NEGAUNEE — After 25 years of service to the city, Negaunee Police Chief Jay Frusti handed over the reins to a fellow Negaunee Police Department veteran on Friday.

Pat Ketola, who has been an officer at the NPD since 1999, will take the helm as interim police chief, according to a press release from the city.

Ketola, who served as a sergeant for 13 years of his tenure, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Northern Michigan University.

Frusti said in an email Thursday that he has “complete faith” that Ketola will “do an outstanding job.”

“I have worked with Pat Ketola since (he was hired) and have found him to be an honest and hard-working person,” Frusti said. “I believe that he cares deeply about the residents of this community and will welcome anyone that comes into the police department to discuss a law enforcement matter they are concerned about.”

The former chief said he is grateful for the opportunity to work for the city and his greatest achievement is helping people.

“I believe that if you are interested in law enforcement you need to have a strong desire to help others,” Frusti said. “Over the years, I recall many people who have thanked me for helping them with a difficult situation they were going through. It’s moments like these that made my career in law enforcement memorable. I would like to say thank you to everyone in this community. Over the years I had a few titles: officer, sergeant, DARE officer, acting police chief, police chief and interim city manager. These titles were great to achieve, but the best part was the friendships I made along the way. Thank you all, it was truly great working for this community.”

Negaunee City Manager Nate Heffron thanked Frusti for his years of service to the city.

“Chief Frusti has served this community with great dignity and will be deeply missed. I wish him well on his retirement,” Heffron said. “I want to welcome Chief Ketola in his new role as interim chief of police and wish him all the best as he settles in.”

Heffron said he expects the interim position to remain in place for one year prior to making any decisions on filling the position permanently.

“Everyone needs time to transition into an administrative role,” Heffron said. “I believe that Chief Ketola’s previous experience as sergeant will aid him during this process.”

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.