Former paramedic hired by Shores Public Safety Department

GROSSE POINTE SHORES — Given that the city’s in-house ambulance and emergency medical service is a major point of pride, the newest member of the Grosse Pointe Shores Public Safety Department should be an ideal fit, given his medical background.

New officer Devon Dentai, 25, of Lenox Township, was sworn into office by Shores Mayor Ted Kedzierski during a Jan. 21 Shores City Council meeting.

Prior to coming to the Shores, Dentai worked as a paramedic and instructor for Medstar, which provides ambulance service for local cities such as Grosse Pointe Woods and Grosse Pointe Park.

Dentai said he wasn’t aware of the career opportunities available in public safety, so when he was approached by a Shores officer about applying for an opening in the department, he was delighted to learn that he could combine his interests in providing medical assistance with his interests in police work.

“I always wanted to be a cop, but I wanted to continue to do medical, too,” Dentai said. “I like the idea I can help people on their worst day and maybe prevent their worst day.”

At his swearing in, Dentai’s badge was pinned on his uniform by his fiancée, Alynne Suida. The couple plan to wed in October.

Dentai’s parents, Laura and Mike, were on hand as well.

Dad Mike said he and his wife had “never been more proud” of their son. Devon Dentai is the first person in his family to go into law enforcement; his parents said most of the members of their families are teachers or tool and die workers.

Shores Public Safety Director Kenneth Werenski said he was impressed after meeting with Dentai.

“We quickly realized he had a passion for service,” Werenski said.

He said Dentai struck them immediately as a great candidate for the department.

“We liked him right away,” Werenski said. “We really liked his quiet demeanor.”

Born and raised in Richmond, Dentai graduated from Richmond High School in 2017. He studied health science and was in the paramedic program at Macomb Community College.

Werenski said Dentai started working for the Shores on Dec. 14. He graduated from the Macomb Police Academy just a day earlier, on Dec. 13.

“We’re always excited to bring somebody aboard,” Werenski said.

Dentai does still need to get fire training. Werenski said he’ll attend the Macomb Fire Academy from Feb. 24 through May 2.

Shores officials are happy about the new hire.

“I have faith that Kenny (Werenski) picks good, quality people” for the department, City Councilman John Seago said.