City of Flint Police Department members receive Impact Award from Michigan Works! for recruitment efforts and job creation

FLINT, Mich. – The City of Flint is proud that the Flint Police Department has been honored with an Impact Award from Genesee Shiawassee Thumb (GST) Michigan Works! Lieutenant Ronald Dixon and Detective LaShabriane Kelly both received Impact Awards, honoring those who have contributed to strengthening Michigan’s economy by actively creating jobs and developing fresh talent in their communities.

Detective LaShabriane Kelly was presented with the award to highlight not only her personal success, but that of the City of Flint Police Department’s recruitment efforts. Detective Kelly began her career with the FPD through the help of career coaches from GST Michigan Works! four years ago. She quickly excelled in her new career and became a homicide detective in just two years. Det. Kelly’s dedication and hard work are a shining example of the success that can be achieved in municipal public service. 

Also notably honored was Lieutenant Ronald Dixon, who heads the recruitment and hiring efforts of the Flint Police Department. Dixon has developed a successful partnership with GST Michigan Works! and onboarded 42 new Flint Police Officers through this collaboration. Through hands-on job fairs showcasing the different facets of police work, Dixon continues to recruit top notch candidates to the Flint Police Department and ensure adequate staffing levels with the help of GST Michigan Works!

“The opportunities available at the Flint Police Department are not just jobs; they are lifelong careers with growth potential and positive community impact,” Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley said. “I want to congratulate and thank Lt. Dixon and Det. Kelly for demonstrating excellence in their fields and bringing these accolades to the Flint Police Department.”

The City of Flint continues to offer hiring bonuses for new police and fire personnel. New hires who are certified police officers and certified fire suppression personnel receive bonuses of $7,500. New recruits from the police and fire academies receive $5,000 hiring bonuses. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofflint.

Since Mayor Neeley declared a gun violence emergency in 2021, homicides have decreased by 40%, thanks to a host of new public safety initiatives. Recruiting additional police officers is a key tactic, along with a new cold case unit, witness protection program, gun bounty program, and 24/7 intelligence center operations.