with vehicles. Officers observed the suspect enter multiple unlocked vehicles. Officers made contact with the suspect and were able to take him into custody.

Commendation Cont.

Officer Rudy McNamara and Officer Christian Werner. Case# 230016310: On July 29th, 2023, Officer Werner attempted to make a traffic stop on a vehicle that began to flee. During the pursuit, the driver threw multiple items of out the vehicle. Ofc. Werner radioed the direction of travel, vehicle and driver description, and the vehicle’s license plate. While Ofc. Werner continued to pursue the vehicle, Ofc. McNamara ran the vehicle’s license plate and waited for the vehicle at the registered address. Ofc. Werner was terminated from the pursuit but was able to locate a bag of narcotics and a stolen firearm that was thrown from the pursuant vehicle. Ofc. McNamara observed the pursuant vehicle return to its registered address where he and Ofc. Wener took the driver into custody. Ofc Wener’s first-rate pursuit skills and keen eye retrieved a stolen firearm off the streets. While Ofc. McNamara’s quick thinking and determination apprehended the dangerous criminal.

Officer Ryan Knell, Officer Christopher Pedersen, Officer Amel Ibradzic, and Officer Jacob Vance. Case# 230017657: On August 14, 2023, Officer Knell received information from a surrounding agency that plain clothes Officers were following a stolen trailer. Officer Knell positioned himself in the best position to intercept the stolen trailer. Officer Knell located the stolen trailer, attempted to stop it, and pursued it when it fled. Officer Pedersen joined the pursuit until the vehicle got stuck in a vacant lot and the driver fled the vehicle. Officers Ibradzic and Vance arrived on scene and pursued the suspect on foot while Officers Knell and Pedersen set up a perimeter. After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was located by Officers Ibradzic and Vance, hiding in the backyard of an abandoned home, and arrested. The suspect was later found to be responsible for multiple UDAAs and larcenies in surrounding jurisdictions. Due to their diligence and determination, all the above Officers contributed to the arrest of a nuisance felon.

Commendation Cont.

Officer Josh Sutton. Case# 23-5319. On 3/18/2023, Ofc. Sutton was performing a patrol check at a motel known for criminal activity. Ofc. Sutton observed a minivan leaving the parking lot with an expired license plate. Ofc. Sutton tried to stop the vehicle, but it fled. During the pursuit that spanned several streets, a backpack was through out of the passenger window. The vehicle came to a stop at dead end street and two subjects fled on foot. Ofc. Sutton gave a description of both subjects. Responding officers were able to locate and arrest the passenger of the vehicle, who threw the backpack out of the window. The backpack was located after pursuit and inside was a loaded handgun with no serial number and a black ski mask.

Officer Robert Hall. Case# 23-10206: On 5-19-23, Ofc. Hall observed two females leaning into an occupied vehicle in the area of 7 Mile/Dalby. When the two females observed Ofc. Hall, both ran from the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle then fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Believing that he had just witnessed a narcotics transaction, Ofc. Hall followed the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The traffic stop was conducted, and both the driver and passenger were arrested for outstanding warrants. A search of the vehicle yielded suspected crack cocaine. Later, the driver was found to have additional suspected crack cocaine, heroin, and $1750 in US currency on his person. The suspected heroin later tested positive for fentanyl. As a result of this incident, the driver of the suspect vehicle was charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute. Ofc. Hall’s keen attention to detail and exemplary actions resulted in the arrest of two felons and the seizure of dangerous narcotics.

Commendation Cont.

Officer William Baiocco. Case# 23-10876: On 5-27-23, Ofc. Baiocco stopped a vehicle because the registered owner did not have a valid license, or insurance on the vehicle. The driver was subsequently arrested. During the stop, Ofc. Baiocco had the vehicle’s passenger exit the vehicle. At that time, Ofc. Baiocco searched the vehicle and located a handgun (in a bag) where the passenger had been seated. As Ofc. Baiocco approached the passenger, the passenger fled on foot into the neighborhood. Ofc. Baiocco chased and eventually tasered the passenger and took the passenger into custody. A multi-count felony warrant was later obtained. Ofc. Baiocco’s exemplary actions resulted in the arrest of a felon and a weapon being taken off the streets.

Officer Andrew Wilson. Case# 23-15870: On 7-25-23, Ofc. Wilson observed a Chrysler 300 with its hazard lights activated. Ofc. Wilson then observed a suspect run from that vehicle and enter another vehicle. The second vehicle fled the scene, with Ofc. Wilson in pursuit. Ofc. Wilson continued the chase until the safety concerns became too great to continue. Upon returning to the scene, Ofc. Wilson found a Dodge key fob and that the window to the Chrysler 300 had been broken. Ofc. Wilson’s vigilance prevented a UDAA from occurring and caused the removal of a key fob that would have been used in many more crimes.

Commendation Cont.

Officer Jacob Vance and Officer Robert Hall. Case# 23-2442. On 02/09/2023, Officers Vance and Hall received information from the Detective Bureau that a suspect from a CSC/ DV was returning to his home. The original report stated that the suspect held a female against her will for 3 days, sexually abused her, and beat her with a hammer. Ofc. Vance and Ofc. Hall parked near the house and eventually located the suspect in his vehicle. The suspect was arrested for the incident and the hammer used in the assault was recovered as evidence. Due to both officer’s proactivity, a violent and dangerous suspect was arrested and possible future assaults were prevented.

Sergeant Edward Pickell. Case# 23-3866. On 02/28/2023, Officers responded to a felonious assault that had just occurred in which a male had threatened a female with a handgun. Sgt. Pickell then began canvassing the area and located the suspect on foot. The suspect then began running and Sgt. Pickell pursued. The suspect then threw a backpack onto the ground and Sgt. Pickell advised other officers. Sgt. Pickell caught up to the suspect and placed him into custody. The stolen handgun used in the assault was then recovered in the backpack and the suspect was charged with felonious assault. Due to Sgt. Pickell’s investigative skills and ability to relay information in a stressful situation, a dangerous suspect was taken into custody and a stolen handgun was taken off of the streets.

Commendation Cont.

Officer Jake Ditzhazy. Case# 23-2983: On 02/15/2023, Officers responded to a felonious assault in which a suspect pointed a firearm at a civilian. Ofc. Ditzhazy began canvassing the area and located the suspect on foot who immediately began to flee. Ofc. Ditzhazy began chasing the suspect through backyards and lost sight of the suspect. Ofc. Ditzhazy continued to canvas the area and located the suspect a second time. Ofc. Ditzhazy was able to corner the suspect and place him into custody. The suspect in this incident was also a suspect in a carjacking case the day before. Due to Ofc. Ditzhazy’s investigative skills and tactics, a multiple felony offender was placed into custody.

Officer Ryan Kensinger. Case# 23-2861: On 02/14/2023, Ofc. Kensinger was patrolling a high crime area and observed a suspicious vehicle. Ofc. Kensinger stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver for a misdemeanor warrant. Ofc. Kensinger began searching the vehicle and located multiple bags containing crack cocaine, powder cocaine, crystal meth, and a scale with white powder on it. Ofc. Kensinger arrested the subject for his warrant and possession of the narcotics. Due to Ofc. Kensinger’s investigative skills and proactivity, a drug dealer was placed into custody and a large amount of dangerous drugs were taken off of the street.

Life Saving Awards

Officer Amel Ibradzic and Officer Dakota Bakka. Case# 23-19049: On 8/31/2023 Officers were dispatched to a resident’s house on a report of a three-month-old child who was choking and struggling to breathe. Ofc. Ibradzic arrived and confirmed that the infant was struggling to breathe, and he started to administer back strikes to the child aiding in dislodging the obstruction. Ofc. Bakka who was also on scene assisted and observed that the infant was still having trouble breathing so he used a nasal aspirator to help clear the obstruction from the throat. Redford Twp Rescue arrived at the location and transported the infant to the hospital with the infant making a full recovery.

Officer Jake Ditzhazy. Case# 23-23658: On 10/28/2023 Officer Ditzhazy responded to a stabbing that had occurred between brothers. The suspect was taken into custody, at which point Officer Ditzhazy located the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds in the bathroom. The victim possibly sustained arterial bleeding. Officer Ditzhazy was able to provide pressure to slow the bleeding, creating time for the victim to be transported to Corewell Health, where he was later listed in stable condition.

Officer Robert Hall and Officer Erica Plymel. Case# 23-8989: On 5-423, Ofc. E. Plymel and Ofc. Hall were dispatched to 8990 Leverne regarding a male not breathing. Both officers arrived on scene and were directed to the patient. Ofc. Plymel assessed the patient and found him to be warm to the touch, not breathing, and had no pulse. At that time, both officers began CPR and continued with CPR until rescue took over the scene. The patient regained a pulse and was then transported to the hospital. Upon follow-up, it was learned that the patient was revived and sedated for further treatment. Ofc. Plymel and Ofc. Hall’s exemplary actions, training, and calm demeanor assisted in saving the life of a citizen.

Department Citation

Officer Robert Hall and Officer William Baiocco. Case# 23-7787: On 420-23, Ofc. Baiocco observed a vehicle commit a civil infraction while leaving a gas station at 23443 Plymouth. Ofc. Baiocco initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the three occupants of the vehicle. All the occupants were found to have warrants. The decision was made to arrest all three occupants. Ofc. Hall arrived on scene as backup. The driver was removed from the vehicle and handcuffed. A search of the driver yielded a scale (with white powder residue) and over four hundred dollars in US currency. While searching one of the passengers, Ofc. Hall located a gun in the passenger’s jacket pocket. The suspect immediately began to resist and pulled away from Ofc. Hall. The suspect was able to slip his handcuff and began to fight with both officers. During the fight, the suspect had the gun by the grip and Ofc. Hall had the gun by the barrel. Ofc. Baiocco assisted and was able to pry the suspect’s hands from the gun grip and Ofc. Hall was able to pull the firearm free and toss the weapon. As the fight continued, the driver of the vehicle ran to the officers and kicked the weapon across Plymouth Rd. The driver then fled the area on foot. The suspect with the gun was able to break free and also fled the area on foot. The driver was quickly apprehended, by Ofc. Hall, and secured. Ofc. Baiocco chased the passenger on foot and continued his foot pursuit through several yards. Ofc. Baiocco was eventually able to apprehend the passenger. Once both suspects were in custody, the officers located an additional $1573 in US currency, approximately 36 grams of crack cocaine, 26 Oxycodone, 13 Xanax, and 2 Clonazepam. It was also found that the firearm had been altered, enabling it to fire in a fully automatic capacity. The final passenger in the vehicle was taken into custody without incident. As a result of the physical altercation, Ofc. Hall was transported to the hospital for a possible concussion and injuries to his hand. Ofc. Baiocco and Ofc. Hall’s exemplary actions, bravery, and resolve to stay in the fight reflect the finest traditions of the Redford Police Department.

Merit Citations

Officer Ryan Plymel and Dispatcher Lisa Byrnes. Case# 23-10427: On 5/21/23 Disp. Byrnes took a 911 call regarding a drive-by shooting of a residence. She was able to get a specific vehicle description and relay it to responding officers. Ofc. Plymel was near Telegraph and Schoolcraft when this information was given out. He observed a vehicle, with 4 occupants, matching Disp. Byrne’s’ description stopped at the red light. A traffic stop was performed on the vehicle and the driver admitted to having a firearm on him. All subjects were arrested, and ammunition found in the vehicle tied them to the shooting.

Officer Cody Short. Case# 23-1678: On 01/27/2023, Officers were dispatched to a possible home invasion in progress. Ofc. Short arrived first on scene and observed two suspects dressed in all black walking away from the location of the possible home invasion. Ofc. Short noticed that one of the suspects was armed with a handgun and was able to detain both suspects. Both suspects turned out to be armed and were wearing ballistic vests. Officers then searched the vehicle that the suspects arrived in and located a short barrel rifle containing 60 rounds of ammunition. Both suspects were arrested and arraigned on multiple felony charges. Due to Ofc. Short’s quick actions and exemplary tactics, a potentially life-threatening crime was stopped before it occurred.

Brian Pascoe Police Chiefs Award

Brian Pascoe started his career with the Redford Township Police Department in 1988 as a Police Cadet. Brian held this position for three years until Police Administration asked him to switch to Information Technology. He was tasked with building the IT portion of the new police station from the ground up. Brian has been the IT manager at the Redford Township Police Department for 35 years.

Due to the expanding presence of technology in law enforcement, Brian’s roles and responsibilities have increased over the years making him an even more valuable member of the Redford Township Police Department family.

Brian has been married to his wife Kim, for 36 years and they have two children, son Adam and daughter Ashley. Brian is an outdoor and sports enthusiast.

2023 Police Officer of The Year

Officer Robert Hall

Police Robert Hall has been a Patrolman with RTPD since November 2022. Officer Hall is currently assigned to the Patrol Division and works on the night shift. Prior to becoming a police officer, Ofc. Hall worked at Carhartt as a Sales Representative. Officer Hall left his previous line of work with the desire to serve the community and do his part to make a difference in the world. Officer Hall also uses his life experience and the people skills he has acquired to represent the department on our recruiting team. Officer Hall has also been selected as Officer of the Month on two separate occasions in less than 16 months by his shift command. Officer Hall is a natural leader and quickly gained the trust of his peers by being elected to the POAM union board as the union Secretary. He credits his success to his wife Jenny who has supported him throughout his career change. In his free time, Ofc. Hall enjoys spending time with his wife, son (Henry), and daughter (McKenna). Together, they all enjoy skiing and being active members of their church.

Unit Awards

Unit 1 Award: Engineer Jeremy Baird

Jeremy has been selected as this year’s Unit 1 award recipient. Jeremy continues to be heavily involved throughout the department. Known for his honest upfront opinion on things, Jeremy takes pride in his job and the work that he does on a daily basis. Jeremy continues to excel at his job as engineer on the fire scene and around the station, often offering to sit down and listen to what a new guy needs to train on. Jermey is someone who his officers can depend on and gets done what is asked of him. Jeremy is currently on the union e-board as their secretary and has always been heavily involved in union fundraisers since joining RTFD. Jeremy has always been one of the first guys to volunteer for off duty training and brings back the knowledge for those who weren’t able to attend. Jeremy is known to be an avid soccer, hockey, and horse racing fan, often asking the guys “who they got” during a soccer match or horse race. Unit 1 is proud to select Jeremy Baird for this year’s unit award.

Unit 2 Award: Firefighter Matt Mosakowski

Matt has been with Redford for close to 7 years, previously working at Inkster FD prior to coming to Redford. Matt has been a tremendous medic and firefighter since the time he started. He has been awarded a number of merit awards and is always quick to volunteer to help around the station whatever the task may be. Matt is well known for his no quit attitude and relentless energy on the fire ground. Nick is well-known for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to help mentor new guys on his shift. Matt is always looking for something to train on both on or off shift, often making his crew watch some sort of training video on YouTube during his shift. You will often find Matt working out during his down time, catching the latest hockey highlights or game, and spending time with his family on his days off. Our department is proud to select Nick for this year’s Unit 2 award.

Unit Awards cont.

Unit 3

Award: Engineer Iggy Kusmirek

Engineer Kusmirek has been with the Redford Fire Department for over 12 years. From the onset of his career, Eng Kusmirek has displayed all the traits desired in a firefighter that seeks to improve operations and make the job of a firefighter safer and more efficient. Iggy has an innate drive to better himself along with the department on a daily basis. His dedication to his craft as an engineer is second to none. He is highly respected among his peers for his “no quit” attitude, whether it be on a fire scene or at the fire house. His honesty and integrity as a leader represent the finest qualities of the Redford Fire Department. We are proud to select Engineer Iggy Kusmirek as of recipient of the Unit 3 Award.

April, 16 2023

Merit Awards

Lt. Adam Pielecha, Eng. Iggy Kusmirek, Eng. Chris Tirb, FF Mark Perkins

On an early morning in April, crews were dispatched for a female having a possible heart attack. Upon arrival, crew found patient laying on kitchen floor pulseless and apneic. Patient was quickly placed on cardiac monitor and followed their ACLS protocols. After 20 mins of CPR the pt regained a pulse and crew quickly transported pt to Garden City Hospital. The pt maintained a pulse during the transport and care was transferred to ER staff at Garden City. Crew was advised later that patient was expected to make a full recovery.

May 2023

Lt. Ed Dudek, Eng. Jason Kiekbusch, FF Zach Jackson, FF Mark Perkins, FF Shane O’Neill, FF Steve Hickey, FF Max Sawickyj

On an early evening in May, south end crews were dispatched to a MVA involving multiple cars. Upon arrival the crews found a one vehicle accident involving 3 minors with multiple injuries resulting from a very high rate of speed. The crew acted quickly to extricate the driver who had multiple life threating injuries, while also providing care to another passenger who had self-extricated prior to their arrival. The crews rapid course of action and decision making likely saved the life of the driver with multiple broken extremities and internal bleeding was able to make a full recovery.

Merit Awards cont.

July 2023

Lt. Mondon, Eng. Fotovich, Eng. Iggy Kusmirek, FF Perkins, FF O’Neill, FF Max Sawickyj

South end E3 was dispatched to a double overdose with only 1 rescue unit available. Upon arrival on scene the crew observed two individuals possibly overdosed with one of them being in a pool. The crew quickly went to work with one of them performing CPR on the individual outside of the pool while the other assisted a family member getting the female out of the pool. The crew was able to work in tandem with our PD in performing live saving procedures while waiting on a mutual aid rescue unit to arrive.

July 26, 2023

Lt. Chris Lisak, Eng. Dan Borsuck, FF Loren Carlington, FF Dan Hurst

E1 and R1 responded to a house fire at 18649 Denby where electricity back-fed into the house. R1 arrived on scene to find light smoke coming from the basement area. Their quick response and extinguishment isolated damage to the direct area of the electrical panel. Their swift action allowed for the home to remain occupied following the fire.

Merit Awards cont.

July 2023

Lt. Ed Dudek, Eng. Jason Kiekbusch, FF Shane O’Neill, FF Mike Palmisano

Engine 3 and Rescue 3 responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident. Crews arrived within a couple minutes of the 911 call to find what appeared to be a serious vehicle accident. Crews quickly went to work to assess the scene and found a patient outside of the vehicle pulseless and not breathing, Redford PD units had started CPR prior to FD’s arrival. Crew quickly assessed patient, transferred patient to ambulance, and continued CPR which allowed them to deliver a total of 3 successful shocks with their cardiac monitor. Crew performed all necessary interventions while following their ACLS protocols continuing CPR throughout transport. Upon arrival at the trauma center the patient had a pulse, was admitted for further care, and later released home.

August 2, 2023

Lt. Chris Lisak, Eng. Dan Borsuck, FF Tom Erickson

Crew of E1 and R3 responded to a choking victim at a bar. Found patient unresponsive, purple, diaphoretic, not breathing with a pulse. Crew of E1 rapidly intervened with a laryngoscope and magill forceps to clear the airway of obstruction. After several large pieces of food were removed an obstruction was still limiting ventilation. Pt was intubated successfully on scene providing life-saving breaths which rapidly improved patient condition. During transport to Beaumont patient condition improved to point that he began to wake up. The efforts of this crew saved this choking victim’s life.

Merit Awards cont.

August 27, 2023

Lt. Chris Lisak, Eng. Dan Borsuck, FF Dan Hurst, FF Matt Mosakowski

Crew of E1 and R1 responded to a motorcycle vs. truck where the patient had also been ran over by the truck. Crew recognized life threatening signs of pneumothorax and rapidly treated the patient’s injuries and transported the patient to Beaumont for critical intervention. The patient was found to have sustained a hemo-pneumothorax as well as a collapsed lung, a broken hip and other injuries. The crew of R1 and E1 performed their duties with calm and professionalism under pressure getting the pt to the nearest trauma center as quickly as possible.

November 18, 2023

BC Chris Mayes, BC Dennis Lappin, Lt. Adam Pielecha, Eng. Iggy Kusmirek, FF Tom Erickson, FF Loren Carlington, FF Dan Hurst

Late afternoon crews were dispatched to a south end house fire. Upon arrival, crews could see flames through front window into the kitchen area and a resident standing outside with burns to their feet as a result of stove/grease fire in kitchen. R1 quickly went to work treating the burn patient. While the other crews went to work on the fire. The burn victim was quickly transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where the outcome of their injuries is unknown. It was later found to be a grease fire that the patient attempted to move the grease to the garbage can and spilling on them, causing the fire to spread even further throughout the home. This incident demonstrated strong teamwork with the coordination of treating the burn patient and conducting fire operations at the same time.

Merit Awards cont.

December 18, 2023

BC Dennis Lappin, Lt. Curt Verriest, Lt. Josh Coleman, Lt. Chris Lisak, Eng. Brant Hauck, Eng. Kurt Driscoll, FF Andrew Perez, FF Jon Lada, FF Nick Philley, PFF Josh Krawczyk

Both the north and south end stations were dispatched to a multi vehicle MVA. Upon arriving on scene, crews quickly went to work on what was a 40-car pileup on the Telegraph bridge over 96. This recognition goes to the entire crew that evening for the smooth and very organized coordination of activities on scene including triage of everyone on scene and providing treatment and transport to all who needed further medical attention. This incident required multiple people to be extricated from their own car after being trapped due to such a large pileup. This incident demonstrated tremendous teamwork and effort by all individuals who responded.

Fire Chiefs Award

Jason Kiekbusch

The Fire Chief Award recognizes exceptional dedication, diligence, and leadership within the firefighting community. Jason Kiekbusch has been selected to receive this prestigious accolade for his outstanding character and success within Redford FD since 2013. He demonstrates unwavering commitment and perseverance in his duties, and he approaches every task with thoroughness and attention to detail, ensuring that all

responsibilities are carried out effectively and efficiently. Jason currently is a member of the Western Wayne County Haz-Mat team. In his pursuit for the better good of Reford Fire Department, Jason has secured numerous grants for our department for manpower and equipment. The latest grant was for (6) Wayne County Fire Departments to acquire new SCBA equipment which will bring safety and consistency to our departments. Jason has served on the Union Board as Vice President and was recently elected to serve as the Union President for Redford Township Firefighters Local 1206. He has also received numerous merit and unit awards for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the safety and well-being of others. Jason upholds high ethical standards in all aspects of his work, serving as a role model for his peers and inspiring trust and confidence within the community. Jason continues to excel in his professional duties but also is leaving a lasting impact on the firefighting community and the lives of those he serves.

On Jason’s days away from the department, he is usually busy spending time with his family, including his wife Sarah and there two boys Nash (4) and Brooks (1).

2023 Firefighter of the Year

Battalion Chief Chris Mayes

Chris joined the Redford Township Fire Dept in 2007 and for the past 17 years, Chris has proven and excelled as a firefighter, paramedic and in his current role as Battalion Chief on Unit 3. Chris exemplifies what a firefighter/leader needs in his character, attitude, and values. Over the years Chris has proven to be an outstanding example of leadership and dedication to his job here at RTFD. Chris has been awarded a number of merit awards and has quickly moved through

the ranks to his current position. Chris demonstrates a high degree of dedication and participation in activities on and off duty, including training, public education, fill the boot events and others throughout his career here in Redford. Chris continues to go above and beyond his normal duties to make visible improvements that have enhanced the daily operations on his unit and the department as a whole. His crew and new members look up to for his leadership and his support of others efforts to achieve the goals here at RTFD. He is regarded for his general overall positive attitude and his ability to be your “boss” and best friend at the same time. Chris shows on a daily basis his dedication to improving himself and the department in every way possible. Chris most recently has been instrumental in taking over our vehicle repair and maintenance responsibilities, which he is called upon while on shift and at home on his days off. Chris was a member on the local union board for several years and has assisted on our policy and SOG committee. Chris is known for his love for Red Wings hockey and his love for speed, whether its dune buggies, 4 wheelers, or snowmobiles. On Chris’ days away from the department, he is usually busy spending time with his family wife Kate and their two kids Eloise and Grayson, attending baseball and hockey games, enjoying time by the family pool. The department is proud to select Chris Mayes as this years’ Firefighter of the Year.

40th Annual Police & Fire Awards brought to you by:

Platinum Sponsor

Diamond Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

State Senator Mary Cavanagh

Cauzillo Plumbing Celebration Sponsors

Allie Brothers Uniforms

Township Supervisor Pat McRae