March 6, 2009, Canton, MI - The Canton Police Department has recently hired four new officers to the department, filling vacancies created by retirement.

Mark Bessner, 34, earned his Bachelors Degree from Texas A&M University, his Masters Degree from University of Texas at Arlington, and his Juris Doctor at Ava Maria School of Law. Bessner is also licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan. He graduated from the Wayne County Regional Police Academy in November of 2008.

Matthew Burdt, 27, is a former Combat Engineer in the United States Army. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Valley State University in 2003, and graduated from the Macomb Police Academy in December 2008.

Joseph Keimig, 27, earned his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Schoolcraft College and graduated from the Wayne County Regional Police Academy in November 2008.

Nicholas Pletzke, 28, earned his Bachelors Degree in Criminalistics from Lake Superior State University in 2004. He graduated from the Northeast Basic Police Academy in 2004.

Candidates for the Canton Police Department go through a rigorous testing process that includes written and physical agility tests, oral board, medical and psychological examinations and an extensive background check. To find out more about employment opportunities in Canton visit www.canton-mi.org.

###