Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police

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.

Wyoming Chief Kim Koster with former Kentwood Chief Thomas Hillen during a National Night Out event. (WKTV)

“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.

Wyoming Chief Kim Koster reads “Valenstiens” by Ethan Long during the 2021 March is Reading Month celebration. (WKTV)

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.

Wyoming Public Safety Director James E. Carmody has been recognized as the top police chief of 2016 by the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.

Carmody, who has more than four decades of law enforcement experience, received the MACP Presidential Citation award at the organization’s annual conference in late June. The Presidential Citation is “awarded for outstanding and extraordinary professional and personal service to the criminal justice system, the law enforcement profession and the MACP” and recognizes “a personal dedication and commitment above and beyond normal professional duties and interactions.”

“As a City, we are deeply honored to have Chief Carmody recognized by his peers as the top police chief in Michigan,” said Wyoming City Manager Curtis Holt. “He exemplifies professionalism and has a deep commitment to law enforcement, to his officers and staff, and to all the residents of the City of Wyoming.

“Since joining us in 2006, Chief Carmody has developed innovative programs that improve our ability to address key issues facing our community while building positive bridges with our citizens. His effective leadership style has earned the respect of all those who work with him.”

Carmody began his career as a police officer in Port Huron in 1975, retiring from the force as a deputy chief before moving to Wyoming as police chief. In 2013, he oversaw the creation of a joint Public Safety Department in Wyoming and was made public safety director with responsibilities for police and fire services in this city of nearly 75,000.

The MACP award recognizes the 42 years he has served as a police officer, including 24 at an executive level, and his 23 years of active membership with the MACP. Carmody serves on several MACP committees, including chair of the Traffic Safety Committee and a member of the Training & Education and Legislative committees. He was recently selected as the Michigan District 5 MACP executive board alternate representative. In April, he was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to serve on the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission.

“I can’t think of a greater honor than to be recognized by my peers,” Carmody said. “It has, and will continue to be, a team effort as we work collectively to advance our communities and work to provide the best public safety services.”

Active professionally, Carmody works with the MACP Executive Development program and has taught dozens of police training, management and leadership classes. He sits on the interview panel for Congressman Bill Huizenga, R-Zeeland, reviewing high school students who have applied for appointment to West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy and the nation’s other military service academies. In January 2016, Carmody represented the MACP and Michigan’s law enforcement community when he attended Pres. Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.

Carmody received his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and his master’s from University of Michigan. He is also a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy.

Carmody lives in Wyoming with his wife, Ralene.