Novi Police and Fire Departments Announce Promotions

During promotion ceremonies held Thursday morning, Sergeant Erick Zinser was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant with the and Lieutenant Joe Shelton was promoted to the rank of Fire Marshal with the Novi Fire Department, according to a press release from the City of Novi.

Lieutenant Zinser began his career with the Novi Police Department in 1998 after serving for seven years with the Mackinac Island Police where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. He graduated from Ferris State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in 1990 and will graduate from Eastern Michigan University in 2013 with a Master’s Degree in Technology Studies with a concentration in Homeland Security. During his tenure with the Novi Police Department, Zinser has held numerous assignments, including serving as a Field Training Officer, Range Instructor, and Detective in the General Services Division where he was assigned DARE and Crime Prevention Duties. He is a highly regarded member of the department with six Unit Citations and three Merit Citations.

"It is my honor to promote Lieutenant Zinser to a key leadership position within our organization," said Novi’s Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police David E. Molloy. "We are very fortunate to have him as a member of our team and a part of the Novi community. He continually demonstrates a strong commitment to teamwork and is dedicated to the mission, vision, and values of the Novi Police Department. I have every confidence he will embrace his responsibilities and look forward to working with him in his new assignment."

Fire Marshal Shelton joined the Novi Fire Department in 1985 as a Paid-on-Call Fire Fighter. He attended Schoolcraft Fire Academy where he received his Fire Fighter I and II certification and in April of 1988 was hired as one of the first full-time Fire Protection Officers with the Novi Fire Department.

Shelton earned his Fire Inspector I certification in 1990 and became a State of Michigan Paramedic in 1996. In 2005, he served as a shift supervisor and was promoted to Lieutenant in January of 2011. In addition to numerous commendations and awards, including Life Saving Letters of Commendation in 1996 and 2000, Shelton is also a graduate of the Eastern Michigan University Fire School of Staff Command.

“Fire Marshal Shelton is a lifelong learner and I appreciate what he has achieved though his hard work, leadership and dedication to the Novi Fire Department,” said Molloy. “I am honored to promote him to this key position within our organization; he will not only serve as a leader for our internal team, but in the community working with our residents and businesses.”