Ferndale police receive unit commendations for investigation into Mamadou Diallo killing

Mayor and council recognized multiple members of the Ferndale Police Department and partner agencies for investigative work in a March homicide that resulted in arrests and criminal charges.

The police chief and department highlighted the actions of patrol officers who responded to the March 9 shooting on southbound Woodward near 8 Mile Road, rendered aid, secured the scene, helped identify witnesses and supported the Oakland County Sheriff's Office crime lab. Sergeant Dan Coosdale (spelled as reported in the presentation), Detective Antonio Pru and Detective Matt Goble were cited for leadership in planning and executing multiple search warrants that involved more than 80 law enforcement officers across the Tri-County area, which staff said led to three arrests and charges including second-degree murder.

Several officer teams were awarded unit commendations; a number of additional members of the Oakland County crime lab and an FBI task force were noted as recipients of written commendations but were not present to receive awards in chambers. Property officer Steven Lareau was honored for cataloging and transporting a large volume of evidence, including biological specimens and firearms, to the county crime lab; staff said that evidence contributed to subsequent charges.

Chief remarks emphasized the multi-agency cooperation and long investigative effort the case required and thanked the officers for their professionalism and teamwork. Council and the mayor publicly thanked the officers for their work on behalf of the community.

No formal council action was required or taken on the awards; the presentation was a ceremonial recognition of investigative work and interagency cooperation.