By WKTV Staff
joanne@wktv.org

Wyoming Director of Public Safety Kimberly Koster has been appointed to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

Serving the residents of Michigan through the promotion of public safety since 1965, MCOLES provides leadership through setting professional standards in education, selection, employment, licensing and funding in law enforcement and criminal justice in both the public and private sectors.

Koster was selected to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police on MCOLES for a nearly three-year term that ends Dec. 31, 2025. She succeeds recently retired Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne.

“I am honored to be appointed to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and to represent my fellow police chiefs on this esteemed board,” Koster said. “I look forward to continuing the exemplary work of MCOLES to ensure our communities are safe, our officers are well-trained and our criminal justice system is supported.”

Koster has been Wyoming’s director of public safety for nearly four years, leading a team of 151 full-time personnel that includes 99 sworn police officers and 29 full-time firefighters.

Before becoming chief, Koster served as a captain within the department for eight years. In this role, she assisted with the formation of the Public Safety Department through the administrative consolidation of police and fire services, created a new staffing model, facilitated dispatch operation transitions and led a collaborative effort in the development of the department’s five-year strategic plan.

Prior to that, she worked her way up through the ranks to detective, sergeant and lieutenant. A 26-year veteran of the department, she began her career with Wyoming as a school resource and community policing officer. In this role, she worked with neighborhood groups and organized community events to bridge gaps and build solidarity among neighbors.

Throughout her career, Koster has been recognized with several commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award of Excellence and Outstanding Young Public Safety Officer.

She is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and has completed the Leadership Institute training hosted by Grand Rapids Police Department and the Police and Staff Command training hosted by Northwestern University.

Koster received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University.