Tag Archives: Wyoming Township

Wyoming police mark 60 years by honoring two of its own

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Former Wyoming lieutenant Dan Bigalow (seated with ball cap) looks over the certificate he received with family and friends. Bigalow was honored during a special 60th anniversary celebration for the city’s police department which started in 1959. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

For Dan Bigelow it all started when he came back from the Korean War in 1953.

“My brother-in-law stopped by the house and said he had put in an application to the Wyoming Police Department,” Bigelow said. “I thought if he could do it, so could I. So I put an application as well.

“I got hired and he didn’t and I have to say, it was not a bad decision.”

Bigelow along with Bill Catlin were honored during a special program celebrating the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s 60th Anniversary. They each received a certificate and retired officer badge.

“I think you cannot build upon the future and look forward if you don’t know you history, where the community came from, what was the culture, what changes were made,” said Chief Kim Koster about the importance of celebrating those who have served the department.

Wyoming Township became the City of Wyoming Jan. 1, 1959, with the Wyoming Township Police Department becoming the City of Wyoming Police Department. Years later, the city’s fire and police departments merged to create the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.

Retired detective Bill Catlin (seated with Veterans hat) visits with friends and family. Ctalin also was honored during the 60th anniversary celebration. (WKTV)

Bigelow joined the Wyoming Township Police Department in 1955 and Catlin joined in 1956. They were among the 17 township officers who were part of the city’s first police force. Both followed the department through its many transitions, each serving the department for 33 years. Bigelow retired as a lieutenant in 1988 and Catlin as a detective in 1989.

In attendance at the event were several retires spanning the 60 years of the department, including former Chief Edward Edwardson, who along with others shared stories about the department. Capt. Kip Snyder talked about the history of the department. The department now has 86 sworn officers. About 45 are on road patrol with another 11 serving as detectives.

The department also has a forensic science department and a canine unit that includes four dogs, who Snyder admitted were often more popular than the officers. Koster said the department will be adding four new motorcycles this year, another item that is often popular with the public.

Bruce Fogerty, with his wife Doreen, has been retired from the department for 26 years. (WKTV)

“I really enjoyed the work,” said Bruce Fogerty, who has been retired from the department for 26 years. “This was a great way for us to get together and see people we haven’t seen in awhile.”

Also as part of the 60th anniversary for the police department, Senator Peter MacGregor and Rep. Tommy Brann presented the department with a proclamation from Brann, MacGregor, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer at the City Council regular meeting on Monday, May 6.