Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Veteran Canton Township police officer retires from force

Jessica Nuottila retired last month after a 22-year career with the Canton Township Police Department.

Nuottila began her career with the Canton department as a Public Safety Service Officer, providing the services of police and fire radio dispatch, 911 call taker and jail attendant. She was then selected to participate in the department’ Career Development Program which provided sponsorship to a police academy. Following completion of academy training, Nuottila became a sworn Canton Township Police officer in 2011.

Nuottila was first assigned to the patrol division responding to calls for service, providing traffic enforcement and conducting investigations. She spent the majority of her career working the night shift where supervisors said her high energy, knowledge, and passion for the job enabled her to excel as a patrol officer. In addition to providing emergency services to the community, she was always willing to share her enthusiasm for law enforcement by mentoring the new officers she worked with, officials added.

In addition, Nuottila participated in numerous special units including bicycle officer, bicycle instructor, evidence technician, rapid response unit, training officer, recruiter and field training officer. In 2021, she was selected as the department training coordinator. In this new role she was responsible for coordinating all in-house department training required for officers to maintain their certifications. In addition, she sought out additional training opportunities for staff, enhancing the level of police services provided to the community.

Throughout her career Nuottila has received numerous awards and citations, including Officer of the Year in 2018. She has also received countless notes of appreciation from citizens complimenting her professionalism and kindness displayed to them in their time of need.

“Officer Jessica Nuottila has set a lasting example for all officers by maintaining the highest standards of commitment and professionalism throughout her distinguished career. In her most recent role as the department’s training coordinator, she mentored both new and seasoned officers, helping them refine and elevate their policing skills. She was recently recognized for off-duty lifesaving efforts which exemplifies the way she approaches this profession with courage and excellence, and she stands as a model for all who wear the badge. We congratulate Officer Nuottila on a well-deserved retirement and with her the very best,” said Chad Baugh, director of police services.