By By JOHN EBY / Dowagiac Daily News
Dowagiac Police Department dominated City Council's agenda Monday night.
In addition to swearing in the force's newest officer, acknowledging the promotion of the newest sergeant and recognizing the first officer to graduate from Eastern Michigan University's 10-week command school, council members commended Chief Tom Atkinson's department.
City Clerk James Snow administered her oath of office to Stacey Bazan, who has been a police officer for the past three years in New Buffalo and Bangor.
She is a native of Allegan. Bazan replaces Susan Worley.
Mayor Donald Lyons presented new Sgt. Steve Grinnewald with his bars.
Grinnewald, who succeeded Mike Manning, has been with the department for 11 years. The Otsego native joined Dowagiac from Parchment.
Det. Sgt. David Toxopeus, who joined Dowagiac 12 years ago from the Cassopolis Police Department, graduated last week from EMU's Staff and Command School.
The program ran for one week a month for the last 10 months, emphasizing police supervision and management.
"This is going to be a great asset to the department and the city generally," City Manager Bill Nelson commented. "I appreciate all of Dave's time and effort, initiative and commitment."
Police Chief Tom Atkinson added, "It's a pretty intense program. After a week at campus, when he got back he probably spent the next two weeks doing homework and research assignments. This is the first time we've ever had the opportunity to send anybody from Dowagiac to what is a top-shelf program. We're fortunate to have somebody graduate."
"Tom, it's just nice to have an officer of your quality directing our Police Department," Second Ward Councilman Bob Schuur said.
"Steve and Dave have been great officers, real assets to the community, and I'll echo the comment. Tom, you're doing a wonderful job. You've got one of the best police departments in the area, if not the state. I appreciate it," commented Third Ward Councilman Dr. Charles Burling.
The other Third Ward Councilman Leon Laylin added, "Congratulations to your whole department, Tom. It speaks well of the management and the people you put in place. What you've done is an asset to the whole community. Congratulations."
Nelson noted that his new secretary, Patty Carlisle, completed her first day at City Hall Monday, coming over from the Sheriff's Office, Council on Aging and county emergency management coordination.
"She's going to be a great addition to the city organization," he said.
Nelson was congratulated for participating in his first meeting as a member of the Michigan Municipal League board of directors.
He was elected to a three-year term at the MML convention in September.
Nelson's church, St. Paul's Episcopal on Courtland, hosts the community Thanksgiving service Sunday night, Nov. 19, at 7, featuring the Second Baptist Church choir with First Ward Councilman Darron Murray on drums and John Kasper, the new pastor at First United Methodist Church, preaching.
People attending are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the "Feed My Sheep" pantry housed at First Christian Church.
A special offering will also be taken for the Habitat for Humanity home being built in Marcellus.
Cass County Ministerial Association sponsors the ecumenical Thanksgiving worship service in Dowagiac.