Crime & Safety

Volunteer Farms Officer Retires After 35 Yrs

The Grosse Pointe Farms Emergency Support police force recognized one of its longest-serving fellow members, Tony Prohownik, Wednesday. He is retiring from the volunteer position after 35 years.

Tony Prohownik has been volunteering as an Emergency Support Unit Officer for for at least 35 years. He began volunteering when a friend began volunteering, he said.

The 85-year-old received a plaque of recognition Wednesday night as well as a badge granting him lifetime status as an Emergency Support Unite Officer in a surprise ceremony.

His wife, Wilma Prohownik, began the surprise by arriving at the ceremony shortly after the unit meeting began Wednesday. She said she wished she had gotten a picture of his reaction when she walked in, laughing about the level of surprise and her ability to keep the surprise just that for the last several weeks. 

Find out what's happening in Grosse Pointewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The retire elementary school teacher is the longest serving volunteer officer on the force--made up of 22 residents. Some only began volunteering recently while others have done it for years.

The unit provides extra manpower in a variety of situations--often emergencies, such as a big fire, or for traffic patrols such as during the annual fireworks show, Halloween and more.

Find out what's happening in Grosse Pointewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Commander of the Unit, John Parnell, thanked Prohownik for his service and described what a pleasure it was to work with him over the years. Vice Commander Edward Roney III echoed similar thoughts.

Following the surprise ceremony, the group was having a small celebration gathering.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.