Novi Honors Year's Best at Semi-Annual Police and Fire Awards Ceremony

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CONTACT: David Molloy, Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police, 248-347-0504
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVI, Mich., May 18, 2011 – On Tuesday, May 17th, the Novi Police and Fire Departments held a Semi-Annual Awards Ceremony to celebrate accomplishments and recognize professional development achievements of those who protect and serve the community. The ceremony was held at the Baronette Renaissance in Novi. Both departments additionally recognized employees of the year, including Police Officer of the Year, Police Department Civilian Employee of the Year, and Fire Fighter of the Year.

Brian Woloski Carol Westfall Thomas Johnson

“I am extremely proud of Fire Captain Thomas Johnson, Police Sergeant Brian Woloski and Records Specialist Carol Westfall for the professional contributions they have made to the Novi Fire and Police Departments and in service to our entire community,” commented Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police David E. Molloy. “In addition to performing their work assignments at peak performance, all three individuals embrace the highest of public safety values and serve as outstanding role models for their colleagues, the City of Novi, and the community.”

Fire Captain Thomas Johnson was honored as the 2010 Fire Fighter of the year. Captain Johnson joined the Novi Fire Department in 1976 as a Paid-on-Call Fire Fighter and, in 1985, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1990, he was hired as a full-time Fire Training Officer and for 14 years trained the members of the Novi Fire Department. In 2005, he was promoted to Fire Protection Officer II and in 2010 to Captain. In 2010, Captain Johnson received a Company Citation as incident commander for treating newly born baby, the mother, and overwhelmed father. He received two Letters of Commendation for incident responses; one of which was a chemical spill and structure fire in Novi and the other being his response and assistance at the Frank’s Furniture explosion in Westland where he assisted as part of a Mutual Aid request.

Sergeant Brian Woloski was recognized as the 2010 Police Officer of the Year. Sergeant Woloski joined the force in 2001after serving for one year with the Royal Oak Police Department. Additionally, Sergeant Woloski is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Captain during his four year career. In January 2011, he was promoted to the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. Sergeant Woloski was previously assigned to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) where he worked as a Task Force Agent.

While on this assignment, he successfully investigated several significant cases, including incidents involving the seizure of several illicit drugs and hundreds of thousands of dollars in currency. One such investigation resulted in the seizure of more than $1.3 million in cash and $100,000 in jewelry which were all illicit proceeds from drug activities. This major investigation ultimately resulted in the indictment of more than 20 individuals.

Records Specialist Carol Westfall was recognized as the 2010 Civilian Employee of the Year. Westfall joined the Novi Police Department as a Records Clerk in 2002 where she has been part of the Court Services team. Most recently, she spearheaded the video arraignment initiative, which allows for the arraignment of suspects via video from Novi Police Headquarters, resulting in tremendous cost savings as well as sworn personnel re-deployment. In 2010, court overtime was reduced by 35% over the previous year.

Westfall continues to work with area courts to expand the use of this technology and with different prosecutors to reduce the number of unneeded officer appearances for court proceedings.

Novi congratulates all who received recognition. A list of recipients follows:

Novi Police Department Officer of the Year Brian Woloski   Civilian of the Year Carol Westfall   Merit Citation Larry Lemerand Steve Balog Michael Wilson Deputy Joel Siebertz    (Oakland County Sheriff’s Office)   Unit Citation Todd Anger Scott Baetens Steve Balog Adam Elsen Kevin Gilmore Tim Harper Jerrod Hart Andy Hudechek Paul Leslie Randy Mince John Nelson Shawn Penzak Kevin Rhea Tim Shea Scott Tewes Michael Wilson Scott Woodley   Letter of Commendation Briann Bierkamp Lou Bigliardi Kevin Heaney Karen Jackson Jerry Stempien Erick Tapia Southfield Police Officer Medici & K-9 Aski   Civilian Citation Angie Defina Timothy Davids

Novi Fire Department Fire Fighter of the Year Thomas Johnson   Merit Citation Andy Copeland Jonathan Gearns-Hazlett (2) Jeffery Johnson Thomas Johnson George Paterni George Pierson Anthony Ruccolo Todd Seog (2) Edith Schmedding Company Citation AJ Burkett Ryan Byrne Donald Christensen Andrew Copeland Phillip Duczyminski Michael Evans Wassim Farah Chad Godfrey (2) Jeffery Johnson Zahi Kassab Jeffrey Lachman Bradley McFaul David McLeod Paul Mullett Remo Oliverio Todd Seog Robert Stonik Mark Theisen (2)   Letter of Commendation Ron Barrett Matthew Blamy Cheryl McNamara Michael Moison Mark Pehrson Troy Racicot Edith Schmedding Daniel Schultz Kimberly Ziegler   Civilian Citation Chris Holstotter – Civilian    (Bally’s Total Fitness Athletic Trainer)

The City of Novi would like to additionally recognize Kim Greene, General Manager, Baronette Renaissance, for the organization’s continued support and partnership and for graciously hosting this complimentary event.

Click here for more information on the Novi Police Department.
Click here for more information on the Novi Fire Department.