Catholic Central is blessed to have several faculty and staff members who bring with them unique experiences from careers in law enforcement. 

Their years of service, often in difficult and demanding circumstances, have shaped their outlook on life, strengthened their faith, and now guide the way they mentor young Shamrocks. 

From detectives to captains, their paths back to Catholic Central reveal a shared commitment: to serve, protect, and inspire, both in the community and in the classroom.

Jon Zabick, ThD: Detective to Theology Teacher

Jon Zabick spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, retiring as a detective from the Novi Police Department at the end of 2022. 

Growing up in northeast Detroit, he was inspired by friends’ fathers who were officers and initially worked as a cadet with the University Police while attending Wayne State University. He ultimately switched his major to Criminal Justice, pursuing a career in law enforcement.

During his career, Jon faced challenging and formative experiences that shaped his outlook on life. From near-death encounters to responding to accidents and crime scenes, he gained a deeper understanding of the fragility of life. 

Working closely with schools to improve safety, particularly during incidents of school violence, taught him the importance of preparation, response, and community support. The Oxford High School tragedy, in particular, underscored the gravity of this work.

These experiences also prompted Jon to reflect deeply on faith and the “big questions of life.” Although he experienced a period of doubt as a young adult, his work in law enforcement brought him back to the Catholic faith of his childhood. Studying Christianity in his 40s helped him reconnect with the Church, shaping both his personal beliefs and his approach to teaching.

Jon was drawn to Catholic Central through years of professional interaction as a police liaison. “There was something about CC that felt different,” he says. “The message ‘Jesus is the reason for CC’ is not just a slogan—it’s real here.” 

Now, as a member of the theology faculty, Jon combines his professional experience with a thoughtful approach to faith, helping students explore life’s important questions while guiding them with perspective, care, and insight.

Al DiPrima: Police Captain to School Safety Officer

Al DiPrima began his law enforcement career in 1996 with the Redford Township Police Department. Working a career that spanned almost 27 years, Al served in road patrol, narcotics investigations, and criminal investigations, eventually rising to the rank of Captain, overseeing the Central Intelligence Bureau. Inspired by his father, a long-time law enforcement officer, Al credits his father’s guidance and example for shaping his approach to work and life.

During his career, Al experienced some of the most difficult aspects of police work, including fatal accidents, homicides, and officer-involved shootings. These experiences took a personal toll. 

In 2017, with the support of his family, Al turned to his faith and therapy. This gave him a deeper understanding of the importance of seeking help and addressing emotional challenges.

Today, Al serves as the School Safety Officer at Catholic Central, returning to the school where he was once a student. He works to provide guidance and support to students, sharing life lessons from both his career and personal experiences. “I walked in your shoes,” he says. “If you’re struggling, my door is always open.”

Al brings practical experience and a focus on safety, mentorship, and care for students, helping them navigate challenges and build positive habits as they grow.

Paul Stuligross ’82: Officer to Theology Teacher

Paul Stuligross served 24 years in law enforcement, including seven years as a detective and two as a juvenile detective. He also worked as a Field Training Officer. Growing up in northwest Detroit, Paul was inspired by friends’ fathers who were Detroit police officers. 

Although he majored in Business/Marketing in college, he ultimately followed a long-standing desire to serve the community through police work. While Paul valued his career, he also recognized the challenges that came with it. 

“Police work can be a very toxic environment,” he says. “You deal with the worst of human nature, and it can make you jaded and cynical.” He and his wife made a deliberate effort to surround themselves with friends outside of police work, helping him balance perspectives and remain grounded.

Faith, however, is what gave his work deeper meaning. About six years into his career, Paul experienced a spiritual renewal through devotion to Mary and the Rosary. 

“At first, I felt called away from the police vocation. Then I realized that God wanted me to bring light to it, or rather, God brought light to it through me.” His renewed faith helped him see both the good and evil in the world with clarity, shaping his personal outlook and approach to others.

Paul credits Catholic Central, along with wise spiritual mentors, for continuing to deepen his faith. “Catholic Central is my home,” he says. “My only regret is that it took so long to get back here. But God had other plans, and I am blessed to be here now.” 

Today, as a theology teacher, Paul works to guide students with the same love and encouragement that drew him back to his faith. 

“Often we teach hoping to bless others,” he says, “but in truth, I have been the one blessed here. The goodness, discipline, and knowledge espoused by the Basilians are real, and this school enriches not only its students, but its faculty as well.”

Three Men; One Shared Mission

Though their paths to Catholic Central were different, Jon, Al, and Paul spent years serving and protecting their communities in law enforcement and now serve as mentors, teachers, and role models to young Shamrocks. 

Their experiences, including facing hardship, grappling with faith, and finding renewal, uniquely equip them to guide students with wisdom, resilience, and compassion. 

At CC, their mission of forming young men of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, grounded in faith and prepared for life continues. 

We are grateful to Jon, Al, and Paul for their service and guidance, and we recognize how fortunate we are to have them, along with many others, who are dedicated to shaping our students into men of faith.