Professional Services
Waterford Township Police Detective honored with inaugural Richard C. Heins Outstanding Leadership Award
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor
Waterford Township Police Det. Chris Belling is known for putting the members of his local MAP unit first, so it’s fitting he is the first recipient of the Richard C. Heins Outstanding Leadership Award.
In a tribute to longtime MAP Executive Board President Rich Heins, the Outstanding Leadership Award recognizes MAP, MAPE and MAFF Local Union Stewards who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to serve fellow members. Heins passed away unexpectedly April 28, 2019, shortly after retiring from the Sterling Heights Police Department and becoming a MAP, MAPE and MAFF Labor Relations Specialist.
“He was well-known for putting the needs of members above his own. As President of MAP, he set policy through turbulent times in 2007,” said Mike Kunath, MAP Executive Board Vice President and a longtime Sterling Heights Police comrade. An MCOLES Commissioner since 2017, Kunath said, Heins “articulated actual needs of officers and was an advocate of training.”
Det. Belling was nominated by MAP staff for the award. The Waterford Township Police Officers Association President, former Association Vice President and Secretary has served on the Local Board for the past decade, running unopposed every election since the first time he ran against another candidate and won. Members know when the going gets tough, they can count on Triple B “By the Book Belling” as he is affectionally known for his tenacity.
“Chris takes grievances personally if he feels the Employer is being unjust or unfair,” said MAP Executive Board Treasurer Al Knapp, a Waterford Township Police Detective. “It seems to bother him as much or more than the actual grievant. He puts his heart and soul into being a union representative.”
“He also recognizes that mistakes are made, and we must be accountable, but the accountability must be reasonable and uniform,” Knapp said. “If he feels it isn’t, he will dig in his heels and put up an intense fight.”
Sign up for new Union Steward Training Seminars
MAP is offering new Union Steward Training Seminars at the MAP Office beginning in February.
Register today for the free training seminars, which are available on a first-come basis. All Local Executive Board members and Local Stewards are encouraged to attend.
The seminars are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with lunch served on the following dates: Feb. 28, May 29, Aug. 28 and Nov. 20, 2020. Details can be found on the website Calendar.
Please contact Julie Palmquist at (248) 509-7158, ext. 231 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible as to make reservations for members from your Local Association.
Trenton Sergeant honored as inaugural MAP Officer of the Year for using kayak to save woman in sinking SUV
By Jennifer Gomori, MAP Editor with excerpts from news media
Trenton Police Sgt. Stephen Lyons was honored as the first MAP Officer of the Year for saving the life of a woman who drove her vehicle into the Detroit River Dec. 17, 2018.
Sgt. Lyons was presented the inaugural 2019 MAP Officer of the Year Award during MAP’s Annual Holiday Open House Dec. 13. State Senator Gary Peters wrote a letter honoring Lyons’ heroic actions, which Jim Curran of Karoub Associates read during the Open House.
“In your job every day, you have shown courage, leadership and heroism,” wrote Sen. Peters. “It is officers such as yourself that make Michigan a great place to live.”
Lyons and other Trenton Officers arrived on scene near the corner of West Road and Riverside Drive around 3:50 p.m. to see the woman’s SUV being pulled downriver by the strong current. They quickly searched the area for a way to reach the vehicle. Lyons discovered a kayak and paddle near a neighboring home and Trenton Officer Alex Blum pulled the kayak over to the river while Lyons removed his body armor and gear.
Lyons paddled over to the SUV and used the paddle to break a vehicle window. He reached inside the sinking SUV with the paddle and the driver grabbed onto it, pulling the paddle from Lyons hands as the car sank underwater. Seconds later, the woman and the paddle emerged from the frigid water. Sgt. Lyons grabbed ahold of her with one arm while using the other to paddle toward shore.
Once he was close enough, Trenton Fire Fighters threw a life preserver to Sgt. Lyons and pulled the two safely to shore.
The driver was transported to the hospital where she recovered. She was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Sgt. Lyons was treated for exposure to the 36-degree water inside an ambulance at the scene. While in the ambulance, a young woman approached him and thanked Sgt. Lyons for saving her mother, despite everything her family had put him through.
Register today for free 2020 Grievance Seminars
Local Executive Board Members and Local Stewards are encouraged to attend 2020 Grievance Seminars on Fridays at the MAP Office.
The free seminars, conducted by MAP Executive Director Fred Timpner, will provide valuable information about key grievance issues. We suggest all members from the Local Executive Boards and Local Stewards attend. Seminars begin at 10 a.m. and lunch will be served.
Contract Interpretation Grievance Seminars are scheduled for: Jan. 31, April 24, July 31 and Oct. 30, 2020. Grievance Seminars focusing on Discipline are scheduled for: March 27, June 26, Sept. 25 and Dec. 18, 2020. Details can be found on the website Calendar.
Please register as soon as possible as space is limited to 12 people per seminar on a first-come basis. To register, call Julie Palmquist at (248) 509-7158, ext. 231 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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