On the job: Former service aides join force

Each of the three newest officers, sworn in at City Hall ceremonies last week, worked as a part-time Police Service Aide (PSA) before successfully completing the police academy and joining the force.
New Officer Peter Bednarz grew up in the City of Wayne and graduated from Livonia Churchill High School. He served as a Westland PSA for seven years and was a service aide trainer for three years.
In April of 2019, Bednarz received the Westland Police Life Saving Award.  Bednarz graduated from the Washtenaw Community College Police Academy in September 2019, where he was appointed to squad leader.

New Westland police officers Peter Bednarz,Summer Chalfin and Cameron Plofchan were sworn into office at City Hall last week. All three previously worked as part-time Police Service Aides in the city. The newest Westland police officers are familiar faces at the police station.

Officer Summer Chalfin graduated from Cabrini Catholic High School in 2015 and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University in 2019.  She began working as a Westland PSA in May of 2017 and also attended the Washtenaw Community College Police Academy.
Officer Cameron Plofchan grew up in Garden City before eventually moving to the City of Westland.  He graduated from Garden City High School in 2014 and then went on to earn an associate's degree in Criminal Justice in 2017.  He is currently attending Eastern Michigan University and working toward a bachelor's degree in Public Safety Administration.  Plofchan began work as a Westland PSA in February of 2017 and graduated from the Washtenaw Police Academy as a platoon leader.
“All three of these new officers began their careers with the City of Westland as Police Service Aides, working a variety of hours and holidays for very little pay,” commented Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik.
“Their commitment to their goals and to the Westland Police Department is what got them here today. All three have built good, hard-working reputations and earned themselves the police service aide chief's exemption, which allowed them each to successfully test against the other applicants and granted them the opportunity to be sponsored through the certifying academy,” Jedrusik said.
The chief's sentiments were echoed by Mayor William R. Wild.
“We are extremely proud to welcome these bright, energetic new officers to the Westland ranks,” commented Wild.  “These individuals will be incredible assets to the Westland Police Department and will set a positive example for young people in the Westland community.”