Frank Cerulla was chosen by his peers as Officer of the Year for 2022 not for any particular action but for his overall positive impact while doing his beat and helping the department maintains its accreditation.
He received an award plaque from Police Chief Al Maciag at the City Council meeting on Nov. 20, and a framed resolution from Mayor Turnbull. Other resolutions came from the State of Michigan, presented by State Rep. Matt Koleszar at that same meeting, and from Wayne County Commissioner Terry Marecki.
When asked what the award means to him, Cerulla said, “Personally, it’s a huge honor. It makes me feel good that I’m making a difference. Professionally, it’s a great honor. Not many people get this award. You have to earn it. My peers and administration saw that I was deemed fit for this award. It gives me a boost to continue to work hard every single day.”
His attitude toward being a police officer is to do the work in a positive manner and take on responsibilities without complaint. “I do the 7 to 7 (the regular shift) and want to go above and beyond. I want to make the Police Department as best as it can possibly be.”
He is a field training officer, a taser instructor, and an accreditation manager for the department – making sure the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) has the documentation it needs to ensure the department is in compliance on an annual basis. He also helps prepare the department for an extensive review every three years. “These roles have helped push my career farther along. The accreditation position is the coolest position that I’ve been granted,” he noted.
Coming from the Detroit Police Department three years ago, he enjoys the community-oriented focus of the Northville Police Department. He said, it’s “more pro-active not reactive.” He now has time to check in with businesses and build a stronger bond with the community.
He and his wife, Adriana, and son, Elliott, 2 years old, live in Wyandotte.