Nik Rajkovic / news@whmi.com

South Lyon City Council on Monday recognized Police Chief Doug Baaki, who is retiring next month after 34 years of service.

Mayor Stephen Kennedy presented Baaki with a proclamation honoring his work within the community.

Baaki joined the department part-time in 1990. He became a full-time officer in 1993, working road patrol, field training, detective and data master administrator.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1999, lieutenant in 2019 and chief in 2022.

"It's been a long journey here for me. And I want to thank, first of all, my family. My wife Stacie, who has supported me through my whole career here in South Lyon," he said.

Baaki also thanked former South Lyon police chief Chris Sovik, who served as a mentor, helping him transition into the chief's office.

"We've got a lot of dedicated officers here to do the job. They want to do the job right. It's not about the money for them. It's about putting on the uniform and protecting and serving our citizens of South Lyon."

No word yet on a possible successor.

Video of South Lyon's council meeting is linked below.

Photos courtesy of South Lyon Police Department's Facebook page.