You are viewing this article in the AnnArbor.com archives. For the latest breaking news and updates in Ann Arbor and the surrounding area, see MLive.com/ann-arbor
Posted on Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 5:59 a.m.

Ypsilanti Police Department hires new deputy chief

By Kyle Feldscher

Ypsilanti has hired Anthony DeGiusti of the Wayne Police Department as the city's new deputy police chief.

DeGiutsti has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience and was deputy police chief in Wayne for 12 of those years, Ypsilanti Police Chief Amy Walker said in a press release. She said she’s thrilled to have him join the department.

“His experience, education and background will be an asset to our department and community in moving the city forward,” she said in a statement.

DeGiusti is a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy and the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public law and administration from Eastern Michigan University.

City officials said last week they were in the process of negotiating with a final candidate for the position of deputy police chief. Ralph Lange, city manager, said DeGiusti will get paid $77,500 annually.

Lange said DeGiusti will not receive overtime pay and is a non-union employee.

He'll start at the department on Feb. 18, Lange said.

There hasn’t been a deputy police chief in Ypsilanti since Matt Harshberger — now the public safety director for Pittsfield Township — left the position to become Ypsilanti’s police chief in 2006.

In a statement, DeGiusti said he looks forward to joining the force.

He is “excited about serving the city of Ypsilanti and looking forward to the opportunity to work with such a well established and respected law enforcement agency,” he said.

Reporter Katrease Stafford contributed to this story.

Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Comments

metrichead

Sat, Jan 19, 2013 : 6:15 a.m.

I was in the MPA Program with Anthony...very funny man. I have not spoken to him in a LONG time, but I'm glad to see this. I think Ypsilanti will be well served by him.

brian

Sat, Jan 19, 2013 : 3:32 a.m.

Good luck Sir, you have walked into a very good police department with a bunch of fine officers.

doesnotmatter

Sat, Jan 19, 2013 : 12:04 a.m.

Dep. Chief DeGiusti is a good man. He was an instructor when I went though the police academy. Ypsi is lucky to have him.

beardown

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 11:51 p.m.

So, if Lange is hell bent on merging the two departments, even if no one wants him to, then why is he adding bureaucracy on the police side? Hopefully this guy was hired knowing that he is going to have to cover some fire duties.

gentleenuff

Sat, Jan 19, 2013 : 1:15 a.m.

they have been babbling about merging for 15 years... however, I do not believe for one moment that Ypsilanti needs another drain on their already strained budget. Your shadowing Detroit Ypsilanti...tsk,tsk

Itchy

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 9:33 p.m.

I do not understand all of the thumbs down for most comments. Maybe Ypsilanti voters like being milked and taken to the cleaners.

Hunterjim

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 1:25 p.m.

Was there no good candidates within the department? My guess is that because they made it a non union job, that anyone within the department would not risk their retirement by becoming an at will employee. I'm not a fan of stepping over people with in the organization to fill that position.

Hunterjim

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 4:11 p.m.

Thanks Kat.

Katrease Stafford

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 2:41 p.m.

City Manager Ralph Lange told me that no one from within the department applied for the position.

Boo Radley

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 12:28 p.m.

He must have been pretty unhappy in Wayne. Most departments have sergeants and lieutenants making that kind of wage.

notta

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.

most likely he was very happy. he was most likely eligable to recieve his pension and now is just looking for a second income. on top of the $77,500 he'll be getting in ypsi he'll prob bring home another $80,000 or more from wayne....togather makeupwards of $150,000. nothing like working the system and taking jobs from other who need them.

Goober

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.

Yes! Everyone needs a deputy to help them do their job, especially if the public is covering for wages and benefits. Go figure!

Itchy

Fri, Jan 18, 2013 : 9:34 p.m.

Maybe the new deputy will hire his own deputy.