Canton Police Losing Two Respected Officers

CANTON, MI — Two of the Canton Township Police Department’s most decorated officers are calling it a career. Lt. Scott Hughesdon will retire in November, and Officer Michael Kowalski in December.

“The Police Department is losing two valuable members of the organization,” said Public Safety Director Joshua Meier. “Scott and Mike both made significant contributions to the organization and to the Canton
community—their presence will be notably missed.”

Hughesdon was hired by the department in 1990. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2006 and lieutenant in 2013. Early on as a police officer, Hughesdon participated in numerous special units, including assignments as a detective in the Western Wayne Criminal Investigations Unit, a Motor Officer in the Selective Enforcement Unit, a Range Instructor and as a Field Training Officer.

In his most current position as lieutenant, he served as a platoon commander in the Patrol Division, overseeing the day-to-day operations of his shift consisting of sergeants, patrol officers and dispatchers. He was also responsible for providing training, direction and motivation to his shift, enhancing their level of performance while on patrol.

Hughesdon received numerous awards and citations during his Canton career. He was also the recipient of numerous written compliments from citizens who benefited from his kindness and professionalism, said Meier.

Kowalski was hired by the department in 1994, starting his 23-year career as an officer. He participated in numerous special assignments, including the Bicycle Unit, Evidence Technician Unit, Fire Investigation Unit, and the Accident Investigation Unit.

Kowalski also served as a Field Training Officer, working with the department’s newest officers. He most notably left his mark with the department as an undercover officer, working one-third of his career assigned as a Detective to the Western Wayne Criminal Investigations Unit, a consortium of area police departments, led by the Michigan State Police.

In this assignment, Kowalski was able to use his street-smart policing instincts and techniques to assist in high-level criminal investigations and arrests, said Meier.

Photos courtesy of the Canton Public Safety Department