Crime & Safety

Novi Names Police Officer, Fire Fighter of the Year

Several employees in Novi's police and fire departments were given awards Wednesday.

—Submitted by the City of Novi

On Wednesday, the Novi Police and Fire Departments held their annual awards ceremony to celebrate accomplishments and recognize professional development achievements of those who protect and serve the Novi community. The ceremony was held at the Novi Civic Center. Both departments also recognized employees of the year, including Police Officer of the Year, Police Department Civilian Employee of the Year, and Fire Fighter of the Year for 2012.

“It is with great honor and pride that we recognize Fire Protection Officer Andrew J. Copeland, Police Officer Anthony Avant and Dispatcher Kelly Mesh for the honorable work they have done for the Novi Fire and Police Departments and in dedicated service to the entire Novi community,” said Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police David E. Molloy. “In addition to carrying out their work assignments at peak performance, all three individuals embrace the highest public safety values and serve as outstanding role models for their colleagues, the City of Novi, and the community.”

Police Officer of the Year: Officer Anthony Avant

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Officer Anthony Avant has been a member of the Novi Police Department since 2000. During his 12-year law enforcement career, he has repeatedly demonstrated a capacity to succeed at accomplishing the mission of the organization and that of the law enforcement profession. Avant is currently assigned as a traffic officer, a position he has served in for nearly 10 years, where he is responsible for traffic enforcement and reducing traffic crashes at high accident intersections. He frequently receives “Thank You” letters from community members who have been fortunate to experience his professionalism and kindness.

Avant has also been instrumental in training other police officers and possesses an energetic and positive attitude. Throughout his career, he has been nominated and recognized as “Public Safety Employee of the Month” on multiple occasions and received several merit and unit citations.

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Fire Fighter of the Year: Fire Protection Officer Andrew J. Copeland

Andrew Copeland began his career with the Novi Fire Department in 1994 as a paid-on-call fire fighter and was hired as a full time fire protection officer in 2001. Copeland prides himself on providing excellent customer service and assisting the fire marshal with fire prevention duties. He also took the initiative to obtain the qualifications necessary to assist with fire suppression plan reviews and has served in the capacity of acting fire Marshal.

In addition to his regular duties, Copeland serves on the Public Safety Implementation Committee, providing valuable insight into the day-to-day operations from the fire service perspective and was instrumental in developing the Novi Fire Department Awards Policy. He has received several letters of commendation, several company citations and a merit citation in recognition of his professional service. Copeland is a passionate and dedicated member of the Novi Fire Department and an asset to all he encounters.

Public Safety Civilian of the Year: Dispatcher Kelly Mesh

Kelly Mesh started her career as a dispatcher for the Novi Police Department in 2000 after serving two years in the United States Army. In her 12-year career as a dispatcher, Mesh has consistently demonstrated a willingness to “take the initiative” and do what needs to be done, even if it’s not in her job description. Since joining the Novi Police department, she has received three Letters of Commendation for meritorious service, Five Unit Citations for dedicated service during unique and stressful circumstances and, numerous “Thank You” letters from grateful citizens for whom she provided excellent customer service.

In September 2008, Mesh was the Novi Police Department’s employee of the month, and in 2010 she was nominated by her shift Leader for Civilian Employee of the Year. She is an excellent example of what it means to be a team player and quickly provide solutions to issues concerning the dispatch center.

2012 Novi Police Department Awards

Department Citation Alisa Brown Merit Citation Alisa Brown Kristie Gruenwald Craig Chismar Joseph Ofiara (Oakland County Sheriff) Joseph Brian (Oakland County Sheriff) Carol Liposky (Oakland County Sheriff) Jerry DeRosia (Oakland County Sheriff) Letter of Commendation Hailey Penzak Chris Franckowiak Dan Jenkinson Unit Citation Andrew Hudechek Bob Manar (2) Brian Tillman Eric Lindblade Tim Farrell Keith Wuotinen Mike Daisley Adam Elsen (2) Brian Woloski Tom Carline (West Bloomfield Township Police Department) David Dolmeyer (West Bloomfield Township Police Department) Community Oriented Policing Kevin Rhea Civilian Citation Michael Mockeridge Gary Hund

2012 Novi Fire Department Awards

Live Saving David McLeod Kevin Pierce Tom Johnson Josh Bunse Mark Theisen Merit Citation Gilbert Van Sickle Leadership Rob Stonik Fire Staff and Command John Martin Ramon Alvarez Phil Duczyminski Civilian Citation Nicolo Riccobono Robert Boykins


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