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Farmington Hills names Officers Alex Ackaline and Susan Woodard police officers of the year after armed standoff
Summary
Farmington Hills Police honored Officers Alex Ackaline and Susan Woodard as the department's 2024 officers of the year for their response to a September armed domestic-violence incident in which almost 40 rounds were fired; Oakland County SWAT ultimately disabled the subject and no deaths were reported.
Chief John Piggott presented Officers Susan Woodard and Alex Ackaline as the Farmington Hills Police Department's 2024 officers of the year, citing a September domestic-violence call in which officers attempted to rescue children trapped inside a home and came under sustained rifle fire.
"Officer Ackaline observed that threat, ordered the man to drop his weapon. He did not. He returned fire on him, causing him to go back into his bedroom," Chief John Piggott said, describing how the suspect continued to fire and how officers worked to protect the children and themselves while awaiting tactical support. "In total, almost 40 rounds have been fired from his rifle. He disabled 5 scout cars, trapped multiple officers behind their vehicles. And as they awaited a SWAT team to respond...a sniper was able to disable the subject and prevent further harm. We are fortunate that no loss of life was experienced in any of this incident."
Piggott told the audience the officers repeatedly attempted to rescue the children during the incident and acted according to training while under direct gunfire. The department nominated both officers after that episode and cited additional life-saving and investigative work in their records. Piggott said the pair were also recognized by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police with a high honor.
Officer Ackaline, who joined Farmington Hills after serving with another department, thanked his family and the city's leadership and said the department's response and city support after the Morning View incident had been "amazing." "When a serious incident occurred, it was amazing for everyone to pull together with resources and their tremendous support," he said.
The department noted both officers have multiple citations and life-saving awards on their records and said their recognition was based on a combination of the September incident and a pattern of valorous conduct over the year.
The awards ceremony took place as part of the city's 40th annual employee recognition event, which also honored multiple other public-safety and civilian employees for long service and outstanding work.
