The Police Officers Association of Michigan proudly announces the 2026 Police Officer of the Year Award recipients at the 2026 Annual Convention.
Each year, officers who have exhibited bravery, selflessness, and 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, which include images, and reading about their courageous actions.
POAM Annual Convention 2026
Police Officer of the Year Awards
To read their stories, click each name to the corresponding 2026 Police Officer of the Year Award recipient(s). Some stories include other officers who may not be listed.
Officer John Shenkaruk, Livonia POA
Officers Peter Miller, Alex Mawer, and Joseph Coffey, Saginaw City POA
Officer Paige Whitten, Garden City POA
Officer Jason Carpentier, Grand Blanc Township POA
Officers Reid O’Hala, Isabella Prihoda, and Corey Altheim, Canton Township POA
Deputy Gregory Roberts, Washtenaw County DSA
Deputy Hayden Talbot, Grand Traverse County DSA
Deputy Jack Williamson, Calhoun County DSA
Honorable Mention
Deputies Dan Latta, Matt Hartig, Shantell Samons, and Shelanda Broughton, Calhoun County DSA
Deputies Bryce Hunter, Cameron Drzewiecki, Doug Anstey, John Leach, Kole Rosa, Nathan Phipps, Sean Mugerian, and Cameron Sinz, Grand Traverse County DSA
Sergeant Timothy Bailey, Newaygo County Command
Officers Nathan Meloche and Zac Harper, Oak Park Public Safety
Officer Lonnell Jones, Wayne County Airport Police
Corporals David Ethridge and Jeffrey Paison & Deputies Joshua Roe and Azariah Jefferson, Wayne County DSA
Corporals Adam Trimble and Paul Seals, Wayne County DSA
Corporals Fredrick Dupree and Stevon Scott, Wayne County DSA
Corporals Brian Moore, Daryl Thornton, and Robert Baker, Wayne County DSA
POAM Loyalty Awards
Corporals Eric Raby and Al Grzegorek, POA of Dearborn
Administrators of the Year
Sheriff Troy Cunningham, Bay County DSA
scholarship recipients
Wyatt Jolman
Caleb Valentine
Abby Young
Sebastian Young
Tyler Zaherniak
Thank You To Our Sponsors
See more information about each of our Sponsors below.
Platinum Sponsor
Philip Morris
Philip Morris International (PMI) is a leading international consumer goods company. Headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, we are building our future on replacing cigarettes with smoke-free products that—while not risk-free—are a better alternative than cigarette smoking.
PMI also launched and leads United to Safeguard America from Illegal Trade (USA-IT) in 2021, an initiative to combat black-market trade. The initiative is supported by a coalition of over 85 national and state organizations.
For more information, please visit the Philip Morris International, Inc website.
Gold Sponsors
BBR Medspa
BBR Medspa is a luxury aesthetic medical practice specializing in advanced, non-surgical facial rejuvenation and regenerative skincare. Known for its expertise in facial balancing, BBR Medspa combines medical precision with an artistic approach to deliver natural, refined results. The practice offers customized treatments, innovative technology, and medical-grade skincare in a sophisticated, patient-focused environment.
For more information, please visit the BBR Medspa website.
Mansfield Insurance Group
Mansfield Insurance Group, a Michigan Farm Bureau Insurance agency, understands the vital role of protecting the people of Michigan, just as you, the valued men and women of law enforcement, do. 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.
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.
Silver Sponsors
Thomas’s Dining
Thomas’s Dining has been serving the Livonia community with homemade meals, warm hospitality, and family-focused service for years. Known for its authentic Polish cuisine, seasonal specials, and welcoming atmosphere, Thomas’s Dining is committed to providing high-quality food at reasonable prices while making every guest feel at home.
For more information, please visit Thomas’s Dining website.
Retirement Plan Advisors
Retirement Plan Advisors (RPA) provides POAM’s finest with comprehensive Financial Planning services they and their families need for the retirement they deserve. RPA understands the nuances and rules of benefits for Public Safety Officers and crafts unique strategies to maximize your retirement savings. Work with RPA personally, as they also provide employers with plan-level support for their 401(a), 403(b), 457(b), and Retiree Healthcare Savings Plans.
For more information, please visit the Retirement Plan Advisors website.
Firing Line Guns
For the last 20 years, the FiringLine has specialized in law enforcement sales. Offering discounts with over 20 different manufacturers, including guns, holsters, ammunition, and duty gear. Whether for work or personal use, we can meet all your first-responder needs. As a law enforcement-owned company, we know what it means to put first responders FIRST.
For more information, please visit Firing Line Guns’ website.
The Adams Group
The Adams Group is a full-service demolition company that focuses on safely and effectively modifying and removing structures for our customers. The Adams Group focuses on customer needs from design through execution for all types of projects, including full demolition, selective demolition, asset recovery, demilitarization, and site restoration. They also offer disposal services for residential and commercial customers in metro Detroit. The Adams Group offers a wide variety of options, from driveway-safe 20-yard rubber-tire trailers for residential needs to 20-, 30-, and 40-yard roll-off dumpsters for larger projects.
For more information, please visit the Adams Group website.
Bronze Sponsors
Thank You To Our Table Sponsors
Livonia Trophy
Michael Falvo, Arbitrator
Michael G. Nowakowski, Mediator & Arbitrator
Thomas J. Barnes, Arbitrator
James Statham
Tom Brookover
A Friend of POAM
Kristi’s Flowers
Jeff Kropodta, Official Realtor of POAM
Stanley T. Dobry, Arbitrator
Senator Aric Nesbit
State Senator Mark Huizenga













