Troy Native Named Officer Of Year

TROY, MI — The Troy Police Department recently announced its 2016 Officer of the Year. Troy native John Julian, an officer who serves as the department’s public information officer, earned the honor. Sgt. Scott LaMilza is the Command Officer of the Year and Sam Kalef is the 2016 Non-Sworn Employee of the Year recipient.

Officer Julian also acts as the city’s School Resource Officer and is a member of the Troy Police Department’s Tactical Support Team. Julian is known throughout the community for his friendly, approachable manner and is often featured on the department’s social media pages dancing or otherwise promoting positive community relations.

Julian is a big-time supporter of Troy and frequently attends community meetings during his off-duty hours and serves on the board of Troy Youth Assistance. He also maintains an allegiance to the law enforcement profession, serving on both the Department’s Honor Guard and the Troy Police and Fire Benevolent Fund Board.

Julian joined the Troy Police Department in 2008. He previously served with the Detroit Police Department and is also an Army veteran.

(For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Novi Patch, click here to find your local Michigan Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

LaMilza is a 13 year department veteran. He leads the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and earned Command Officer of the Year status for his leadership in overseeing the multi-jurisdicational unit and supervising the department’s task force officers.

In 2016, SIU made 89 arrests and cleared approximately 260 cases. SIU handles cases of a serious nature and criminal surveillance. LaMilza is known for his professionalism, as well as his ability to build a cohesive and effective team, department officials said. LaMilza joined the department in 2004 and was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2012.

As for Kalef, he distinguished himself as a communications professional and leader, according to police officials. Kalef was appointed the state of Michigan 911 Training Subcommittee, where he is involved in the oversight of training and fund distribution for all public safety communications centers in the state.

In his day-to-day role, Kalef dispatches police and fire calls for services and supervises Police Services Aides working in the department’s communications and lock up sections. Kalef teaches fire communications at the Oakland Community College Dispatch Academy. CS Kalef has been a member of the Department since 2004 and was promoted to the rank of Communications Supervisor in 2009.

Photos courtesy of the Troy Police Department