The city spotlight has shined over Sault Ste. Marie Police Department Det. Phillip Donnay this week, who was recognized for being a “valued asset” to the department and community.
“I do not know of anyone who cares for his community and colleagues more than Det. Donnay,” Chief Wesley Bierling said.
Donnay signed on as a road patrol officer with the city in April of 2014, after serving 16 years at Bay Mills Indian Police Department. He was promoted to detective in March of 2020.
“My goal was always to be a detective,” Donnay said. “I am able to help victims, and be there for the kids involved. I try to teach them right from wrong and guide them.”
Donnay’s job is to investigate major crimes involving but not limited to incidences of homicide, criminal sexual conduct, larceny and fraud.
“We dedicate all our time to investigating crimes that road patrol cannot because they are so busy,” said Donnay. “We work well with community agencies, and closely with the prosecutor’s office.”
City detectives must interview all suspects, victims and witnesses to compile the most thorough reports possible.
“We see cases all the way through to the end,” Donnay said.
The most rewarding aspect of his job is helping victims get through the investigation process, which can sometimes be stressful and lengthy.
“I try to make sure my cases are 100 percent solid,” said Donnay. “All the evidence needs to be there. There are multiple sides to every case. I have to bring it all together into a report.”
This can be time consuming and a lot of work.
“The hardest part of the job is not being able to help all victims,” he said. “I do not like any crimes left unsolved.”
But much of Donnay’s on-the-job stress stems from the increasing negative limelight cast over law enforcement officials in recent years.
“The media portrays police officers as bad people," Donnay said.
His response is to continue doing the best job possible, while mentoring others to do the same.
“Be honest, loyal and treat everyone equally,” said Donnay, remembering his own early mentors fondly.
When Donnay was still a student at Flushing High School, a local city police officer took him under his wing. He taught the future detective all about road patrol, and the basics of criminal justice.
Donnay was born the youngest of 13 children to Gerald and Wanda Donnay of Flushing, Mich.
“My dad was my greatest influence,” Donnay said. “He taught me the ways. He taught me to treat others as equals, and with respect.”
Donnay referred to his mother as a living “Angel.”
As the result of such a supportive upbringing, each of Donnay’s brothers and sisters are college graduates. Donnay graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Lake Superior State University in 1997.
25 years later, the detective is exactly where he has always wanted to be.
"I enjoy the camaraderie within the department," Donnay said. “I love my job, and would do it over again. I still have a long career ahead of me.”
When not at work, he enjoys spending free time with family and friends in “God’s Country,” where they hunt, fish, trap and ride snowmobiles. In doing so, he teaches his children respect for the land.
Something Det. Donnay would like to pass on to readers is the lesson to keep faithful and love everyone, as passed on to him by his uncle, the late Brother John Hascall (May 23, 1941 to May 22, 2022).
