Fire Department:

To start, the City would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Fire Captain John Schwall for 25 years of service to the City of Ferndale and well wishes on his retirement. He started in February of 2000 and has filled these 25 years with courage, integrity, and dedication.

• He was promoted to Captain in 2021 after years of exceptional leadership, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. As the Department's EMS Coordinator, he has been instrumental in enhancing the quality, efficiency, and preparedness of emergency medical services, not just for the Ferndale community, but our neighboring communities in the OAKWAY Division.
• His service as the Chair of the OAKWAY Mutual Aid Peer Support Group supported vital peer-to-peer mental health resources and resiliency amongst firefighters. Cpt. Schwall has also been an active member of the OAKWAY Hazardous Material Team, mentoring generations of firefighters and EMS personnel.

Not only is Cpt. Schwall honored for his career accomplishments, but for who he is as a person. He has earned deep respect and admiration from his team, City staff, and the community for his tireless efforts, positive spirit, and exemplary conduct. As he enters his retirement, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence. 

On behalf of the City of Ferndale, thank you, Captain Schwall, for being a pillar in this community for 25 years. We wish you nothing but the best as you enter this new chapter.

Police Department:

Honoring Heroic Response: Officers Recognized for Downtown Shooting Incident.

During Monday’s City Council meeting, officers from the Ferndale Police Department were recognized for their swift and courageous response to a non-fatal shooting that occurred on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in the downtown area.

While on foot patrol around 12:30 a.m., officers heard multiple gunshots and quickly responded to the Woodward alley between Nine Mile and West Troy. They found a 29-year-old man near the rear entrance of the Orchid Theatre suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately provided lifesaving aid until Ferndale Fire and Rescue arrived. The victim was later released from the hospital.

Thanks to diligent investigation tools and cameras, detectives identified the suspect as 29-year-old Coreyontai Deshawn Rmon Hammonds of Redford. With assistance from the FBI’s Oakland County Gang and Violent Crime Task Force, Hammonds was arrested on May 23 without incident. Investigators confirmed this was a targeted act between individuals known to each other.

We’re proud to honor the officers whose actions exemplify the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the Ferndale Police Department.

Ferndale Arts and Beautification:

Congratulations to the June Ferndale Beautification Award Winners: Amelia Welby, Michael Davis, Ed and Sara Minas, and Merry Gundy for their exemplary lawns, radiant gardens, and sustainable planned natural landscapes. Thank you for making Ferndale vibrant and beautiful. Also, thank you so much to the Ferndale Arts & Beautification Commission for your hard work in selecting and offering these awards to homes in all quadrants of Ferndale.