(WWJ) The Mayor of Dearborn Heights, Dan Paletko, died from complications due to COVID-19.
The Dearborn Heights Police Department said they are "shocked and saddened" by Paletko's death late Tuesday evening.
"Mayor Dan Paletko was a tremendous asset to our community and a great leader for the city of Dearborn Heights. Mayor Paletko always made sure we knew he had chosen "the best of the best" for our Police and Fire Departments and he had our backs," the department said on Facebook.
Paletko, 70, had not publicly announced his diagnosis.
"This is just too much," said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, responding to the news on Wednesday. "Mayor Paletko was one of the first Wayne County Mayors to befriend me, to work with me, and to support me. The fact that the doors of Dearborn Heights were always open was a testament to his kindness, his openness, and his belief that we were one Wayne County and if Dearborn Heights benefitted, we all benefitted. He was the quintessential collaborator."
Paletko served as mayor since 2004. He was elected four times: in 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2017. Prior to becoming mayor, he also served on Dearborn Heights city council and as a representative in the Michigan House.
He is survived by two daughters.
