Officer Alzayadi selected as 2025 Officer of the Year

By Sarah Shurge – On Tuesday, April 7th, at the City of Wayne’s Council meeting, Officer Alzayadi was honored as the 2025 Wayne Police Department Police Officer of the Year.
“Receiving the award I felt excited, honored, proud, and respected by my fellow coworkers, city officials, and the citizens,” said Officer Alzayadi.
Each year the Wayne Police Department’s Awards Committee – which consists of patrol officers, command officers, and the police chief – meets to select a Police Officer of the Year Award recipient as well as other individual awards for exemplary service.
“Three different employees at the department submitted letters recommending him [Alzayadi]. I think that speaks volumes,” said Wayne Police Chief Ryan Strong. “They all noted his enthusiasm for the job, love for the community, and professional growth.”
Officer Alzayadi was selected for his proactive policing and commitment to the community.
“Officer Alzayadi is exactly the kind of officer we want patrolling our streets; he cares deeply about keeping our streets safe by arresting dangerous criminals and enforcing traffic laws, while also realizing the strong positive role police officers play in working with the community,” said Chief Strong. Ironically, Officer Alzayadi didn’t always see himself as being a police officer.
“I never in a million years would have thought I would ever become a police officer,” said Officer Alzayadi.
In 2020, Officer Alzayadi started his career with Westland Police as a police service aide. Then in March 2023, Officer Alzayadi joined the Wayne Police Department (WPD).
“I am so happy I chose this profession. I get to save lives, help people when they need help, be there for the community, prevent crime, and prevent criminals victimizing others,” said Officer Alzayadi.
Congratulations to Officer Alzayadi for his well-deserved recognition!
In February, Sergeant Colwell was promoted to Lieutenant, and Officer Williams was promoted to Sergeant.
“Both are well respected members of the department. I look forward to seeing them excel in their new roles,” said Chief Strong. “We had many quality candidates which speaks highly of our department.”
Lieutenant Colwell is an 11 year veteran of the department and the 2018 Police Officer of the Year. Sergeant Williams is a seven year veteran of the department and the 2023 Police Officer of the Year.
Congratulations to Lieutenant Colwell and Sergeant Williams on their promotions!
For more information about the Wayne Police Department, visit cityofwayne.com/159/Police or you can find them on Facebook by searching “City of Wayne, Michigan Police Department.”

Officer of the Year Officer Alzayadi (center) with his fellow Wayne Police officers.

Mayor John Rhaesa, Officer of the Year Officer Alzayadi, and Chief Ryan Strong at the May 5, 2026, Wayne City Council meeting.