Wachowski goes 'Above and Beyond'

By Abby Cowels
Staff Writer

Officer Thomas Wachowski was selected to receive the “Above and Beyond Award” at the 2024 LCC Police Department Awards Dinner.

It is no question that his compassionate nature and high skillset led him to continue his pursuit in making the campus a safe place for everyone, according to LCC Chief of Police Daryl Gaines.

“Officer Wachowski has a warehouse full of police knowledge,” Gaines said. “His experience in the field and display of high character makes him a great police officer.

“He’s professional, very highly regarded by his peers, and has an ability to make positive conversation when engaging with our community.”

After retiring from the East Lansing Police Department in 2023, Wachowski joined the LCC police team. He said the most gratifying part of his profession is working alongside those respectful individuals that make up the department.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work with many officers over my 25-plus years of service,” Wachowski said. “I can honestly say that the officers here at LCCPD are some of the finest that I’ve had the privilege to work with, and am proud to be part of this team.”

He spoke highly of his fellow officers. He said in just this last year, he has cultivated close bonds and developed a great amount of respect for the department’s commitment to making LCC and the community a safe place.

“The men and women that I work with have always demonstrated the willingness to risk their own safety, not only for each other, but for the people they serve,” Wachowski said. “To be able to work with people like that on a daily basis, and I get to call them my friends and family, is something you don’t find in most professions. So, I am very fortunate to have had that opportunity.”

 Wachowski shared that he has recently been selected as a field training officer, and that he aspires to pass down the same skill and integrity he has brought to LCCPD in the last year.

“I hope that I can pass on something that will help them become a better, safer officer,” he said. “The number one rule in law enforcement is that we will all go home to our families at the end of the day.

“This is a very dangerous job, and my goal is to pass on the skills to make sure we follow that rule.”