December 1, 2008, Canton, MI - Last month Canton Police Department announced the promotion of Lieutenant Robert Kerr to the rank of Deputy Chief, along with two sergeant promotions. 

Deputy Chief Kerr was hired by the department in 1985 as a patrol officer.  He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1994, and Lieutenant in 1998.  Kerr earned his Bachelors Degree from University of Michigan and his Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University.   

Kerr has been assigned as Commander of the Staff Operations Division, filling a vacancy created by retiring Deputy Chief Laura Golles.  He will be responsible for overseeing the operation of the division which includes the detective bureau, crime prevention, ordinance enforcement, records bureau and property retention, along with several specialized units including accident investigation and Western-Wayne Criminal Investigations.

Sergeant Chad Baugh and Sergeant Craig Wilsher were also promoted this month due to vacancies created by retirement.  Both will be assigned as shift supervisors in the Patrol Division.

Sergeant Baugh was hired by the department as a patrol officer in 1996.  He has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Madonna University.

Sergeant Wilsher was hired by the department as a patrol officer in 1998.  He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Wayne State University and his Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership from Madonna University.

Public Safety Director John Santomauro stated,  "I am satisfied our departments promotional process identifies the departments most capable leaders in the organization.  The focus is placed on leadership, and I am confident the process works."

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