Canton Township honors three long‑serving police officers with retirement resolutions

The Canton Township Board of Trustees at its meeting adopted resolutions recognizing the retirements of three long‑serving Canton Police Department officers: Police Captain Gregory De Grand, Police Lieutenant David Juris and Police Lieutenant John Wallace.

The board’s resolutions note that De Grand was hired in February 2001 and served for 24 years; Juris was hired in 1998 and served 26 years; and Wallace was hired in February 2004 and served 20 years. Each resolution lists patrol duties, service on the department’s special units and promotions through the ranks; the board resolved to recognize each officer’s “commendable contribution” to the Canton community and the Canton Police Department.

Why it matters: the resolutions spotlight institutional knowledge leaving the department and acknowledge years of public‑safety work that trustees and residents said had kept the community safe.

Chief Paul told the board that the three retirees “dedicated their life to the organization,” called Juris “a picture of a police officer and leader,” and invited the audience to congratulate the officers. Retiree David Juris thanked his colleagues and the board, saying, “It’s been a pleasure and honor to serve this wonderful community.”

Public comment at the meeting also praised the officers. Resident Dan McCalls described Juris and the others as “unsung heroes” who kept the community safe, noting long shifts and steady presence at local businesses and events.

The board took the recognitions by unanimous voice votes after the resolutions were read into the record. Trustees and the chief invited the retirees and colleagues to the podium for photos and public thanks.

A closing note: trustees and staff said they expect the department to promote or otherwise fill the resulting vacancies; no formal promotion or replacement actions were recorded during the meeting.