Farmington Public Safety Promotes Four Leaders at City Ceremony

Four members of the Farmington Public Safety Department were formally promoted during a ceremony at the August 17 Farmington City Council meeting, marking a significant moment for the department's leadership team. The event recognized Deputy Director Shane Wash, Commander Michael Weir, Sergeant William Wood, and Sergeant Lisa Kobernick for their service and commitment to the city.

Together, the four promoted leaders bring more than 73 years of combined experience to Farmington's public safety operations. Their backgrounds span patrol, investigations, fire services, school resource roles, training, and specialized operations, reflecting the department's integrated approach to police and fire services.

Leadership Experience and New Roles

Deputy Director Shane Wash, who has served with the Farmington Public Safety Department since 2005, was elevated to his new role after nearly three decades in law enforcement. Wash's career includes experience as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, and commander. He is also a professor at Schoolcraft College and leads emergency vehicle operations training for the Wayne County Regional Police Academy. Wash holds degrees from Eastern Michigan University and Webster University and recently completed executive training at Northwestern University.

Commander Michael Weir joined the department in 2021 and has advanced quickly, drawing on prior experience as Deputy Chief of the South Lyon Fire Department and as a communications supervisor for Huron Valley Ambulance. Weir has served as a field training officer and fire instructor and holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Columbia Southern University.

Sergeant William Wood, with the department since 2006, previously served as a lieutenant with the Troy Fire Department and as a sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserve. In Farmington, Wood has worked in patrol, special operations, and as the department's fire marshal. He is active in peer support, mental health initiatives, and serves as a fire investigator and firearms instructor. Wood is also a member of the Oakland County Mobile Field Force and the department's Honor Guard.

Sergeant Lisa Kobernick joined Farmington Public Safety in 2015 after working as a supervisor for Palace Sports and Entertainment. She has served as a field training officer and spent four years as the department's school resource officer, earning recognition from students and staff. Kobernick holds degrees from Oakland Community College and Oakland University.

Ceremony Highlights and Community Impact

The promotional ceremony included the Supervisory Oath of Office, administered by City Clerk Meaghan Bachman, and a badge-pinning tradition involving family members. According to the city, these promotions reflect the department's focus on professional development and leadership succession.

Farmington City Manager David Murphy noted that the promotions represent the city's trust in these individuals to lead, mentor, and serve the community in their expanded roles. The department's leadership team now includes a broad range of expertise in law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical response, and community engagement.

The Farmington Public Safety Department provides both police and fire services to the city's approximately 11,000 residents. The department's cross-trained officers respond to a variety of emergencies, and leadership transitions such as these are designed to maintain continuity and strengthen public safety operations.

Promotions within the department are typically based on a combination of experience, training, and demonstrated leadership. The city's approach emphasizes ongoing professional development and the ability to adapt to evolving public safety needs.