3/8/11 - The news that Hamburg Township Police Chief Steve Luciano would be retiring came as a shock to the community yesterday and those who worked with him are reflecting on his tenure. Luciano is credited for his work in community policing while also partnering with Pinckney Community Schools and implementing programs in the wake of several recent drug-related deaths. Superintendent Dan Danosky says he came on board with the district at just about at the same time Luciano joined the department back in 2006. He says Luciano’s departure is a huge loss to the community and he’s by far the best chief he has personally had the opportunity to work with in his professional career. Danosky says Luciano’s attitude about community policing and having officers be visible pays huge dividends in a community such as Hamburg. Some in the community have expressed concerns about where the department is headed following Luciano’s retirement and the township is working toward hiring a replacement chief. Danosky says anytime there is a change in leadership, especially following someone who has made a difference, people will have concerns and rightfully so. Danosky says it will be hard to find someone as community minded and of Luciano’s caliber and integrity. Board member Chuck Menzies tells WHMI that Luciano has done a tremendous job since he came on. Menzies says as chairman of the Public Safety Committee and a Board Trustee, Luciano will be greatly missed. He says he has implemented community policing which was greatly accepted and appreciated but has also done a great job in dealing with the schools and drug intervention. The township’s personnel and public safety committees will meet this Friday to discuss and determine how to proceed with a replacement. Luciano’s final day will be March 18th. (JM)