City of Farmington Hills

🚚 Earlier this week, members of the City of Farmington Hills Division of Public Works got to participate in MiCareerQuest Southeast, the region’s largest and most interactive career exploration event for high school students. This event is always fun! The Farmington Hills DPW got to interact with some of the 8,000 students from 114 schools across six counties who attended to expose these students to careers in public works through hands-on activities and demonstrations. This event helps connects thousands of students with real-world career opportunities each year and the Farmington Hills DPW is grateful to have been part of this wonderful event once again! Oakland County, Michigan Government Oakland County Michigan Works! #CareerExploration

Say hello to the two newest members of the Farmington Hills Police Department — no, not the officers, their K9 partners! Meet K9 Ranger, who is paired with Officer Michael Rybinski (left), and K9 Kane, who will work with Officer Alexander Aquiline (right). After their official introduction at the Citywide Open House earlier this month, these teams started five weeks of intensive training to prepare for their new roles serving the community and helping to keep Farmington Hills safe!

Earlier this month, Farmington Hills Fire Lt. Brian Pankow graduated from the Eastern Michigan University School of Fire Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program. Fire Chief Jon Unruh joined Lt. Pankow at the ceremony to support this professional milestone. This management-oriented program consists of 350 hours of education over 10 months. The program takes the fire officer beyond traditional operation methods to expose them to conceptual thinking and problem solving, increasing their skills to effectively lead. Congratulations to Lt. Pankow on the accomplishment! He joins 16 of his FHFD peers as graduates of the program.

Last month, the Farmington Hills Police Department (FHPD) successfully achieved reaccreditation through the Michigan Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (MLEAC). Achieving reaccreditation reflects the unwavering commitment of the Farmington Hills Police Department to go above and beyond law enforcement standards to ensure that the City of Farmington Hills is safe and welcoming for all. There are currently 108 standards, each with numerous sub-categories, that FHPD needed to meet or exceed to achieve the reaccreditation. Of the 588 law enforcement agencies in Michigan, only 87 have achieved accreditation status. The FHPD is the ninth and largest police department to be reaccredited twice by the MLEAC.

👏 Congratulations to Firefighter Jennifer Chesney, who was recognized as Firefighter of the Year by the Groves-Walker American Legion Post 346 during their annual Patriot Day Ceremony. Firefighter Chesney was nominated for the recognition by her peers based on her dedication and service to the community. Firefighter Chesney was hired as a paid-on-call firefighter in 2014, promoted to career firefighter in 2019 and earned the rank of senior firefighter in 2023. Her service to the community goes far beyond putting out fires. ⭐ Firefighter Chesney is a nationally certified car seat technician, who coordinates the Farmington Hills Fire Department's monthly car seat inspection helping parents make sure their kids are safe. ⭐ She's also an OAKWAY peer support member, providing support for fellow firefighters in Farmington Hills and neighboring cities. ⭐ She also helps young women explore careers in fire prevention through the City of Farmington Hills Red, Blue, and You program. ⭐AND, she has earned multiple chain of survival and life saving award, multiple training certificates and numerous letters of thanks from community members. These accomplishments and more led to her recognition as the Groves-Walker American Legion Firefighter of the Year. 👏 Congratulations, Firefighter Jennifer Chesney!

👏 Congratulations to Police Officer Kyle Baldwin, who was recognized as Police Officer of the Year by the Groves-Walker American Legion Post 346 during their annual Patriot Day Ceremony. Officer Baldwin was nominated for the recognition by his peers based on his dedication and service to the community. Officer Baldwin has been with the Farmington Hills Police Department since July 2002, when he started as a police cadet at 19-years-old. After graduating from the Oakland Police Academy in June 2005, he was promoted to police officer and has served as a patrol officer in the community ever since. Over the past 19 years, Officer Baldwin has been recognized numerous times for his outstanding police work, including: ⭐ In 2023, Officer Baldwin was recognized for his arrest of an armed robbery suspect, multiple arrests for carrying concealed weapons charges and various narcotics arrests. Officer Baldwin’s efforts effectively removed illegal weapons and illegal narcotics from the community, ensuring that Farmington Hills is one of the safest City's of its size in Michigan. ⭐ In 2022, Officer Baldwin was named the City of the Farmington Hills Police Officer of the Year. These accomplishments and more led to his recognition as the Groves-Walker American Legion Police Officer of the Year. 👏 Congratulations, Officer Baldwin!

Congratulations to the two newest Farmington Hills police officers! Officer Stephen Guerriero (left) and Officer Michael Race (right), pictured here with FHPD Chief Jeff King (center), were sworn in and pinned last Friday during a small ceremony with family, friends and colleagues. Both new officers were raised in Farmington Hills. Make sure to say hi when you see them around the City!

The City of Farmington Hills Department of Public Services has successfully achieved its third consecutive accreditation from the American Public Works Association (APWA). As one of only three accredited agencies in Michigan, and the sole accredited city, this achievement underscores Farmington Hills’ unwavering commitment to excellence in public service.    “Being the only city with an accredited public works department in Michigan is a testament to the hard work of the City’s Public Services Department,” said Jacob Rushlow, director of the City of Farmington Hills Department of Public Services. “This level of service is made possible by the more than 60 dedicated staff members who ensure successful delivery of services to Farmington Hills residents, visitors and business owners.” More info: https://lnkd.in/gv_cwBP6 Pictured here (left to right): Derrick Schueller, City of Farmington Hills Division of Public Works superintendent, Jacob Rushlow, City of Farmington Hills Department of Public Services director, and Larry Hummel, APWA Region V director. APWA Michigan Chapter

🔍 The City of Farmington Hills is searching for future Employee of the Year award winners! If you're ready to join a winning team, apply today: www.fhgov.com/employment The City of Farmington Hills recently held its 47th annual Outstanding Employee Recognition and Service Awards at the Longacre House to celebrate employees for their excellence, dedication and service to the City and the community. 🏆 Pictured here are (left to right) Police Officer of the Year Alexander Aquiline, Firefighter of the Year Sean Beacome, Employee of the Year Michael Presson, and three of the four Outstanding Employee Award winners: Barbara Smrtka, Paul Cischke, and Jimmy Vayis.

Congratulations to City of Farmington Hills Police Officer of the Year, Alexander Aquiline! The City of Farmington Hills recently held its 47th annual Outstanding Employee Recognition and Service Awards at the Longacre House to celebrate employees for their excellence, dedication and service to the City and the community. 🏆 Alexander Aquiline was selected as Police Officer of the Year. In 2023, Officer Aquiline received two Life Saving Awards from the Farmington Hills Police Department, including in Dec. 2023 when he was dispatched to a 72-year-old man who was not breathing. Officer Aquiline was the first on scene and was able to start CPR and regain a pulse while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. His quick action saved the community member’s life. Officer Aquiline also received seven other commendations for his exceptional police work in 2023. He has been with the Farmington Hills Police Department for nearly two years. Left to right: City Manager Gary Mekjian, P.E., Council Members Jackie Boleware and Randy Bruce, Police Officer of the Year Alexander Aquiline, Mayor Theresa Rich, Council Member Jon Aldred, and Police Chief Jeff King.