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.

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 1Award: 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 2Award: 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 3Award: 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.