25-year police veteran retires from Canton department
Long-time Ofc. Jeffrey Seifert has retired from the Canton Township Police Department.
Seifert began his 25-year career with the Canton Police Department as a Public Safety Service Officer (PSSO) in 2001. During his quarter century on the job, he served as a police and fire dispatcher, 911 call taker, and jail attendant. Five years into the position, he was selected as the first PSSO to participate in the department Career Development Program, which provided sponsorship to the police academy. In 2006, Seifert was officially sworn in as a Canton Police Officer.
Seifert was first assigned to the patrol division, where he responded to calls for service, conducted traffic enforcement, and carried out investigations. In his duties of providing emergency services to individuals in need, Seifert displayed the highest levels of respect, kindness, and professionalism, fostering trust and treating all individuals with dignity, officials said.
For the past 12 years, Jeff has served as a Field Training Officer (FTO), mentoring, training, and evaluating 42 new officers as they transitioned from the academy to active duty. In this role, he has played a critical part in bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, ensuring recruits understand department policies, follow safety protocols, and uphold the highest standards of ethical policing, according to a statement from township officials.
Seifert has dedicated the past nine years to serving as a department recruiter, representing the Canton Police Department at job fairs and community events to promote the profession of law enforcement. In addition, he has become the informal department historian, donating countless hours of his own time to research and preserve department history, a contribution made even more meaningful as the department celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Throughout his career Seifert has been recognized with numerous awards and citations, including Officer of the Year in 2015. He has also received countless letters and notes of appreciation from citizens complimenting his professionalism, compassion, and genuine kindness he consistently demonstrated in a wide range of situations and emergencies.
“After 25 years of service, Jeff leaves a legacy of kindness, integrity and quiet strength that has touched so many. His example of policing will continue to inspire long after his watch has ended,” said Joseph Bialy, interim police chief.
