Basic HTML Version
A
SSOCIATED
N
EWSPAPERS OF
M
ICHIGAN
P
AGE
5
May 17, 2012
W
AYNE
- W
ESTLAND
Three officers were recently
promoted at the Westland Police
Department.
Lt. Michael Matich has been
named deputy chief, Sgt. Thaddeus
Nelson has been promoted to lieu-
tenant andOfc. MarkMills is nowa
sergeant with the department.
Matich has served on the
Westland Police Department for
more than 20 years. Prior to joining
Westland force, he spent 5 years in
the U.S. Navy as a weapons techni-
cian and attended the Wayne
County Regional Police Academy.
Matich has served the Westland
Police Department in many capac-
ities, including as a patrol officer,
sergeant, lieutenant, and 3 years in
the Special Investigations Unit. He
also worked in the detective
bureau. Matich was named Officer
of the Year in 1996. Matich will be
tasked with overseeing the Road
Patrol Division.
Nelson has also served on the
Westland Police Department for
more than 20 years. He has worked
as a patrol officer, sergeant and
was the firearms instructor in
worked in the detective bureau
where he was also an evidence
technician.
In 1997 Nelson was chosen as
one of the first K-9 officers withK-9
TAZ. Nelson will be in charge of a
patrol shift.
Prior to joining the Westland
Police Department 14 years ago,
Mills attended Eastern Michigan
University where he received a
bachelor's degree in accounting. In
1995 he attended the Wayne
County Regional Police Academy
and later worked for the Detroit
PoliceDepartment andMelvindale
Police Department before coming
toWestland. Mills served as an offi-
cer in the patrol division and
served as an evidence technician.
“I would like to congratulate
these gentlemen on their promo-
tions, they are well deserved,” said
Westland Mayor William Wild. “I
know they will bring the dedica-
tion and professionalism they have
demonstrated throughout their
careers to their new positions of
leadership in the Westland Police
Department.”
The Wayne Farmers Market opened yes-
terday and will continue with regular hours
from 3-7 p.m. every Wednesday through Oct.
24.
Currently, the market has about 20 ven-
dors selling local farm-fresh produce, meats,
cheeses, baked goods and other specialty
foods, said Farmers Market Manager Susan
Rodler. Plants, flowers, soaps and home
accessories will also be available for sale this
year, she added. The market takes place in
downtown Wayne in the State Theater park-
ing lot offMichiganAvenue.
“The Farmers Market is a great way to
bring the community together and provide
access to locally grown, healthy farm-fresh
produce,” Rodler said. “We hope that with
new vendors like Good People Popcorn from
Detroit, Pasta e Pasta from New Baltimore
and returning favorites like Captain John's
Smokehouse, Traffic Jam & Snug breads,
weekly events, and programs we will provide
a great market experience week to week for
the entire community.
“Last year the Farmers Market was a
huge success and we are working to make it
even better market this year. With children's
activities, live music, free health screenings
twice each month from our sponsor
Oakwood Hospital and a few other surpris-
es,” she added.
For more information about the market,
call Rodler at (734) 721-0100 or email
susan@waynechamber.net.
Westland police promotes 3 to new rank
Wayne Farmers Market opens for 4th year downtown
Dep. Chief Michael Matich
Lt. Thaddeus Nelson
Sgt. Mark Mills