By Jim Bloch
Tom Konik, director of the city of Marysville’s Public Safety Department, has retired after 30 years of service to the community.
The city council recognized Konik for his years of service at its regular meeting Oct. 23.
Mayor Kathy Hayman presented Konik with a certificate of appreciation.
“You have had many accomplishments and a lot of accolades,” Hayman said, as heard on the recording of the meeting posted on Vimeo. “You’ve done a lot for the department and the city. If you don’t know Tom, you look at him and you think he’s a Marine-type, big, strong, tough. This man, he wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s extremely caring. I’ve seen it. He loves the city. He loves his department. He loves council and the residents and is always looking out for what’s best. We just really, really appreciate it.”
Konik, never a fan of public speaking and the limelight, appeared uncomfortable.
“I was at the football game last Friday night and spoke to several different officers and one of them told me you were the best boss he’s ever had,” Hayman told him. “That was sweet.”
“It must have been my new guy,” said Konik, to laughter.
A number of officials from other jurisdictions attended the send-off for Konik, including Kevin Watkins of the NAACP; Marysville’s rep on the county board of commissioners Joi Torello; Dr. Shawn Whiteman, superintendent of Marysville Schools; Port Huron Police Chief Joe Platzer; State Senator Dan Lauwers; Captain Matt Pohl of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department; and Tim Raker, Chief of Police for the city of St. Clair.
“And most important, Ann Marie Konik,” said Hayman, referring to Konik’s wife.
“I wish you the best,” Hayman told Konik. “Ann Marie has big plans for you, so stay on task. Do what she says and life will be great in retirement.”
Konik thanked the people in attendance and those working who could not attend the meeting.
His biggest thanks “went to the people in this room and around me,” Konik said. “That’s what made my job so much easier. We had our struggles. We went through many councils, many managers, many administrations, seen a lot of change in staff. But the thing that got us through was the staff stepping up to do their jobs regardless of the hurtles and that, in return, has (led to) the community support that we’ve been so lucky to have here. So thank you very much.”
The audience applauded.
“Tom Konik has led a distinguished 30 year career with the city of Marysville and retired as of Oct. 13,” said Hayman reading the certificate. “Tom began his career with the city of Marysville as a fire fighter/paramedic in May 1993, became the assistant fire chief in May 2000, was promoted to fire chief Oct. 10, 2003 and ultimately served as director of public safety since July 2013.”
In 2013, with the city still hurting for revenue under the impact of the Great Recession of 2008 and Police Chief Tim Buelow retiring, the council approved combining the administration of the police and fire departments into a single public safety department. Konik, who had experience as a police officer, became the director of the joint operation.
“He performed his duties capably and proficiently and insured that the city and its residents received the best service possible,” said Hayman.
Jim Bloch is a freelance writer based in St. Clair, Michigan. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com.
