National Guard member to return to active service — with City Public Safety Department

GROSSE POINTE CITY — A member of the Grosse Pointe Public Safety Department will soon be back on the beat and serving the City, after serving his country in the military.

Officer Robert Saleski, who has been with the Public Safety Department since Jan. 4, 2016, will return to the force in March. A member of the Michigan National Guard for about the last 14 years, Saleski was deployed for almost a year — from January through November 2023 — which he spent with the U.S. Army Central Command in the Middle East, primarily in Kuwait and Iraq. He returned to Michigan just before Thanksgiving last year. He’s a captain in the U.S. Army and National Guard.

During a Dec. 18 Grosse Pointe City Council meeting, Public Safety Director John Alcorn presented Saleski with a challenge coin to recognize his service.

“We’re extremely lucky to have him,” Alcorn said. “Rob is trustworthy and brave.”

Alcorn said Saleski is a member of the interdepartmental Special Response Team — similar to a SWAT team. The team is made up of officers from the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods.

“His military training just enhances what he already brings to the table,” Alcorn said. “Having him back will be like a breath of fresh air.”

The meeting served as the debut of the City’s challenge coin, something Alcorn has been working on for some time. Alcorn said the pandemic and supply chain issues delayed his ability to get these coins made so they could be given out.

“It means a lot,” Saleski said after the meeting of being honored with one of the coins. “In the military … leaders give (challenge coins) out to soldiers who exemplify outstanding service.”

Alcorn said Saleski was the first member of the department to receive a challenge coin.

City Councilman Christopher Walsh was among those who congratulated Saleski.

“It’s nice to have a Public Safety Department full of rock stars,” Mayor Sheila Tomkowiak said, acknowledging Saleski and others who have kept the community safe and done exceptional work. “We love that.”

City Councilman Christopher Moyer said he felt Saleski’s story “is the epitome of the (holiday) season.”

“Thank you for your service,” Moyer added.

During his tenure with the City, Saleski has won several public safety awards for going above and beyond the call of duty.