Police & Fire Awards - 2023

PROGRAM WELCOME Tim Young President Redford Chamber of Commerce

POSTING OF THE COLORS Redford Twp. Police Honor Guard

NATIONAL ANTHEM Playing of INVOCATION Pastor Glass— El Bethel Church

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

AWARDS PRESENTATIONS By: Tim Young Chamber President Police Chief Kevin Jeziorowski Fire Chief Scott Demoff

POLICE OFFICERS OF THE YEAR Officer Josh Sutton & Officer Ryan Kensinger

FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Lieutenant Chris Lisak

Commendations: Officer Jacob Vance and Officer Mike Sharp – Case # 22-12149 Officer Vance, Officer Sharp, and other officers responded to a robbery that had just occurred at 25755 7 Mile, Boost Mobile. As officers at the scene began speaking with the victim, Officer Vance began searching for security cameras that may have captured the incident. Officer Vance located a camera at a nearby business that showed the suspect and vehicle, but also the license plate. Officer Vance utilized LEIN to find where the vehicle was registered to and found the suspect vehicle in the driveway there. He immediately set up surveillance and soon after saw the suspect leaving the house in the same clothes he saw on video. The suspect was arrested and evidence was located inside the vehicle. Officer Sharp watched the security video inside the store of the robbery. He noticed that the suspect was not wearing gloves and observed the exact location on the counter where the suspect placed his hands. Officer Sharp was able to use his evidence technician training to collect a palm print of the suspect that was later identified as that of the suspect that Officer Vance arrested.

The investigation skills and determination of Officer Vance and Officer Sharp directly led to the immediate arrest of a violent felon.

Officer Ryan Knell and Officer Erica Wilson – Case # 22-13532 On July 10th, Officer Wilson was actively patrolling the Hilltop Hotel, a location known for narcotic activity. Officer Wilson and her training officer, Officer Knell, stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation as it left the hotel. Once Officer Wilson identified the driver, it was discovered that she had a felony warrant for trafficking heroin. When Officer Wilson attempted to have the driver get out of the car, the driver put the vehicle in reverse and rammed the patrol car with Officer Wilson and Officer Knell only 1 foot away. As the vehicle sped away, Officer Wilson and Officer Knell pursued it until it struck another vehicle and crashed. Officer Knell secured the passenger of the vehicle while Officer Wilson now chased the driver on foot. Officer Wilson caught up with the driver and a fight began while she was attempting to arrest her. The driver continued to fight and attempt to get away from Officer Wilson. Officer Knell arrived and assisted Officer Wilson in arresting the driver without serious injury. The driver was charges with flee & elude, 2 counts of felonious assault, malicious destruction of property, and resisting and obstructing.

Ofc. Ryan Plymel and Ofc. Austin Slomba. Case # 22-24331: On 12/3/22 Ofc. Plymel was patrolling the business district near Glendale St and Kinloch St when he observed a Chrysler 300 parked in the rear of Steel Industries where it is uncommon to find vehicles. Believing it to be a possible stolen vehicle Ofc. Plymel approached the vehicle and found it to be unoccupied with an open duffle bag with a handgun inside on the front seat in plain view. Ofc. Plymel took up a position to surveil the vehicle and notified other officers. Ofc. Plymel then utilized LEIN to locate the registered owners information to have DPD confirm if the vehicle was a recently stolen vehicle. Ofc. Plymel also located a person registered at the vehicles registered address that had an active felony warrant and who was a convicted felon. A male approached the vehicle and Ofc. Plymel along with other officers attempted to stop the vehicle. Ofc. Plymel recognized the male as the subject with a felony warrant and who was a convicted felon. The male accelerated away in the vehicle. Ofc. Slomba then took primary in the pursuit. After a short pursuit the male exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Ofc. Slomba pursued the male on foot and was able to take him into custody after utilizing the Taser. Ofc. Slomba then located a handgun that the male had thrown while fleeing on foot.

Commendations cont.

Ofc. James Hackney. Case # 22-14688: On 7/26/22 Ofc. Hackney observed a U-Haul van that he recognized as being stolen from the previous week. Ofc. Hackney made a traffic stop on the U-Haul as it turned into a driveway. The driver immediately fled on foot. Ofc. Hackney secured the vehicle and provided a detailed description of the suspect to other officers. After towing the vehicle Ofc. Hackney continued to patrol the area where he observed the suspect in the passenger seat of a passing vehicle. A traffic stop was made and the suspect fled again from the vehicle.

Ofc. Hackney pursued the suspect and located him in the backyard of a residence with an injured ankle. Ofc. Hackney provided medical care and took the suspect into custody.

Officers Gerald Kropf and Cody Short case # 22-1292.

On January 22nd, 2022, at approximately 4:40am Officers Kropf and Short observed what they believed an excessive amount of vehicular traffic at the Coach and Lantern Motel, which is a known location for illegal activity including narcotics possession and distribution. They began surveillance on the motel and observed two vehicles leave the parking lot together. They began following one of the vehicles as it came to a stop at the red-light Grand River and 7 Mile. The vehicle then proceeded through the red light. Officers Kropf and Short effected a traffic stop on the vehicle for that offense. They made contact with the driver who did not possess a Driver’s License. The driver was arrested for the misdemeanor traffic violation. Officers Kropf and Short searched the vehicle and recovered 14 individual wrapped baggies of heroin and 27 Ecstasy pills. The driver was subsequently charged with possession of narcotics as well as additional drug offenses. Officer Kropf and Short utilized their keen power of observation and determined crime was afoot. Their proactive police work aided in removing dangerous drugs from the street.

Officer Christian Werner and Officer Alan Reichenbach Case# 22-12416 On June 24th, 2022, Ofc. Werner and Ofc. Reichenbach were patrolling their district as a two-man car. The officers were patrolling near 13350 Telegraph and observed a Dodge Charger, with no plate, pull up to the front doors. The driver exited the Charger, looked at the officers, and immediately reentered the vehicle. A pursuit ensued onto e/b I-96. As the pursuit continued, the driver threw a gun out of the car, and then jumped from the moving vehicle out of the sunroof. Ofc. Reichenbach chased the suspect on foot and was able to catch up to and tackle the suspect, taking him into custody. Both the firearm and vehicle were found to be stolen. The officers displayed sound patrol tactics and tenacious effort. Through their actions, a felon was taken into custody, and stolen property (including a gun) was recovered.

Officer James Hackney and Officer Michael Largent Case# 22-18522 On September 16, 2022, Plymouth Twp Police had an unarmed robbery occur in their township. The vehicle was last seen near the Thurston subdivision. Officer Largent made the area and strategically placed himself in an area where the suspect was likely to travel (Beech Daly/Schoolcraft). Ofc. Largent soon located the suspect vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Two suspects immediately exited the suspect vehicle and were arrested on scene by Officer Largent. The driver of the suspect vehicle fled from the stop. Ofc. Hackney arrived on scene and engaged in a pursuit that continued into Detroit. The driver eventually stopped the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area. Ofc. Hackney gave chase and was able to catch the suspect. Both officers used sound tactics during this incident that resulted in all three suspects being arrested for unarmed robbery.

Commendations cont.

Officer Ryan Plymel Case# 22-16532 On August 22, 2022, Officer Ryan Plymel was patrolling an area where multiple LFA’s had been committed. Ofc. Plymel observed a suspicious vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle fled, and a pursuit ensued. The suspect vehicle eventually pulled over and two suspects were taken into custody. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of two loaded handguns. Also, it was later found that the vehicle was stolen from the City of Detroit. Ofc. Plymel’s proactive tactics and initiative resulted in two arrests, recovered stolen property, and two weapons being taken off of the streets.

Dispatcher Lisa Byrnes case # 22-19362.

On September 27th, 2022, Dispatcher Byrnes answered a 911 call which was a transfer from Dearborn Police Department. Dispatcher Byrnes received information of an “officer down”. It was reported that the injured officer was behind the Family Dollar located at Schoolcraft and Telegraph. Dispatcher Byrnes’ training and experience took over as she dispatched Redford units to the area and simultaneously notified DPD and MSP regarding the information. Because of Dispatcher Byrnes’ quick actions approximately 50 police units from Redford, Detroit and MSP saturated the area looking for the downed officer. He was located in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 14075 Riverview in Detroit suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The officer was transported to a local hospital and was stabilized. Dispatcher Byrnes’ skillful ability to multitask and remain calm aided officers in quickly locating the downed Trooper. Dispatcher Byrnes’ dedication to her occupation is second to none and exemplifies the finest traditions of the Redford Township Police Department.

Life Saving Awards Dispatcher Krystal Heim. Case # 22-890, Case # 22-914 & Case # 22-1179.

On January 16th, 2022, at approximately 0730hrs Dispatcher Heim took a 911 call from a reporting party who reported that the person they were with was not breathing due to a drug overdose. Dispatcher Heim remained calm and relied on her training as she gave the reporting party CPR instructions. The reporting party followed Dispatcher Heim’s clear, concise instruction which resulted in the victim surviving the incident.

Approximately 10 hours later that day Dispatcher Heim answered another 911 call regarding a person not breathing due to another heroin overdose. Again, Dispatcher Heim was able to give clear and concise instructions to the reporting party which they followed causing the victim to survive the incident.

On January 20th, 2022 (4 days later) Dispatcher Hiem answered a third 911 call regarding a person not breathing due to a heroin overdose. Dispatcher Heim again utilized her training and calm demeanor and gave the reporting party CPR instructions. The reporting parting administered CPR and the victim survived the incident. Dispatcher Heim successfully assisted in saving the lives of three individuals. Her ability to effectively communicate life saving techniques in a stressful situation to untrained individuals speaks volumes to her dedication and commitment to her craft.

Ofc. Ashley Bankstahl. Case#: 22-12997.

On 7/2/22 Ofc. Bankstahl was working in the dispatch position as a CTO trainer when her trainee answered a 911 call from a frantic teenager who discovered her mother not breathing with no pulse. Ofc. Bankstahl immediately took over the call to provide medical instructions. Quickly gained the confidence of the caller and was able to give CPR instructions. Ofc. Bankstahl coordinated with her trainee to ensure that medical and police assistance were also on the way. With Ofc. Bankstahl counting chest compressions and providing calm support, the teenager completed multiple rounds of CPR, successfully regaining a pulse in her mother prior to police or fire arrival on scene.

Merit Citations: Officer Christopher Pedersen and Officer Christian Werner Case# 2212537 On June 26th, 2022, Ofc. Pedersen and Ofc. Werner were dispatched to a home for a suicidal person. The officers found an open garage door and found a subject inside. The subject was crying and there was a noose (hanging from the rafters) above his head. The subject was irate and demanded that the officers leave. After speaking with the subject for several minutes, the subject grabbed an axe and approached the officers in a menacing manner. Ofc. Werner was able to successfully taser the subject, which caused the subject to drop the axe and fall to the ground. Both officers immediately engaged the subject and a fight ensued. After several minutes, Ofc. Pedersen and Ofc. Werner were able to secure the subject and transport the subject for evaluation. Both officers displayed courage and disregarded their own safety to subdue the subject in order to prevent him from harming himself or others.

Officer Cody Short case # 22-1969.

On February 2nd, 2022 Officer Short affected a traffic stop near Plymouth and Telegraph on a vehicle that was traveling at a high rate of speed. He made contact with the driver and learned he did not have a Driver’s License. Officer Short attempted to place the driver in handcuffs when, without warning, the driver pushed away from Officer Short and attempted to escape. Officer Short reacted quickly and took the suspect to the ground. Unknown to Officer Short at that time, he was in a fight with a parolee who had an outstanding felony warrant and was being actively sought by the U.S. Marshals. The fight continued for several minutes, and the suspect managed to break free and run into the parking lot of Detroit Diesel. Although exhausted, Officer Short gave chase and managed to run him down and hold him until back-up arrived. Officer Short’s proactive nature and sheer will to win are directly responsible for the removal of a dangerous felon from the streets.

Merit Citations cont: Ofc. Ryan Kensinger and Ofc. Josh Sutton Case # 22-5177 (Citation)

Ofc. Pedersen and Ofc. Reichenbach Case # 22-5177 (Merit) On March 19, 2022, Ofc. Sutton and Ofc. Kensinger were dispatched to 26530 Plymouth for an assault that just occurred. Ofc. Sutton arrived and was met by hysterical occupants of the trailer screaming for help. Ofc. Sutton took control of the scene, escorted them out of harms way while simultaneously beginning dialogue with an aggressive suspect who was refusing to leave the trailer. After a brief exchange with the suspect, it was determined he had a 5month-old hostage and was armed with a long gun. Ofc. Sutton and Ofc. Kensinger immediately took tactical positions. Ofc. Sutton attempted to gain a rapport with the suspect to no avail. After several minutes of negotiation, the suspect stepped out onto the porch and leveled a rifle at Ofc. Sutton. Without hesitation, Ofc. Sutton and Ofc. Kensinger simultaneously shot at the suspect, striking him. The suspect retreated back into the trailer still armed with the rifle and holding the infant.

Ofc. Kensinger and Ofc. Pedersen were met at the door by a vicious dog that Ofc. Kensinger dispatched. Ofc. Pedersen rushed the suspect with Ofc. Reichenbach and Ofc. Sutton and was able to place the suspect in custody who was still in arms reach of the weapon. Ofc. Kensinger picked up the baby and rushed him to a waiting ambulance. Due to the officers’ valor and courage, they were able to safely remove the child from an environment that would have certainly resulted in a horrific incident. The officers demonstrated superior tactics in the face of immediate and certain danger. The teamwork they demonstrated was the only reason innocent residents were not injured or killed.

2022 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

OFFICER JOSH SUTTON

Officer Joshua Sutton is the 2022 Redford Township Police Officer of the Year. Ofc. Sutton has been with the Redford Township Police Department for approximately 3 years. Prior to joining our team, Ofc. Sutton worked for 1.5 years with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, and approximately 6 years with the Norfolk (Virginia) Police Department.

Throughout his 10.5 years in law enforcement, Ofc. Sutton has developed an extensive resume.

Beginning with the Norfolk Police Department, Ofc. Sutton has been an FTO, academy instructor, OWI instructor, and he was a member of the traffic unit.

After joining the Redford Township Police Department, Ofc. Sutton was again trained as an FTO, as well as becoming an evidence technician, a hostage crisis negotiator, and a member of the critical incident stress management team.

Being named as Officer of the Year is far from Ofc. Sutton’s first award or recognition. Beginning with the Norfolk Police Department in 2014, Ofc. Sutton received a Life Saving Award and two letters of commendation. After his transfer to the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Officer, Ofc. Sutton received a Meritorious Service Award in 2018.

Through his work with the Redford Township Police Department, Ofc. Sutton has earned a Life Saving Award, a department commendation, has been named as the officer of the month, and was honored as the Police Officers Association of Michigan police officer of the year.

When not at work, Ofc. Sutton can be found watching his beloved Detroit Sports teams and Michigan Wolverines. But to top the list, Ofc. Sutton loves to spend time with his family, who have been a beacon of support throughout the years. Ofc. Sutton has been married to Amy for 8 years. The couple have two wonderful children, Isaac (6) Adalynn (1), who are the light of their lives. In addition to his immediate family, Ofc. Sutton receives support from his father Stan Sutton, mother Kathy Fix, and grandparents Stan and Tommye Sutton.

Ofc. Sutton is thankful for his family and partners that have helped him along the way throughout his career. Without their assistance and guidance, Ofc. Sutton would not be the person or officer that he is today.

2022 POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR

OFFICER RYAN KENSINGER Prior to starting his career in law enforcement, Officer Kensinger served 4 years in the United States Marine Corps, during which he deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and Romania as part of the Black Sea Rotational Force. During his time in the Marine Corps, Officer Kensinger also participated in training operations with MARSOC in preparation for Operation African Horn, Army joint training exercises in Texas and New Mexico, and CAX movements at Mojave Viper in California. He received an honorable discharge from service in 2015 and moved back to Michigan to be near family.

Officer Kensinger started his career in law enforcement with Monroe County Sherriff's Department, where he worked for 1 year before joining the Redford Township PD in 2018. Since then, Officer Kensinger has taken on several roles with RTPD including Field Training Officer, Fire Arms Instructor, Active Shooter Instructor, and is a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team. While at Redford Ofc Kensinger has received 2 Merrit Citations, 1 Commendation, 1 life Saving award as well as 1 unit citation. Ofc Kensinger has also been named one of the POAM 2022 officer of the year recipients. Outside of work, Officer Kensinger has the support of his wife, Laura; two young children, Brynlee and Gavin; and his parents, Jeanette and Barry Reeck in addition to a close extended family. Kensinger enjoys spending time with family and friends at his cottage near Higgins Lake, boating, 4-wheeling, and trying new recipes on his smoker.

Officer Kensinger is thankful for the support of his peers and leadership at Redford Township Police Department, who have played an important role in shaping him into the Officer that he is today.

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: Firefighter Nick Philley

Nick has been with Redford for close to 7 years and has been heavily involved since the time he started. Nick has been awarded a number of merit awards and is always quick to volunteer to help around the station whatever the task may be. Nick is well-known for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to help mentor new guys on his shift. Nick is always looking for something to train on both on or off shift. Nick is our current radio guy who oversees the maintenance and purchasing of our radio equipment.

You will often find Nick working on different leatherwork projects around the station, whether it be making a pair of suspenders for another firefighter or working other various items people have ordered from him. Our department is proud to select Nick for this year’s Unit 2 award.

Unit 3 Award: Firefighter Dan Hurst

Nick has been with Redford for close to 7 years and has been heavily involved since the time he started. Nick has been awarded a number of merit awards and is always quick to volunteer to help around the station whatever the task may be. Nick is well-known for his strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to help mentor new guys on his shift. Nick is always looking for something to train on both on or off shift. Nick is our current radio guy who oversees the maintenance and purchasing of our radio equipment.

You will often find Nick working on different leatherwork projects around the station, whether it be making a pair of suspenders for another firefighter or working other various items people have ordered from him. Our department is proud to select Nick for this year’s Unit 2 award.

MERIT AWARDS September 10, 2022 FF Tom Erickson and FF Steven Hickey Crew was dispatched on the night of September 10th to a location for a female experiencing chest pain. Crew arrived to find patient with 10/10 chest pain and with very low blood pressure. The crew quickly transferred patient to 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 hospitals Cath lab less than 60 mins of the initial 911 call. A cardiac stent was placed and patient was expected to make a full recovery. 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.

November 2022 FF Andrew Perez, FF Steve Hickey

On an early November morning, crews were dispatched to a location for a male who fell and reported as being unresponsive. Units arrived and found the male laying on floor from what was thought to be a fainting episode. The crew quickly assessed the patient, found him not breathing and without a pulse. The crew quickly started CPR, and found patient to be in a life threating but treatable cardiac rhythm. 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.

MERIT AWARDS (cont.)

December 15, 2022 Lt. Ed Dudek, Eng. Jeremy Baird, Eng. Jason Kiekbusch, FF Shane O’Neill South end fire crews were dispatched to the ice arena for a male experiencing chest pain. Units arrived to find male sitting in lobby who had just finished playing a hockey game. Pt was experiencing chest pain throughout his entire chest and upon further evaluation, the crew found that he was most likely having a probable 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 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, 2022 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. Pt stated he had been experiencing chest pain for the past 20 mins. The crew quickly transferred patient to ambulance and quickly assessed patient and found she was having a major cardiac event which required immediate attention. Crew was able quickly perform all necessary procedures and administer necessary medications while enroute to the hospital. Once at hospital, the cardiologists found a life threating 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 (cont.)

February 7, 2023 BC Roy Birchmeier, Lt. Dave Mondon, Eng. Jeremy Baird, Eng. Joel Fotovich, Eng. Jason Kiekbusch, FF Brian Miller, FF Zach Jackson FF Mark Perkins, FF Shane O’Neill, FF Steven Hickey, FF Mike Bitterle, PFF Max Sawickyj Our North and South End fire crews were dispatched to a house fire with reports of two residents trapped inside. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke showing and residents screaming from the upstairs that they were trapped and that another person was in the basement. Fire crews quickly went to work and faced very tough conditions inside the home while other crews with assistance from RTPD set up to rescue the two individuals from the second story. The outside crew was able to get the two residents out the bedroom window and later found out the third resident had already made it out of the house prior to our arrival. This incident was a great example of teamwork and tremendous bravery between both departments on this fire.

March 15, 2023 BC Roy Birchmeier, Lt. Dave Mondon, Eng. Iggy Kusmirek, FF Brian Miller, FF Tom Erickson, FF Andrew Perez, FF Zach Jackson, FF Mark Perkins, FF Shane O’Neill, FF Steven Hickey, FF Mike Palmisano, PFF Max Sawickyj Both stations were dispatched to a south end house fire with reports of one resident who jumped from a window to escape the fire and another resident still trapped inside. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and fire showing with one resident injured outside the home with another still inside. Crews quickly gained access to the home and faced very tough conditions. Upon search, and while simultaneously putting out the fire, the other resident was found but crews were unable to provide any further care due to the condition of the body. Our mutual aid partners were able to transport the outside victim to a local burn center and is expected to recover and return home. This crew was able to work together under extreme conditions responding to a house fire with people trapped for the second time within a month. Responding to these high-risk incidents is why our training and daily staffing is so important to the community we serve.

MERIT AWARDS Engineer Jeremy Baird (2) Battalion Chief Roy Birchmeier (2) Firefighter Mike Bitterle Lieutenant Ed Dudek Firefighter Tom Erickson (2) Engineer Joel Fotovich Firefighter Steven Hickey (4) Firefighter Zach Jackson (2) Engineer Jason Kiekbusch (2) Engineer Iggy Kusmirek Firefighter Jon Lada Firefighter Brian Miller (2) Lieutenant Dave Mondon (2) Firefighter Shane O’Neill (3) Firefighter Mike Palmisano (2) Firefighter Andrew Perez (2) Firefighter Mark Perkins (2) Probation Firefighter Max Sawickyj (2)

2022 - Fire Chief’s Award Battalion Chief Chris Mayes In 2007, Chris joined the department and rose through the ranks of Engineer (2014), Lieutenant (2015) currently holds rank as a Battalion Chief (2020). Over the last 16 years, he has proven to be a great firefighter and an outstanding example of leadership and dedication. He excels as a highly motivated and deeply committed role model and mentor for newer firefighters. Chris has been instrumental in assisting with updating the department’s SOG’s (standard Operating Guidelines) and training his unit on new equipment. Chris is dedicated to improving himself and this Department in any way possible. In recognition of Chris's dedication and willingness to serve this department and our community in an exemplary fashion, he has been awarded the 2022 Fire Chief's Award.

Congratulations B.C. Mayes!!

2022 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Lieutenant Chris Lisak Lt. Chris Lisak joined the Redford Fire Dept in 2011. For the past 12 years, Chris has proven himself and excelled as a firefighter, paramedic and in his current role as lieutenant. Over the years Chris has been awarded a number of merit awards and has quickly moved through the ranks to his current position. His crew and new members look up to for his leadership, eagerness to help improve the department in any way he can, and his general overall positive attitude.

Chris has been a member on the Western Wayne HazMat Team for the past several years and also serving as a pension board representative.

Chris currently assists with our policy and SOG committee and has been very active in upgrading the department’s software capabilities. Chris showed tremendous leadership and took on the responsibility over this past year of completely overhauling our incident preplan/inspection software, something that has not been revamped in many, many years. Over the past year Chris has spent countless hours both on and off duty to bring this software to our department while proving to be invaluable asset to our department’s operation going forward. On Chris’ days away from the department, he is usually busy spending time with his wife Britney, riding mountain bike trails, and deer hunting in the fall. The department is proud to select Chris Lisak as this years’ Firefighter of the Year.