There’s a new cop patrolling Oxford Village and not only is he trained to fight crime, he’s got the know-how to battle fires and give medical treatment.
Duane Niedzwiezki, 31, was sworn in last week as a part-time officer for the village police department.
Niedzwiezki’s background includes serving eight years as a firefighter, paramedic and dispatcher for the Armada Township Fire Department and three years as a paramedic for the Mt. Clemens-based Med Star Ambulance, a private ambulance provider.
He also served two years as a corrections officer for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department and is currently employed as an Emergency Center Technician for William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, where he’s worked for eight years including the Troy location.
Niedzwiezki said he’s “always had an interest” in police, fire and EMS services and wanted to “get my feet wet” in all three.
“I like to be versatile,” he said, noting he’s being cross-trained by the village police to also serve as a dispatcher when needed.
Police Chief Mike Neymanowski said he’s “thoroughly impressed” with Niedzwiezki and “thrilled” to have him as a member of the department.
“Duane’s definitely going to be an asset to our agency and this community,” the chief said.
Neymanowski said Niedzwiezki’s a “perfect fit” for the village because he’s worked in Armada so he’s familiar with the ways and needs of a small town.
After his swearing-in, Niedzwiezki told the village council, “I look forward to expanding my knowledge and skills and serving the community in a variety of ways.” He described his new position as a “very special opportunity.”
When he’s not fighting crime or saving lives, Niedzwiezki enjoys spending time with his wife and a 13-month-old son.

When Jennifer Dumm was growing up, a police officer visited her school and inspired the young girl to seek a career in law enforcement.
That fateful day eventually led the 23-year-old to Oxford, where she was recently sworn-in as a part-time member of the village police department.
“I like the small community,” said Dumm, who’s lived in Lake Orion for the past two years. “I like the village.”
According to Police Chief Michael Neymanowski, Dumm is the first female officer to serve on the department since February 2001.
Of all the candidates who applied for the part-time position, Neymanowski said Dumm scored the highest in the testing process.
The addition of Dumm is an “asset to the agency” and “adds some depth” to the department, the chief said.
This is the 1998 Fraser High School graduate’s second job in law enforcement.
She currently works part-time for the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Division, where she’s been employed for the 3? years.
Working with the sheriff’s department has been a “great asset” to Dumm, who said she’s learned “how to work with the community and all different types of people.”
However, Dumm is looking forward to trading in her boat for a patrol car.
“I love the aspect of community policing and I get to be more involved with it being on the road in Oxford than in a boat,” she said.
Dumm clearly doesn’t just view her new position in Oxford as just a stepping-stone to another department.
“I’m definitely looking to become full-time. Hopefully soon,” she said. “This is definitely a department where I’d love to stay and make a career.”
When she’s not helping maintain law and order, Dumm said she enjoys playing sports.
“I’m a big athlete,” Dumm said, noting she was the recipient of a four-year soccer scholarship to Madonna University in Livonia, where she also played softball and basketball.
In her spare time, Dumm said she also enjoys volunteering at the Canine Stray Rescue in Oxford.
But for now, the young officer is busy concentrating on her new job and hoping to influence a new generation of kids.
“I always wanted to be that officer that makes an impact on the kids,” she said.