Sgt. Austin Young will be promoted to captain of the Escanaba Public Safety Department effective Sept. 2, the City of Escanaba announced Friday.

Young succeeds Capt. Darren Smith, who was recently appointed as the city’s director of public safety after the retirement of Director John Gudwer, whose last day is Monday, Sept. 1.

Young brings nine years of experience with Escanaba Public Safety, where he has served as a police officer, firefighter, sergeant, K-9 handler, field training officer supervisor, fire instructor, Law Enforcement Information Network Terminal Agency Coordinator (LEIN TAC) officer and active shooter instructor.

“His leadership has been instrumental in training new officers, supervising multi-agency drills, leading narcotics investigations with the Upper Peninsula Drug Enforcement Team, and ensuring compliance with state and federal standards,” the City of Escanaba stated in a news release.

A lifelong member of the Escanaba community, Young is a graduate of Escanaba High School and has a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Northern Michigan University, where he also completed the police academy.

In his new role, Young will oversee daily operations within Escanaba Public Safety, focusing on officer development, community safety and building a high-performing, unified and positive department culture.

The city’s news release concludes: “Please join us in congratulating Captain Austin Young on his well-deserved promotion. We are grateful for his dedication, professionalism, and proven leadership, and we look forward to his continued service to the Escanaba community.”