For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE 
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
 
36300 Warren Road | Westland, Michigan | 48185
Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 734.422.1230

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Westland Police Department Promotes Veteran Officer; Honors Sergeant's Retirement
Westland, MI - On Monday, February 5 the Westland Police Deparmtent said farewell to Sergeant Ron Merrill and promoted Officer David Skeans to the rank of Sergeant.  

Sergeant Ron Merrill is retiring from the Westland Police Department after 22 years of service.  Prior to working in Westland, Ron served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman for 3 years and 5 years with the Wayne County Sheriff's  Department.  While he was with the Westland Police Department, Ron served as a DARE Officer, Explorer Adviser , Field Training Officer and was a member of Westland's Perimeter Rifle Team.  His retirement opens up an opportunity for Officer David Skeans to be promoted to Sergeant.



"While we are always sad to see members of Westland Police Department retire, we are happy for Sergeant Merrill and wish him the best in his retirement," commented Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik.  "Merrill served our community for over two decades with honor and incredible professionalism.  He now passes the torch to Officer Skeans who is ambitious and ready to tackle his new role head on."  

David Skeans served in the United States Navy for 4 years and went on to work for the Ford Motor Company for 9 years.  In 2006, Skeans took advantage of the buyouts at Ford and put himself through the police academy and completed his Associates Degree.  Skeans has been with the Westland Police Department since 2008 and has worked in both the Traffic Bureau and Road Patrol.  He has completed several accident investigation schools and is ARIDE (Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Evaluation) certified.  David also is a TASER Instructor, Motor Officer, Field Training Officer and a "Below 100" Instructor, which focuses on safe driving for our officers.



"Officer Skeans has displayed great leadership during his 10 years serving the Westland Police Department," commented Mayor Wild.  "He remains committed to protecting and serving our community and should be proud of this well-deserved promotion."

For more information, please call Aubrey Berman at (734)467-3200

Westland, Michigan is the state's 10th largest municipality, with a population of over 84,000 people who exhibit a great deal of pride in their All-American City.  Westland has a thriving business community along with beautiful residential areas.  The citizens enjoy a wide array of amenities and a quality of life that is second to none.


 

In 2014, Westland was rated as one of 24/7 Wall Street's America's Best 50 Cities to Live, offering residents and visitors an ideal blend of single-family affordable homes, apartments and condominiums, great schools, and access to numerous outdoor activities.  Public safety is delivered by full-service, professional law enforcement and firefighting personnel. Westland Police Department, whose motto is protect and serve, provides emergency dispatch services to four cities and over 100,000 residents; the Westland Fire Department are licensed paramedics who responded to over 9,000 calls for service last year, about 85% being medical based.  They never forget their mission of preserving life and property.


 

Westland is well-known as the premier destination for shopping and dining in Wayne County with hundreds of shops and restaurants anchored by the Westland Shopping Center, one of the country's original four regional malls.


 

Infinite opportunities are available in Westland for the recreation aficionado including, more than 40 parks and 1,500 acres of trails, a 9-hole golf course, hockey arena, athletic fields, playscapes, a Farmers and Artisans Market and more.  One of Michigan's most environmentally friendly cities, Westland has a progressive curbside recycling program with one of the highest participation rates in the nation and the City is raising the bar for cultural experiences with the placement of public art throughout the City.


 

The City is served by two public school districts; Wayne-Westland Community Schools serving 12,000 youth was recently named one of the Best School in Michigan by WXYZ-TV and is the proud recipient of 14 Golden Apple and two Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards.  Livonia Public Schools, educating nearly 15,000 students, is proud of their MEAP/MME scores that exceed state averages and the District has also earned Golden Apple and Michigan Blue Ribbon Exemplary School Awards.

 

The City provides competitive incentives for those who are interested in investing in Westland, making it one of the hottest investment markets in the region.  Our Fast-Track to Business Team, which consists of key decision makers who work diligently on a development plan will "cut the red tape" and expedite the approval process for new business development.


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