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Newly promoted Westland police officers include
Sgt. Eric Rodriguez, left, Lt. Robert Wilkie,
Lt. Jon Torolski and Sgt. Bryan Jachym.l |
The Westland Police Department marked several changes during official ceremonies last week when four veteran officers were promoted, a new officer sworn in and a new police academy
recruit welcomed.
New Ofc. Timothy Sumpter has joined the Westland Police Department from the Detroit police force. Sumpter grew up in Canton Township and, during his high school years, became interested in law enforcement. He joined the Westland Police Explorers for a firsthand look into the job and attended Schoolcraft College
for Criminal Justice. In 2009 he was hired by Detroit Police where he served in the uniformed division, special operations, fugitive apprehension, and surveillance. In 2016, Sumpter was awarded the highest department decoration in the Detroit Police Department, the Medal of Valor, for actions above and beyond the call of duty and exhibiting exceptional courage when he came under attack during an ambushed shooting.
“After 11 years of service with Detroit, Sumpter has decided to return to where he calls home,” commented Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik. “The place where he started his law enforcement journey, the Westland Police Department.”
Officers promoted were new Sgt. Eric Rodriguez, Sgt. Bryan Jachym, Lt. Jon Torolski and Lt
.Robert Wilke.
Rodriguez, now a sergeant, began his career with Westland in August of 2000. Rodriguez earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Concordia University. He has served as a Community Police Officer and a Field Training Officer. He is a member of
Perimeter Rifle Team as well as a member of Tactical Response. In 2013, Rodriguez was chosen as Westland Police Officer of the Year.
Newly promoted to sergeant,
Jachym has served with the Westland Police Department since 2007 and is serving his 13th year.
Jachym grew up in the City of Westland and graduated from John Glenn High School. He attended Schoolcraft College and obtained an associate's degree in criminal justice and was named Police Officer of the Year in 2012
Torolski, promoted to the rank of lieutenant, joined the Westland Police Department in March of 1997 and is currently in his 23rd year of service.
Torolski obtained a bachelor's degree in science from Western Michigan University. He served as a patrolman for 15 years before being promoted to sergeant during which time he served both as a road patrol supervisor and as a member of the detective bureau. With this promotion, he will take on the new responsibility as a patrol shift commander.
Wilkie, also promoted to the rank of lieutenant, has worked for the Westland Police Department since 2002 and is approaching the beginning of his 18th year of service. He earned an associate's degree in criminal justice and is currently working toward his bachelor's degree. Wilkie is also a graduate of the Eastern Michigan College School of Police Executive Staff and Command and has served numerous roles with the Westland Police
Department including being a member of the perimeter rifle team, head of the Taser program, supervisor of Westland Police Service Aid Program.
As an
officer he was a field training officer and progressed to his current role of supervising the Westland Police Department Field Training Officer program. After identifying a need within the department for a proactive approach to media relations, Wilkie became the first Public Information Officer for the Westland Police Department. The new lieutenant will also take on the role of patrol shift commander.
The department also welcomed Police Academy Recruit Corey Skulina.
Skulina is from Livonia and is currently attending the Wayne County Regional Police Academy as a recruit. He graduated from Schoolcraft College with an associate degree in criminal justice and has served as a Police Service Aide for the past 4 years with 2.5 years as a trainer.
Skulina is scheduled to graduate from the academy in April at which time he will be sworn in to the Westland Police Department.
“We are pleased to welcome new faces to serve alongside the elite ranks of Westland's Police Department and congratulate our long serving members on their well deserved promotions,” commented Mayor William R. Wild.
“I wish them all the best of luck in their new positions and I am confident that they will continue to demonstrate the highest level of dedication and professionalism throughout their careers in service to the Westland Community.”
