June 3, 2015, Canton, MI – The Canton Public Safety Department recently filled two new positions designated to enhance services provided to the community by the Police and Fire Departments. Canton welcomes Fire Marshal John Oltman, and Community Relations Officer Patty Esselink to their new roles.
Fire Marshal John Oltman was promoted to this position following a competitive internal testing process. He has been an employee of Canton’s since 1996, serving the last 14 years as a Fire Inspector. Oltman’s credentials include National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certifications in Fire Inspector I & II, Plan Examiner, and Arson Investigation. He is one of 318 Fire Inspectors in the nation with a NFPA II certification.
Oltman will be leading Canton’s Fire Prevention Division consisting of himself and two Fire Inspectors, who are responsible for plan reviews and inspections of new, existing, and remodeled buildings in the township, special event inspections, and arson inspections. The Fire Prevention Division is also responsible for public education in the schools, businesses, residential and retail establishments. The overall goal of the division is to ensure building fire code compliance, along with providing an assortment of public education programs, making Canton a safe place to live, work, and visit.
Community Relations Officer Patty Esselink was recently selected to fill this new position following a competitive internal testing process. Esselink has been a police officer with the department for 14 years, where she has served as a patrol officer, investigator, Explorer program advisor and as an instructor of the Teaching, Education and Mentoring (TEAM) program taught in elementary schools in Canton.
Esselink will be working directly with community members, developing and providing a variety of public education and crime prevention programs for homeowners, business owners, and community groups. She has plans to revitalize Canton’s Community Watch and Business Watch programs, as well as to provide security surveys for establishments when requested. Esselink will also take on the role of recruiter for the department.
“The Public Safety Department is excited to offer these two new positions as a resource to the community. I am confident John Oltman and Patty Esselink will be exceptional in their new roles, and will have a positive impact on public safety’s efforts and enhancements in our community,” said Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler.
Individuals interested in contacting Fire Marshal Oltman can reach him at 734/394-5456 or by email at joltman@canton-mi.org.
Individuals interested in contacting Officer Esselink can reach her at 734/394-5194, or by email at pesselink@canton-mi.org.
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