Three Mt. Pleasant Police Officers Promoted to Sergeant

The Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) is proud to announce the promotion of three officers to the rank of Sergeant.  Director Paul Lauria shared, “The MPPD is fortunate to have officers who devote their entire law enforcement career to our department. This wealth of experience enables us to promote quality law enforcement professionals into supervisory roles resulting in seamless transitions despite the retirement of experienced Sergeants such as Sarah Cuthbertson, Dan Gaffka and Cary Murch.” Captain Andy Latham added, “We are grateful for the service these three retiring sergeants have given to our department. The impact made on their shifts is noticeable with these recent promotions.”

Officer Dave VanDyke, has been with the department for 22 years and has recently served as the Public Information Officer (PIO) where he interfaces with the community and media. In addition to his PIO duties, Dave is an assistant team leader on the Emergency Services Team, and has been a member of that team for 19 years. Dave will begin his role as Sergeant on June 23 due to Sergeant Sarah Cuthbertson recently retiring after 26 years of service to the MPPD. Dave Vandyke will be following in the footsteps of his father, Wayne VanDyke who retired from MPPD as a Sergeant.

 

Officer Dale Hawks has served the MPPD for 23 years. Dale was one of the first officers assigned to YSU when that unit formed and he laid the groundwork for the Unit’s success. Dale served as President of POAM for several years. Officer Hawks will take on the Sergeant’s role July 21 due to the retirement of Sergeant Dan Gaffka who has been with the department for 27 years.

 

 

 

Officer Brandon Bliss, has been with the department for 11 years and has recently served as the Youth Services Unit Officer.  Brandon has been responsible for all Youth Services Unit activities which include the Coneys for a Cause fundraiser and the Youth Police Academy, as well as being the onsite officer for Mt. Pleasant Public Schools. Brandon is the current Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM) President. Officer Bliss will begin his new role this fall due to the retirement of Sergeant Cary Murch who has served the MPPD for 25 years.