Mayor Michael A. Guido named 26-year police veteran Michael Celeski as Dearborn’s new police chief in February 2005, upon the retirement of Police Chief Timothy Strutz. Celeski, a life-long resident and graduate of Edsel Ford High School, began his employment with the City of Dearborn as a police cadet in 1979. He became a patrol officer in January 1982, after receiving his criminal justice degree from Henry Ford Community College. Rising to the rank of corporal in 1986, and then to patrol sergeant in 1991, he became officer in charge of the narcotics bureau in 1994. Those promotions were followed by advancement to the rank of lieutenant in 1999, and patrol commander in 2001, before being promoted to deputy chief in September 2003. Among his many achievements in the police department, those of particular note were with the Narcotics Bureau. His officers issued 50 search warrants, broke up drug distribution operations and shut down several illegal businesses. As a life-long resident of Dearborn he was instrumental in safeguarding residents while working with the auto theft unit. Instituting the “Kill Switch” discount program for citizens of Dearborn, he headed an auto theft sting program. For his work in the field, he received 29 merit award letters from the Michigan Anti-Car Theft Committee. Throughout his career, he has participated in intense training to gain proficiency in technical areas, as well as command expertise. In 1992, he attended the prestigious School of Police Staff and Command, is a member of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Wayne County Association of Chiefs of Police, International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Southeast Michigan Chiefs of Police.