Detroit police chief promotes fallen sergeant at funeral

ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (WJBK) - A church full of people erupted in applause Friday afternoon when Detroit Police Chief James Craig announced he was promoting fallen Sergeant Kenneth Steil to captain.

"I just want to make a small presentation, if you can bear with me," the chief said as he wrapped up his remarks. He then spoke briefly about his time as chief and how he's chosen who will lead the department with him. "So, I present to you the newest member of our command staff, appointed posthumously, Captain Kenneth "Shark" Steil."

Members of the force then presented Steil's wife, Joann, and their two young boys with a plaque of badges as everyone stood to their feet and clapped.

"Thank you for sharing Kenny with us. We are better because of it," Craig also said in his remarks.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan also spoke at the funeral, which took place at St. Joan of Arc in St. Clair Shores. You can listen to their remarks in full here on our Facebook page.

Steil was shot in the shoulder while chasing a suspect last week, and died unexpectedly last Saturday of a blood clot. The suspect, 21-year-old Cromer is charged with first-degree murder.

Steil, who had a wife and two sons, was an officer for 20 years and nicknamed "Shark" for his diving skills

Gov. Rick Snyder has ordered U.S. and Michigan flags to be lowered to half-staff on Friday in Steil's honor.