This year, the Canton Police Department is proud to announce the celebration of its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of dedicated service, professionalism and partnership with the community it serves.

In 1976, 26 part-time reserve police officers began patrolling the community of 26,000 residents on evenings and weekends, supplementing road patrol services provided by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police. Since then, the department has grown alongside the township, evolving to meet new challenges while maintaining its core mission: to protect life and property, uphold the law and strengthen trust through community engagement. Today the full-time department consists of 102 police officers and 43 civilian positions serving the community of approximately 100,000 residents.

“This milestone is a testament to the generations of officers who have worn the badge and served our community with integrity, commitment and honor,” said Interim Police Chief Joseph Bialy. “It’s also a celebration of the strong partnerships we’ve built with residents, businesses and community organizations over the last half-century.”

The department plans to celebrate its anniversary throughout the year, starting with a fully wrapped patrol vehicle replicating the first Canton Police cruiser – a 1976 Plymouth Gran Fury. The original vehicle, baby blue in color with a white top, doubled as a building department vehicle by day and a police patrol vehicle on nights and weekends. The department has also issued commemorative badges for the officers’ uniforms and decals for all patrol vehicles.

Throughout the year, the department will utilize its website and social media channels to feature photos, articles and videos that highlight the department’s history, recognize outstanding service and provide an inside look at the department’s 50 years of service to the community.

This year-long celebration will also honor the department’s ongoing commitment to innovation, transparency and community-focused policing, as it looks ahead to the next 50 years of service.

For anniversary information, visit the department's website, cantonmi.gov/1390, the Canton Michigan Police Facebook page or @micantonpolice on Instagram.