The Police Officers Association of Michigan proudly announces the 2025 Police Officer of the Year Award recipients at the 2025 Annual Convention.
Each year, officers who have exhibited bravery and selflessness and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve and protect are nominated and selected to receive this award. Learn more about these officers by visiting their individual posts with images and reading about their courageous actions.
POAM Annual Convention 2025
Police Officer of the Year Awards
To read their stories, click each name to the corresponding 2025 Police Officer of the Year Award recipient(s). Some stories include other officers who may not be listed.
Deputies Sarah Kern, Landon Benner, and Jackie Gorman, Genesee County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Sergeant Ryan Bates, Clinton Township Command Officers Association
Deputy Cole Glaspie, Wayne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Officer Brian Zinser, Canton Township Police Officers Association
Deputy Ryan Blair, Oscoda County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Deputy Kyle Hickmann, Lake County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Officer Zachary Behnke, Albion Public Safety Association
Officer Jared Grembowski, Wayne City Police Officers Association
Officers Jonathan Marcyan and Gregory Goodbred, Garden City Police Officers Association
Distinguished Service Award
Deputies Leo Powers, II and Homar Williams, Wayne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Deputy Jared Ingle, Lake County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
Honorable Mention
Deputy Rickie Jackson, Wayne County Deputy Sheriff’s Association
POAM Loyalty Awards
Officer Kevin Lucas, University of Michigan LEA
Administrators of the Year
Commission Chair David Vensel, Monroe County District 6
Eric Luke, Chief of Police, Sumpter Township
Thank You To Our Sponsors
See more information about each of our Sponsors below.
Platinum Sponsors
Mansfield Insurance Group
Mansfield Insurance Group, a Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance agency, understands the vital role of protecting the people of Michigan, just like you, the valued men and women of law enforcement. We are a full-service agency offering home, auto, life and business insurance. As a member of the POAM, you can take advantage of our exclusive partner discount on both your home and auto insurance. These savings continue to make us a leader in complete and competitive protection for officers and affiliates across the state.
For more information, please visit the Mansfield Insurance Group website.
Phillip Morris
While Philip Morris International Inc. (“PMI” or the “Company”) is widely known as a cigarette company, in 2016 it announced its new purpose: To deliver a smoke-free future by focusing its resources on developing, scientifically substantiating, and responsibly commercializing smoke-free products that are less harmful than smoking, with the aim of completely replacing cigarettes as soon as possible. These innovative alternative products do not burn tobacco or create smoke, and therefore emit significantly lower levels of carcinogens and other toxic substances than cigarettes.
For more information, please visit the Philip Morris International, Inc website.
Morgan Stanley
The M-1 Group at Morgan Stanley is a team of experienced Family Wealth Advisors dedicated to long-term relationships with high-net-worth families, business owners, executives, retirees, and growing companies. We provide personalized financial planning that considers your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon, and unique needs. As Morgan Stanley-designated professionals, we offer access to the firm’s powerful resources while maintaining a client-first approach built on trust and transparency. Our mission is to simplify and elevate your financial experience, offering both strategic insight and personal attention to help you make informed decisions and create lasting opportunities for you and your family.
For more information, please visit The M-Group at Morgan Stanley website.
Gold Sponsor
Retirement Plan Advisors
Retirement Plan Advisors is proud to continue supporting the POAM officers and their families who make our communities safe. Our knowledge and focus on public employee retirement plans, including the specific benefits for police officers, make us the premier resource for your retirement planning needs. We never forget that the person sitting across the table depends on us to protect their hard-earned retirement. We offer customized investment advice. As an independent firm, we can design the right retirement solutions for each individual. We act with integrity, respect, and responsiveness to every individual.
For more information, please visit the Retirement Plan Advisors website.
Silver Sponsor
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is a nationally recognized leader in health insurance, serving millions of individuals, families, and businesses across the United States. With a strong commitment to affordable, high-quality healthcare, BCBS offers a wide range of plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage. Known for its extensive provider network, BCBS helps members access care in all 50 states and abroad. The company partners with employers, government programs, and communities to promote wellness and preventive care. Backed by decades of experience, Blue Cross Blue Shield remains dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of the people it serves.
For more information, please visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield website.
Bronze Sponsors
Thank You To Our Table Sponsors
Urban Press Detroit
Patrick A. McDonald, Arbitrator and Attorney
Livonia Trophy
Michigan Legislative Consultants (MLC)
Michael Falvo, Arbitrator
Michael G. Nowakowski, Mediator & Arbitrator
UHY Advisors
Thomas J. Barnes, Arbitrator
James T. Ellis, Labor Arbitrator
Bill Brown Ford
Stanley T. Dobry, Arbitrator
Sunrise Lawn & Yard Maintenance
Allen J. Kovinsky, Arbitrator
Senator Aric Nesbit
State Senator Mark Huizenga
State Representative Denise Mentzer