38th Annual Police & Fire Awards 9/29/22

PROGRAM WELCOME Heather Christie President Redford Chamber of Commerce

POSTING OF THE COLORS Redford Twp. Police Honor Guard

NATIONAL ANTHEM Adam Bonarek INVOCATION Pastor Glass— El Bethel Church

***DINNER*** INTRODUCTION OF: Redford Township Chamber of Commerce Dignitaries

AWARDS PRESENTATIONS By: Heather Christie Chamber President Police Chief Nicholas Lentine Fire Chief Scott Demoff

POLICE AWARDS POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR Officer Ryan Hill FIRE AWARDS FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Lieutenant David Mondon

Unit 1 Award: Engineer Jason Kiekbusch

Jason has been a member of the department since 2013. Jason continues to be heavily involved in many aspects of the department. He is constantly looking to find ways to improve the department and is always eager to take on additional tasks and responsibilities. Over the years, Jason has secured many grants for our department for manpower and equipment. Jason continues to have a strong work ethic and carries leadership qualities that create an atmosphere where each member of his unit looks forward to working alongside him daily.

Unit 2 Award: Engineer Brant Hauck

Brant has been with Redford for 10 years and has been heavily involved since he started. Brant is well-known for his humor, positive attitude, and delicious meals around the station. Brant is one of the driving forces behind our department's truck maintenance committee as well as volunteering to help in many other aspects. On Brant's days away from the department, he is usually busy spending time with his wife and kids or taking care of his several pets. Our department is proud to select Brant for this year's Unit 2 Award.

Unit 3 Award: Engineer Dan Borsuck

Dan has worked for RTFD since 2012, first as an auxiliary and eventually full-time. Dan quickly went to work and has proven himself to be a quick learner and an asset to his unit and the whole department as a firefighter and paramedic.

Throughout the years, Dan has taken a leading role in maintaining our trucks and power equipment, holding a spot on

MERIT AWARDS April 29, 2021 B.C. Birchmeier, Lt. Ed Dudek, Lt. Dave Mondon, Eng. Iggy Kusmirek, Eng Jeremy Baird, Eng. Joel Fotovich FF Brian Miller, FF Arlie Caudill Our North and South End fire crews were dispatched to a house fire with reports of a child trapped inside. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing and another resident screaming that there was a child trapped in a bedroom. Crews quickly went to work and faced difficult conditions inside the home. The crew was able to rescue the child from the home and provided medical care during transport to the hospital. This incident was a fantastic example of teamwork and tremendous bravery.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 Lt. Josh Coleman, FF Jon Lada, FF Nick Philley, FF Mosakowski, FF Mike Bitterle Our North and South End fire crews were dispatched to a house fire with reports of a resident who was physically disabled trapped inside. Upon arriving at the scene, another panicked resident confirmed someone was trapped inside the back bedroom. With quick action amid dangerous conditions, the crew was able to get the resident out the bedroom window and provide necessary care during transport to the hospital. The firefighters exemplified bravery and teamwork with their actions.

September 10, 2021 FF Tom Erickson and FF Steven Hickey Crew was dispatched on the night of September 10 to a location for a female experiencing chest pain. The crew arrived to find the patient with 10/10 chest pain and low blood pressure. The crew quickly transferred her to the ambulance and found the patient to be having an active heart attack. The crew's swift intervention and timely transport allowed the patient to be in the hospital's Cath lab within less than 60 minutes of the initial 911 call. A cardiac stent was placed, and the patient was expected to recover fully. This merit award has been presented by the request of the Cardiology Services Manager of Beaumont Farmington Hills Botsford Campus for the crew's excellent care and decisive thinking.

MERIT AWARDS (cont.)

November 10, 2021

FF Andrew Perez, FF Steve Hickey On an early November morning, crews were dispatched to a location for a male who fell and was reported as being unresponsive. Units arrived and found the male lying on the floor from what was thought to be a fainting episode. The crew quickly assessed the patient and found him not breathing and without a pulse. The crew promptly started CPR and found the patient in a lifethreatening but treatable cardiac rhythm. The patient was placed on our cardiac monitor and shocked several times. The patient eventually regained a pulse after several minutes of CPR. The patient was quickly transported to Beaumont FH, and care was turned over to the Beaumont cardiologists, where they were able to place several stents in the patient. This merit award has been presented by the request of the Cardiology Services of Beaumont Farmington Hills for the crew's excellent care.

December 15, 2021

Lt. Ed Dudek, Eng. Jeremy Baird, Eng. Jason Kiekbusch, FF Shane O'Neill, FF Brandon Cook South End fire crews were dispatched to the ice arena for a male experiencing chest pain. Units arrived to find a male sitting in the lobby who had just finished playing a hockey game. The patient was experiencing chest pain throughout his entire chest, and upon further evaluation, the crew found that he was showing symptoms of a heart attack. Decisive thinking and rapid transport allowed this patient to be in the care of cardiologists shortly after arrival at the ED. It was found that the patient was experiencing a blocked main artery which required immediate intervention and stent placement. The patient was able to make a full recovery and was released a few days later. This merit award has been presented by the request of the Cardiology Services of Beaumont Farmington Hills for the crew's excellent care.

December 29, 2021

FF Jon Lada, FF Mike Palmisano Crews were dispatched to a residence for a male experiencing chest pain. The crews arrived within 3 minutes of dispatch to find a male patient sitting clenching his chest. The patient stated he had been experiencing chest pain for the past 20 minutes. The crew quickly transferred the patient to the ambulance, assessed the patient, and found he was having a major cardiac event that required immediate attention. Crew was able to quickly perform all necessary procedures and administer necessary medications while en route to the hospital. Once at the hospital, the cardiologists found a life-threatening blocked artery, which they were able to fix. The patient was expected to make a full recovery thanks to the swift action of the crew and cardiology team at Beaumont Farmington Hills. This merit award has been presented by the request of the Cardiology Services of Beaumont Farmington Hills for the crew's excellent care.

Merit Awards: Battalion Chief Roy Birchmeier Engineer Jeremy Baird (2) Firefighter Mike Bitterle Lieutenant Josh Coleman Lieutenant Ed Dudek (2) Firefighter Tom Erickson Firefighter Steven Hickey (2) Engineer Jason Kiekbusch Engineer Iggy Kusmirek (2) Engineer Joel Fotovich Firefighter Jon Lada (2) Lieutenant Dave Mondon Firefighter Brian Miller Firefighter Arlie Caudill Firefighter Matt Mosakowski Firefighter Shane O'Neill Firefighter Mike Palmisano Firefighter Andrew Perez Firefighter Nick Philley

2021 - Fire Chief's Award: Engineer Jason Hendrie

In 2014, Jason joined the department and currently holds rank as an engineer.

Over the last 8 years, he has proven to be an outstanding example of leadership and dedication. He excels as a highly motivated and deeply committed role model and mentor for newer firefighters. Jason has shown tremendous initiative in organizing and implementing many training resources for the betterment of the department. Along with holding the position of a team leader on the MUSAR team, Jason is also Redford Township's training coordinator. He has been instrumental in organizing required training events for this department and surrounding departments, including heavy rescue extrication involving school buses and large vehicles and training on electric vehicles. Jason's resourcefulness also includes coordinating with Ford Motor Company to acquire 2 brand new Ford F150 electric pickup trucks to provide our firefighters with hands-on training on electric vehicles. Along with his accessibility and availability to this department, Jason and his wife have branched out with their entrepreneurial skills and opened a Lefty's Cheesesteak. In recognition of Jason's dedication and willingness to serve this department and our community in an exemplary fashion, he has been awarded the Fire Chief's Award.

2021 - Fire Chief's Award: Engineer Jason Hendrie In 2014, Jason joined the department and currently holds rank as an engineer. Over the last 8 years, he has proven to be an outstanding example of leadership and dedication.

He excels as a highly motivated and deeply committed role model and mentor for newer firefighters. Jason has shown tremendous initiative in organizing and implementing many training resources for the betterment of the department. Along with holding the position of a team leader on the MUSAR team, Jason is also Redford Township's training coordinator. He has been instrumental in organizing required training events for this department and surrounding departments, including heavy rescue extrication involving school buses and large vehicles and training on electric vehicles. Jason's resourcefulness also includes coordinating with Ford Motor Company to acquire 2 brand new Ford F150 electric pickup trucks to provide our firefighters with hands-on training on electric vehicles. Along with his accessibility and availability to this department, Jason and his wife have branched out with their entrepreneurial skills and opened a Lefty's Cheesesteak. In recognition of Jason's dedication and willingness to serve this department and our community in an exemplary fashion, he has been awarded the Fire Chief's Award.

2021 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Lieutenant David Mondon Lt. David Mondon joined the Redford Fire Dept in 2009 at a very young age and has made the most out of his 13 years with us. Dave joined RTFD with no prior fire department experience and to say he had a steep learning curve is an understatement. For the past 13 years, Dave has proven himself and excelled as a firefighter, paramedic, and in his current role as a lieutenant. Dave has been awarded numerous merit awards and quickly moved through the ranks to his current position.

His crew and new members look up to him for his leadership, ability to remain calm in every situation, and overall positive attitude.

Dave is someone this department counts on as a valuable teammate and someone who will always help others complete what needs to be done regardless of the obstacles. Dave has been a Union grievance rep for many years and continues to be involved as the officer on our tool committee. On Dave's days away from the department, he is usually busy spending time with his family, practicing his golf game, and checking in on his multiple fantasy football teams. Dave showed tremendous bravery on a house fire this past year, which was called in with information that a child was trapped inside. Dave and his engineer were the only unit available in the North End, arriving minutes before additional units would arrive. Knowing he had no other choice, Dave went into the home alone to search for the child, who was ultimately found hiding under a bed. In one of the most dangerous situations we could face, this selfless, courageous act exemplifies why Dave was chosen for this award. The department is proud to select Dave Mondon as 2021's Firefighter of the Year.

Merit Citations: Officer Ryan Hill. Case #: 21-24822. On 12/14/21, Ofc. Hill and other officers responded to the Marathon Gas Station at Schoolcraft / Telegraph on a robbery with shots fired. Ofc. Hill received the suspect description and searched the area. Ofc. Hill located the suspect blocks away and pursued him on foot, observing the suspect to hold his waistband as though still armed, and notifying officers by radio of this fact.

After losing sight of him, Ofc. Hill was able to apprehend the suspect, but he was not still in possession of the handgun. Ofc. Hill then searched the area and located the firearm that had been thrown down onto the shoulder of I-96. Ofc. Hill’s bravery in pursuing an armed suspect and tenacity in searching for the gun resulted in a violent offender and weapon being taken off the streets.

Ofc. Pedersen, Ofc. Werner, and Ofc. McNamara, Case#: 21-24634. On December 11th, 2021, Ofc. Pedersen, Ofc. Werner, and Ofc. McNamara were all on patrol when they heard gunshots nearby. Ofc. Pedersen and Ofc. Werner responded to the area of the shots and located a crashed vehicle at Elmira and Woodbine. The officers checked the area and located two suspects in the Popeyes parking lot. Both suspects ran from the officers and a foot pursuit ensued. The foot pursuit went across Telegraph and into the McDonald’s parking lot at Telegraph/Elmira. As these events were unfolding, a third suspect fled from the area. Ofc. McNamara arrived on scene and was able to help contain the fleeing suspects by positioning his squad car and eliminating escape routes. All three suspects were arrested. A loaded handgun and a loaded rifle were also recovered from the area. After the suspects were in custody, dispatch took a 911 call that a drive-by shooting of a residence had occurred in the area of Lenore/Elmira. The officers’ proactive policing resulted in multiple arrests prior to the crime being reported.

Ofc. French, Case#: 21-24511. On December 8th, 2021, Ofc. French took a report of a suspect that stabbed a construction worker at Karas House.

While the victim was working, a suspect arrived and began to speak with him. At some point the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim in the chest. After stabbing the victim, the suspect fled in his vehicle. Ofc. French conducted an investigation and was able to obtain the suspect/vehicle description. Approximately seven hours later, Ofc. French was on patrol when he heard, via radio, that Dearborn Heights Police had a stabbing and the suspect matched the description from the earlier report. Ofc. French began to check the area and located a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicle’s description. Ofc. French conducted a traffic stop and found that the driver matched the suspect description.

The driver also had blood on his clothing and a knife in the vehicle. The suspect was arrested. It is believed that the arrested suspect was responsible for both stabbings.

Merit Citations cont: Ofc. Wilson, Case#: 21-17132. On August 11th, 2021, Ofc. Wilson was actively patrolling his district when he observed a Jeep Cherokee disregard a stop sign. Ofc. Wilson followed the vehicle to the Exxon Gas station, at 7 Mile/Poinciana. As Ofc. Wilson arrived at the gas station, he observed the suspect pull a black ski mask over his face. This lead Ofc. Wilson to believe that the suspect was about to commit a robbery at the business. Upon seeing Ofc. Wilson, the suspect immediately fled from the business in his vehicle. A pursuit ensued as the suspect fled in his vehicle and then on foot after the suspect crashed his vehicle. Ofc. Wilson continued after the suspect and was able to catch and detain the suspect. Further investigation showed that the suspect vehicle was stolen out of Novi. A search of the vehicle and the suspect yielded a fully loaded Glock 23 handgun, two extended pistol magazines, a box of ammunition, two SRT keys (used to steal vehicles), multiple key fobs, and a credit card reader/scanner. The suspect was arrested on scene. It was later found that the suspect had a lengthy criminal record that consisted of violent crimes. Ofc. Wilson’s patrol skills and keen observations afforded him the opportunity to stop a violent crime, confiscate a weapon, and arrest a violent criminal.

Ofc. Ivey, Case#: 21-16117. On July 27th, 2021, officers were dispatched to a home on Nathaline for a suspect who shot a firearm inside the home and possibly at other residents. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had fired his gun at his mother and was still armed.

Shortly after arriving on scene, the suspect and his father exited the home. Officers observed that the suspect had a bulge (believed to be a concealed handgun) on his right hip and noted that the suspect’s right hand was over the bulge. The suspect refused to comply with commands to put his hands up and move them away from the concealed firearm. Additionally, the suspect’s father refused to move away from the armed and dangerous suspect. Ofc. Ivey approached from a rear tactical position, grabbed the suspect’s right arm, and removed the concealed firearm. The suspect was arrested without further incident.

Disp. Curran, Case#: 21-6161. On March 15th, 2021, Duressi’s Coney Island and Beirut Bakery were each the victim of a burglary. The same suspect was involved in both incidents.

Through investigation, the suspect and the suspect vehicle were identified. Dispatcher Curran learned of this incident and took it upon herself to check and see if the suspect was on probation or parole. Dispatcher Curran learned that the suspect was on probation and obtained the suspect’s phone number from his probation officer. Dispatcher Curran was then able to obtain an exigent ping on the suspect’s cell phone. Dispatcher Curran relayed that information to Ofc’s Largent and Kline who checked the area and were able to locate and arrest the suspect. Due to the excellent work by Dispatcher Curran, the suspect was only able to avoid incarceration for six and a half hours.

Ofc. A. Wilson, Ofc. A. Foran, and Ofc. E. Livadic Case#: 21-5743. On 03/09/2021, officers were dispatched to the area of Five Points and Grove for a vehicle ramming other vehicles.

Ofc. Wilson saw the suspect vehicle drive away at a high rate of speed. The vehicle crashed into another vehicle and Ofc. Wilson checked on the drivers of the vehicles. The suspect was revving his engine and attempting to flee in his vehicle. Officers Foran and Livadic arrived on scene to assist. Officers attempted to get the suspect out of his vehicle when the suspect attempted to reach under the passenger seat. A handgun fell from the suspect and Ofc. Livadic kicked the firearm out of the suspect’s reach. The suspect continued to fight, was eventually tasered by Ofc. Foran and taken into custody. The actions of these officers led to the arrest of a dangerous felon with a violent criminal history and a handgun was taken off the streets.

Merit Citations cont: Ofc. D. Kline. Case #: 21-6520. On 03/19/2021, Ofc. Kline was patrolling the area of Telegraph and Schoolcraft. While doing so Ofc. Kline saw a subject walking through the parking lot. Once the subject saw Ofc. Kline the subject quickly turned and began to walk in the opposite direction. Ofc. Kline followed the subject as the subject entered a vehicle. Ofc. Kline initiated a traffic stop. When Ofc. Kline approached the vehicle to speak with the subject he saw the subject attempting to hide a handgun in the center console. The subject was identified as being wanted on a parole violation warrant where the original charge was armed robbery. Ofc. Kline arrested the felon and a handgun was taken off the streets.

Ofc. G. Kropf Case #: 21-4675. On 02/27/2021, Ofc. Kropf was patrolling in the area of Plymouth and Brady when he stopped a vehicle for a civil infraction. The driver didn’t have a valid license and was asked to exit the vehicle, but the driver reached for the center console instead. Ofc. Kropf was able to keep the driver from gaining access to the center console and removed him from the vehicle. The subject was able to break away from Ofc. Kropf and fled on foot. Ofc. Kropf located the suspect hiding in a backyard and advised assisting officers. Officers were able to take the subject into custody without further incident. Ofc. Kropf impounded and searched the subject’s vehicle where he located a loaded handgun in the center console. Due to Ofc. Kropf’s proactive tactics a handgun was taken off the streets and an arrest was made.

Ofc. J. Vance and Ofc. R. Knell Case #: 21-3790. On 02/15/2021, RTPD officers were dispatched to a business regarding a suspicious person. The caller reported that she saw a male in the store who she believed was wanted for two previous armed robberies of the store. Officers Vance and Knell arrived on scene as the suspect was exiting the store. A struggle ensued between the officers and the suspect. The suspect was able to break free and flee on foot. Ofc. Vance pursued on foot and tackled the suspect. Officers were able to take the suspect into custody.

Officers recovered a handgun from the suspects waistband and a plastic bag containing cash. The cash was taken during an armed robbery of the store by the suspect moments before the officers encountered him. The suspect was responsible for several armed robberies in Redford Twp and Detroit.

Ofc. A. Wilson, Ofc. J. Ditzhazy, Ofc. J. Hackney Livonia Police Officer M. Petrul and K-9 Colt Case # 21-10038. On 05/22/2021, RTPD officers were dispatched to a residence for an in progress armed robbery/home invasion where several shots had been fired. RTPD officers responded to an area where the suspect vehicle was spotted. Ofc. Wilson saw a suspect fleeing on foot across a parking lot and relayed that information to other officers. Officers Ditzhazy and Hackney were able to apprehend that suspect. RTPD officers formed a perimeter to contain two other suspects. Livonia Officer Petrul and K-9 Colt arrived on scene to assist. Ofc. Petrul saw the suspects running from a backyard and relayed the information to RTPD officers who were able to take both subjects into custody. The communication, teamwork, and actions of all involved resulted in the apprehension of 3 violent criminals, the recovery of three loaded handguns and two loaded assault rifles with high capacity magazines.

Commendations: Officer Ryan Hill, Canton Township Officer Brian Zinser, and Canton Township K-9 Tino. Case #: 21-22251. On 10/29/21, Ofc. Hill was patrolling his businesses when at approximately 0030 hrs he heard an audible alarm in the area of 6 Mile and Kinloch. Ofc. Hill spotted a suspect leaving Walsh’s Service Center carrying a generator. The suspect dropped the generator and fled with Ofc. Hill in pursuit on foot. After losing sight of the suspect, Ofc. Hill coordinated a perimeter and requested a K-9 to respond. Canton Township Ofc. Zinser and his partner, K-9 Tino, arrived and began tracking the suspect with Ofc. Hill accompanying him. The track led directly to the suspect in a back yard where he was taken into custody.

Officer Ryan Hill. Case #: 21-7710. On 4/4/21, Ofc. Hill patrolling the area of West Chicago and Appleton. Ofc. Hill saw a subject walking down the street and quickly observed the handle of a gun in his front pocket. Ofc. Hill watched the subject then push the gun further into his pocket in an effort to conceal it from him. Ofc. Hill made contact with the subject, verified that he did not have a CPL, and made the arrest. His keen observations skills resulted in the arrest of a felon and a firearm being taken off the streets.

Officer Ryan Hill. Case #: 21-22971. On 11/10/21, Ofc. Hill and other officers were dispatched to National Storage on Telegraph for reports of suspects climbing back and forth over the wall surrounding the business. The officers found a vehicle parked there, and knowing this business to have been recently burglarized, Ofc. Hill took up a position to monitor the business while waiting for additional back up.

Ofc. Hill again saw the suspect, who fled on foot over a fence into the nearby apartments and Ofc. Hill began to pursue him. Ofc. Hill caught up to the suspect who refused to cooperate and attempted to flee again, resulting with him being tasered and taken into custody by Ofc. Hill.

Ofc. Largent and Ofc. Kline, Case#: 21-6161. On March 15th, 2021, Duressi’s Coney Island and Beirut Bakery were each the victim of a burglary. The same suspect was involved in both incidents. Through investigation, the suspect and the suspect vehicle were identified. Dispatcher Curran learned that the suspect was on probation and obtained the suspect’s phone number from his probation officer. Dispatcher Curran was then able to obtain an exigent ping on the suspect’s cell phone and track the suspect. That information was forwarded to Ofc. Largent and Ofc. Kline. The ping repeatedly hit in the area of Ford/Evergreen. Officer Largent and Officer Kline diligently checked the area, for multiple hours, until they located the suspect vehicle on Auburn St in Detroit. As the officers set up surveillance, the suspect exited the vehicle and began to run. Ofc. Kline pursued the suspect on foot and Ofc. Largent used his patrol car to keep the suspect contained to a small area. The suspect was unable to escape and was taken into custody after being located hiding under a car. The experience of Ofc. Largent and Ofc. Kline was highlighted in their ability to patrol, surveil, locate, and arrest the suspect in such a quick manner.

Commendations cont.

Ofc. Christian Werner. Case #: 21-10297. On 05/09/2021 at 0058 hours Ofc. Werner was conducting a patrol check in the area of Grayfield St and Plymouth Rd when he observed a Kia with heavily tinted windows in the area. Ofc. Werner began to investigate the vehicle while the vehicle entered the subdivision and made multiple quick turns in an attempt to evade him. A traffic stop was initiated, but the Kia immediately accelerated and fled from the traffic stop. Ofc. Werner was able to block in the Kia when it turned into a driveway preventing it from fleeing further.

Ofc. Werner was able to take the driver into custody for Flee & Elude. A subsequent inventory search of the Kia led to the discovery of a rifle with a 100 round drum magazine behind the driver’s seat.

Ofc. Christian Werner. Case #: 21-19038. On 09/08/2021 Ofc. Werner was patrolling the area Plymouth Rd east of Telegraph Rd when he observed a white Chevrolet Malibu with a Virginia plate. A traffic stop was made after Ofc. Werner discovered that the plate on the vehicle was improper to a 2019 Dodge. The driver stated that he had just purchased the vehicle and had not had an opportunity to change the plates yet. Ofc. Werner had just attended an auto theft class and believed that the vehicles dashboard vin had been altered. While attempting to locate a secondary vin number, Ofc. Werner discovered that the secondary vin number stickers from the inner door had been removed. Ofc. Werner was able to locate the real vin number and he discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen in Detroit on 10/20/2020. The driver was arrested.

Ofc. Edward French. Case #: 21-153. On 01/03/2021 Ofc. French was patrolling his district when he observed a suspicious Ford vehicle parked behind a church van at the Lighthouse Community Church. Ofc. French knowing of recent thefts of catalytic converter in the township began to investigate further by positioning his patrol vehicle behind the Ford so that it could not leave. The suspect crawled from underneath the van with a Sawzall in hand and immediately got into the Ford in an attempt to flee. Due to Ofc. French positioning his patrol vehicle in the manner that he had it prevented the suspect from escaping, the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Ofc. French crawled underneath the van here he observed fresh saw marks to the catalytic converter.

Ofc. Edward French. Case #: 21-24862. On 12/14/2021 Officers were dispatched to the area of A&J Party Store at 7 Mile Rd and Indian for a report of shots fired.

Ofc. French was the first on scene. Upon arrival, Ofc. French observed a suspect walk towards and go behind the rear of the building. Ofc. French approached the suspect and ordered him to show his hands. The suspect did not comply and turned toward Ofc. French with one of his arms behind his back. Ofc. French held the suspect at gun point and repeated his commands multiple times without compliance. As the situation continued Ofc. French heard a metal-on-metal sound and found that the suspect had dropped a gun that was concealed behind his back. Ofc. French did not hesitate and quickly secured the suspect without further incident.

The suspect was intoxicated and found to have fired a single round during an argument with another subject. The firearm the suspect had possessed was also discovered to be stolen out of Washtenaw County.

Commendations cont.

Ofc. David Kline. Case #: 21-2591. On 01/31/2021 Ofc. Kline was patrolling the area of 8 Mile Rd and Beech Daly Rd where he observed a vehicle squeal its tires and take off at a high rate of speed. Ofc. Kline conducted a traffic stop and discovered the driver had a suspended license. Ofc. Kline arrested the driver for DWLS and began his inventory search where he observed the vehicle had multiple bullet holes. Believing that a weapon was inside the vehicle Ofc. Kline spent considerable time searching the vehicle.

Ofc. Kline found the air vent to the left of the steering wheel was not set in place. Ofc. Kline removed the cover and checked the vent. A loaded 9mm handgun was located inside the vent.

Ofc. Christopher Pedersen, Ofc. Rudy McNamara, and Ofc. Craig Serafino. Case #: 21-8037. On 04/08/2021 Officers were dispatched to the area of Garfield St and Leona St for the occupants of a dark colored Dodge Durango who were pursuing another vehicle and shooting at it. Ofc. Pedersen and Ofc. McNamara spotted a dark colored Durango eastbound on 5 Mile Rd approaching Telegraph Rd and advised dispatch. Ofc. Serafino was also in the area and both RTPD units were able to conduct a felony stop on the Durango. Both occupants of the vehicle obeyed Officers orders and were secured in the rear of a patrol vehicle. Ofc. Serafino observed a white Chrysler 200 travel past the felony stop eastbound on 5 Mile Rd. Believing the Chrysler to be involved Ofc. Serafino left the felony stop and conducted a traffic stop on the Chrysler. Ofc. Serafino was advised by the driver of the Chrysler that she had been chased and shot at by the occupants of the Durango that was stopped. Ofc. Serafino observed damage to the Chrysler and learned from the driver that the Durango had rammed her vehicle. Ofc. Pedersen and Ofc. McNamara then conducted a search on the Durango where Ofc. McNamara recovered a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun from the center console. Ofc. McNamara noted that the firearm was still warm to the touch as if it had been recently fired. Both occupants of the Durango were charged with AWIM. Ofc. Dakota Bakka, Ofc. Michael Largent, and Ofc. Devan Liss. Case #: 21 -9883. On 05/02/2021 at 1415 hours Ofc. Sutton’s vehicle was struck in front of the Inn America and the vehicle fled the scene. Ofc. Sutton called out the vehicle description, plate number, and last known direction. Ofc. Bakka responded to the area and located the suspect vehicle. Ofc. Bakka attempted to stop the vehicle, but it continued to flee into the City of Detroit. Ofc. Bakka began to pursue the vehicle and was joined in the pursuit

by Ofc. Largent and Ofc. Liss. After the suspect vehicle failed to show any regard for safety to motorists or pedestrians, Officers requested and were granted permission to stop the pursuit by means of intentional contact using the patrol vehicle. An initial attempt by Ofc. Bakka was unsuccessful in stopping the fleeing vehicle. A second attempt by Ofc. Liss and Ofc. Largent was successful in stopping the fleeing vehicle. The suspect was arrested and believed to be under the influence of alcohol.

Commendations cont.

Dispatcher Lisa Byrnes. Case #: 21-17056. On 08/10/2021 Disp. Byrnes received multiple 911 calls for a shooting that had occurred at the Deluxe Inn Motel in Detroit. While receiving and transferring calls to Detroit, Disp. Byrnes was giving information regarding the incident to RTPD Officers for safety. Disp. Byrnes then received a 911 call from the victim of the shooting. Disp. Byrnes transferred the call to Detroit 911, but remained on the line to gather information to relay to RTPD Officers. Once Disp. Byrnes realized that the Detroit operator had disconnected from the call, she began relaying directions to the victim to the nearest hospital. The driver was insistent on only going to Providence Hospital in Southfield. Disp. Byrnes gave the driver step by step directions to Providence while providing first aid information for the driver and another victim within the vehicle. Disp. Byrnes was also able to gain more information on the shooter which was relayed to DPD by Ofc. Wilson. When the driver advised Disp. Byrnes that they could see a police car, she encouraged them to flag down the patrol unit, and then made contact with the Southfield Police Department to apprise them of the incident.

Ofc. Joshua Sutton. Case #: 21-2734. On 02/02/2021 Ofc. Sutton was conducting follow-up regarding a suspect wanted on a felony warrant. Ofc. Sutton observed a subject walking away from the area of the location that resembled the suspect. Ofc. Sutton conducted a field investigation and when asked for identification, the subject handed Ofc. Sutton his wallet. Upon opening the wallet to retrieve the subjects ID Ofc. Sutton observed a bullet. Ofc. Sutton advised the subject that he was going to pat him down for weapons and the subject told Ofc. Sutton that he had a firearm. Ofc. Sutton recovered a Jennings .25 caliber semi-auto with an obliterated serial number from the subject. The subject did not have a CPL and was subsequently arrested for CCW.

Life Saving Awards Officer Ryan Hill. Case #: 21-12757. On 6/11/21 Ofc. Hill and officers were dispatched to a Home Invasion / Shooting. Ofc. Hill located a juvenile with a gun shot wound to his hand. Ofc. Hill immediately applied a tourniquet to the subject’s arm and turned him over to RTFD when they arrived. Hospital staff later advised that the bullet had broken bones and struck an artery.

When removing the tourniquet at the hospital, the wound immediately began spurting profusely and the tourniquet was reapplied until they could surgically repair the artery. Ofc. Hill’s quick actions prevented a significant loss of blood and further damage to the juvenile’s hand.

Officer Ashley Foran, Officer Alan Reichenbach, and Officer Ibrahim Sleiman. Case #: 21-6044. On 3/13/21 Officers Foran, Reichenbach, and Sleiman responded to the area of Beech Daly and Capitol in response to a transferred 911 call where a subject stated that he had just shot himself but provided no further information to his location. Ofc. Foran located the subject’s truck at Handy Park. Ofc. Reichenbach and Ofc. Sleiman arrived and the 3 officers saw the subject inside the locked truck slumped over the wheel. Ofc. Sleiman broke out the window and Ofc. Reichenbach secured the subject once he was removed from the vehicle until the gun was located.

Observing a gunshot wound to the subject’s chest and an exit wound to his back, Ofc. Sleiman and Ofc. Reichenbach applied pressure to the wounds while Ofc. Foran retrieved a first aid kit. Chest seals were applied to the wounds to stop the bleeding while waiting for RTFD to arrive. The quick actions taken by the officers prevented his death.

Ofc. Largent, and Ofc. Sutton, Case #: 21-20315. On 09/28/21, Ofc. Largent and Ofc. Sutton were dispatched to the area of Lyndon and Inkster for an unresponsive male in a vehicle. Ofc. Largent located the vehicle on Lyndon west of Inkster and removed the unresponsive male from the vehicle. The male was not breathing and he did not have a pulse. Ofc. Sutton immediately began CPR and was able to complete one full cycle of CPR. At that time Ofc. Largent was able to detect that the victim had a pulse. The victim was transported to the hospital for further treatment.

Ofc. Ryan Kensinger. Case #: 21-22969. On 11/10/2021 Ofc. Kensinger was dispatched to a subject not breathing. Ofc. Kensinger was first on-scene and located the victim in the bathroom of the residence not breathing and without a pulse. Ofc. Kensinger pulled the victim into the hallway so he had space to assist the victim. Ofc. Kensinger administered CPR until RTFD arrived and took over the life saving efforts. The victim was transported to Beaumont Farmington Hills. The victim was admitted to Beaumont and where he received medical care.

Ofc. J. Ditzhazy and Ofc. I. Sleiman. Case #: 21-814. On 01/10/2021, Officers Ditzhazy and Sleiman were dispatched to a motel for a female not breathing. On their arrival they discovered one subject not breathing and another unresponsive subject. They both began CPR and administered Narcan to the subjects. After several minutes of continued first aid from both officers, the subjects regained consciousness and were subsequently transported to the hospital for further treatment.

2021 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR OFFICER RYAN HILL

Officer Ryan Hill joined the Redford Township Police Department on March 29, 2021 as a lateral hire from the Detroit Police Department.

Ryan graduated from Hartland High School in 2013 where he was a member of the Varsity Wrestling team and the Varsity Football Team.

After high school, Ryan began working security for General Motors while attending Muskegon Community College. In 2015, Officer Hill accepted the challenge to serve his country and joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve, where he reached the rank of Corporal.

Ryan was assigned as a Rifleman in the Infantry and served 6 years until receiving an honorable discharge in 2021.

Officer Hill began his law enforcement career at the Detroit Police Department in 2016 after completing the police academy.

After graduating from the academy, Officer Hill was assigned to the Southwest District where he worked road patrol for two years. Officer Hill’s work ethic and investigative skills led to him being assigned to Organized Crime Division and then the multi-jurisdictional Fugitive Task Force. As part of the Fugitive Task Force, Officer Hill honed his investigative and surveillance skills pursuing violent criminals.

While only in his first year of service at The Redford Township Police Department, Officer Hill has already been named as an Officer of the Month, along with earning several awards this evening. Spending the majority of his assignments on the midnight shift, Officer Hill can be found patrolling the neighborhoods and businesses, seeking out, and often finding, crimes in progress. Officer Hill is known as a leader and team player on the shift, consistently going out of his way to assist other officers on the road. He is quick with a joke and a story to make everyone laugh.

While Officer Hill has his eye on promotions in the future, he is happy working in Road Patrol where he is able to do what he does best: catch bad guys. Ryan would like to thank his parents, Douglas and Deborah, and his sister, Taylor, for their support throughout the years. .