The Canton Police Department has promoted police officers Mark Gajeski and Scott Hughesdon to the rank of sergeant this week. Gajeski and Hughesdon completed an intensive testing process prior to being selected for the promotions.

Sergeant Mark Gajeski was hired by the department in 1986 and has worked as a patrol officer for the past 20 years. During this time Gajeski has been as a field training officer and a member of the Western Wayne Community Response Team, as well as a member of the Western Wayne Special Operations Team for the past 19 years. He earned his bachelor's degree from Ferris State College in 1986. Gajeski is married and has three daughters, ages 20, 17 and 2.

Sergeant Scott Hughesdon was hired by the department in 1990 and has worked as a patrol officer for the past 16 years. During this time he has participated in the special enforcement, evidence technician and rapid response units. Hughesdon is also a department range instructor as well as a field training officer. He earned his bachelor's degree from Suny Brockport (New York) in 1989. Hughesdon has a 13-year old son and an 11-year old daughter.

These promotions were necessary to fill vacancies created by command officer retirements this year.