Ceremony observes police promotions, new hires

Event closes out with fond recognition of departing Commissioner Dwyer

The Warren City Hall atrium was packed Friday morning with the families and friends of 19 newly-promoted and newly-hired police employees honored at a special swearing-in ceremony.

“To the new officers being sworn in today, know that you will be treated as family by the Warren Police Department,” said Warren Police Commissioner William Dwyer. “To those being promoted, know that what you do not only affects you, but so many others as well.”

Appointments of Deputy Commissioner Charles Rushton and Capt. Matthew Dillenbeck were recognized as well as the promotions of lieutenants Gregory Booton and Steven Campbell; sergeants Brian Price and Jean Reid; and corporals Bryan Munafo, Kevin Kleinstiver and Christopher Wells.

Newly-hired officers Chad Lee, Bryce Moon, Chadwick Hopkins, Cody Louton, Andrew Van De Steene, and Zachary Coyle were sworn in while police officer candidate Isiah White and K9s Argo (officer Brendan Fraser) and Fury (officer Arthur Rucinski) were also recognized.

One K9 officer expressed his excitement by barking happily after the swearing in.

Warren Mayor Lori Stone spoke at the event saying she grew up in Warren and has always supported local police.

“Growing up, we often had officers come and talk to us in school and we learned that if we got separated from our parents, to look for a police officer because they were there to help us,” Stone said.

Many of the Warren police who spoke thanked their families, fellow officers and Dwyer for contributing to their successful careers.

“I graduated from East Detroit High School and grew up in south Warren and never knew that something like this could happen to me,” Booton said.

The ceremony was especially meaningful for Dwyer, who announced his retirement Friday, because it will likely be his last promotion and swearing-in event.

“Promotion ceremonies are the best part of my job as commissioner,” said Dwyer. “This ceremony in particular is important and special to me because it is likely my last as police commissioner.

“This shows the advancement of the men and women of the department and they deserve recognition.”

BELOW: ABOVE: Warren K9officers Argo and Fury were among newly-hired and promoted officers honored at a special ceremony at Warren City Hall March 1. The Warren Police Department recognized 19newly promoted and newly-hired employees.

PHOTOS BY SUSAN SMILEY — THE MACOMB DAILY Warren officers were surrounded by their families during Friday’s special ceremony celebrating newly-promoted and newly-hired officers.