UPDATE: From Wyoming Department of Public Safety “We are grateful to report that Amir and Adonis Ezell have been located and are unharmed. Early this afternoon a family member of Mr. Ezell dropped the children off at their mother’s residence, and they are now safe. Mr. Ezell has not been located by officers at this time. This case will be reviewed by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor
Suspect Jacobus Lamont Ezell, 25. (Courtesy, Wyoming Department of Public Safety.)
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety are searching for Jacobus Lamont Ezell who after a domestic dispute with his girlfriend took their two children, 18-month-old Amir Ezell and 4-year-old Adonis Ezell.
At approximately 5:23 a.m. on Tuesday, July 11, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW on a report of a domestic dispute. When officers arrived, they learned that after allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, the suspect, Jacobus Lamont Ezel left with the two children. The suspect is the biological, non-custodial father of both children. Officers are concerned for the welfare of the children given the circumstances of this incident as well as the fact that the suspect is reported to have a mental disorder.
The suspect was last seen with the children in the 2600 block of Burlingame Avenue SW. It is believed that he left the area on foot with the children as well as a baby stroller.
The suspect has been identified as Jacobus Lamont Ezell a 25-year-old black male. He has black hair, brown eyes, is 6 feet tall, and weighs 180 pounds. His hair was described as being styled in “half-afro and half- twists.” He was last seen wearing black pants, white shoes, and no shirt.
Amir Ezell, 18 months.Adonis Ezell, 4 (older picture)
Pictures courtesy of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
The children were identified as:
Amir Ezell, an 18-month-old black male, approximately two feet tall, weighing 30 pounds, andwearing a green onesie and red and white socks.
Adonis Ezell a four-year-old black male, approximately three feet tall, weighing 40 pounds, andwearing spider-man shoes and red and white socks.
The stroller was described as being a Graco brand, black and white in color.
Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety are giving this their full attention and are seeking the public’s help in locating the children. The children have been entered into the National Crime Information Center, an Endangered Missing Person Advisory has been submitted to the Michigan State Police, and a Child is Missing Alert has been activated.
Anyone with information about this incident or the whereabouts of Jacobus Ezell is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
On May 9, at approximately 7:30 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and Grandville Police responded to the area of 28th Street near Clydon Avenue on a report of a head-on collision involving two vehicles.
When officers arrived they located two patients, an unresponsive 7-year-old female and a 31-year-old male both with serious injuries. The uninjured driver remained at the scene to speak with police. the injuries driver and child were both transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s Accident Investigation and Forensic Services Units are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
Kent County Sheriff’s Department
At 2:30 a.m. this morning, a homeowner called 911 stating three suspects were checking car doors in the neighborhood along South Park Drive SW. Deputies arrived in the area and located the vehicle described by the homeowner and attempted to stop it. The vehicle fled from deputies but ran over spike strips just down the road. A pursuit continued up Kalamazoo Avenue nail the driver lost control and came to a stop along Kalamazoo Avenue near 52nd Street.
One occupant ran away and a second was arrested in the vehicle. The vehicle itself was stolen form Plainfield Township on May 3. Inside the deputies located two pistols along with cash and other items stolen from vehicles. An 18-year-old Grand Rapids man was arrested on charges related to the case. The other suspect remains outstanding.
This follow a similar incident Monday morning in Byron Township. At 6 a.m., KCSO dispatch received multiple calls of suspects breaking int o cars in the area of Marshwood Court SW. Two vehicles fled from deputies, which were later found at 68th Street and Clyde Park Avenue. As deputies closed in they located four suspects running form the cars, who were all apprehended (ages 15, 16, and two 17-year-old males from Grand Rapids). Three stolen vehicles in total were recovered.
According to a statement released by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department “We continue to see the brazen action of these suspects continue. Please keep your firearms, keys, and cash out of your vehicles. All areas of Kent County are being targeted.”
Left, Mayor Kent Vanderwood and Chief Kim Koster, chat in front of the city’s retired aerial fire truck. Through the millage that was passed Tuesday, the city will be able to purchase a new one. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kim Koster admits there is a lot of work ahead for her department — postings, recruiting, and the purchase of a new fire truck — and it’s thanks to the city’s residents who by 64% approved a public safety proposal on Tuesday.
“I’m extremely grateful to our community for their support,” Koster said during a press conference at the city’s Division Avenue Fire Station. “They really looked forward and could see how an increase in personnel would have an impact on community safety.
She added that this is especially true for the fireside as increased personnel will help decrease response times and allow the city to fully staff its Division Avenue fire station, which has never been open on a regular basis.
Voters showed their support
In a vote of 4,987 to 2,803, Wyoming voters approved a 1.5 mill increase that would be dedicated to the public safety department. The millage would raise about $4 million annually allowing the city to maintain 17 public safety positions and add 10 more.
“I believe the key this time around is that we kept the message very simple,” said Mayor Kent Vanderwood, who recited his slogan throughout the campaign. “Ask the residents for only what is needed and for no longer than needed.”
Vanderwood said the city asked for the right amount making it clear it would be dedicated to the public safety department for staffing and the purchase of needed equipment. He also felt putting a time frame of five years on the millage gives residents the control over whether they see the need or not to continue with the millage. Vanderwood added that the five years gives the city time to explore other options for funding.
“I am grateful to the business community who came forward and supported this,” Vanderwood said. In fact many, such as the 36th Street Palermo Pizza, handed informational flyers.
As the vote rolled in on Tuesday, Vanderwood said the tallies came in two groups. The first was the absentee voters, which were around 4,800. Absentee ballots showed 68% in support of the millage.
A total of 7,700 of the city’s approximate 58,000 registered voters cast a vote in Tuesday’s election. This is about 15% of the city’s registered voters, which is on par for the entire county and usually the percentage for a May election.
Remodeling and Recruiting
The press conference was in front of the 1994 aerial fire truck that has been out of commission for about a year and half, Koster said. Through the new bond proposal, the city will purchase a new aerial truck, which she noted is needed as the city has more multi-floor buildings along with allowing firefighters to safely reach the roof of a home during a fire. Since the trucks are made to specifications, it will take about a year for the new truck to arrive.
Through the millage and for the first time in the city’s history, the city’s Division Avenue Fire Station will be fully staffed. This summer it will be renovated and updated. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
Koster said postings for six fire positions went out the day after the election and that they will begin recruiting for the four police officer positions. Because it does take time to find the right candidates, Koster said they hope to have some of the positions filled by fall.
Through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the Division Avenue Fire Station will be remodeled which will include five bunk rooms for staff along with other updates. The station was primarily operated by volunteer/paid-on call and does not currently have sleeping quarters. This remodeling is scheduled to take place this summer, Koster said.
“I can only echo what the mayor and Chief Koster have said in that we are grateful to the community and we will follow through on the commitments we have made,” said Interim City Manager John McCarter.
Today, May 1, at 62B District Court, two suspects are arraigned for separate shooting incidences that took place in the City of Kentwood during the weekend.
Jerry Kidd Jr., 35, was arranged at the 62B District Court for the murder of Edgar Hernandez-Sandoval, 41. He was charged with open murder and felony firearms offense.
On April 29, Kidd Jr. and Hernandez-Sandoval were involved in an altercation outside a hotel building at Affordable Suites of America, 2701 E. Beltline Ave. Kidd Jr. allegedly shot Hernandez-Sandoval one time with a handgun. Kentwood officers arrived on the scene in the early morning hours of April 29 and with Kentwood Fire Department and LIFE EMS rendered aid to the Hernandez-Sandoval. He was produced dead at the scene.
Dimario Parker, 27, was arranged at the 62B District Court for the shooting of a 49-year-old Kentwood resident. Parker was charged with intent to murder, carrying a concealed weapon, and felony firearms offense.
On April 28, Parker and another male individual were involved in an altercation on the drive of Woodland Creek Apartments in Kentwood. Both person were known to each other. Parker fired several rounds from a handgun, striking the male victim. Kentwood Police units, along with units from the Grand Rapids Police Department, arrested Parker at a residence in Grand Rapids later the same day. The victim is still being treated at a local hospital.
Both Parker and Kidd Jr. currently are being held at the Kent County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings.
Firefighter Matt Young, Fire Lt. Brad Deppe, residents Lauren and Andy Gohlke with their son Emerson, Police Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger and Police Officer Lee Aktinson at the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony on March 23. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“I just remember thinking that I was watching my child die on the floor right now,” Lauren Gohlke said of Jan. 10, 2022, the day her son Emerson stopped breathing.
Through the quick actions of her husband, Andy Gohlke, and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, Emerson’s life would be saved.
“I am so very, very thankful to our first responder and everyone at the hospital,” Gohlke said, adding she especially appreciated Officer Chad Lynn for assisting her. “How fast that they got there and that they truly cared about Emerson, even though they didn’t know who he is, which means a lot.”
Gohlke and her husband, Andy, were taking Emerson to his one-month check up on Jan. 10, 2022.
“I had been siting in the back with him and I noticed he was purplish-red in color,” Gohlke said. “We hadn’t even left the driveway yet and I said something to my husband, Andy, who got out of the car and immediately came around to the back.”
Andy Gohlke brought his son out of the car into the cold as the couple thought it might help to wake Emerson up. Realizing there was a problem. Andy Gohlke took Emerson inside and immediately began performing CPR. The couple had taken a class in infant CPR at Corewell Health a few months.
“He told me to call 911 and as I was on the phone with dispatch, I could him go “one, two, three…,” Gohlke said.
The Call No One Wants to Hear
“[It is] the call that no one wants to hear, an infant is not breathing” said Captain Timothy Pols, of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, during the department’s annual employee recognition ceremony on March 23.
Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger and Officer Lee Atkinson were first to arrive and observed Andy Gohlke performing CPR on his son, who was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Pols said. Shellenbarger and Atkinson worked together to resuscitate Emerson. Shellenbarger took over CPR and Atkinson prepared the AED (automated external defibrillator) machine.
Equipment Officer Steve Boetsma, Firefighter Matt Young, resident Andy Gohlke, with his son Emerson, Police Officer Lee Aktinson and Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger were recognized for their life saving efforts. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
“The whole thing is still a blur,” said Gohlke, who by this time had been moved to the living room with Officer Chad Lynn. “[Lynn] told me that the reason there was so many people there is that they are all dads and parents and they understood what we were feeling.”
Gohlke heard the AED advise not to shock. Shellenbarger continued to perform CPR and heard Emerson make a slight noise and take a shallow breath, Pols reported. It was then that Equipment Operators Steve Boetsma and Tom Marsman and Firefighters Matt Young and Dan Rettig arrived and took over resuscitation efforts by administrating oxygen and continuing CPR.
“With the application of this treatment, Emerson’s color improved,” Pols said. “He regained a pulse and was breathing on his own.”
Gohlke said Officer Lynn let her know that Emerson had cried a little, saying “That is good. That is good.” Gohlke added that it did make her feel better.
Appreciative to all the First Responders
Emerson was taken to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, where after a series of tests, it was determined that he had silent reflux. After doing some research, Gohlke learned silent reflux does not usually go to the extreme of a life-or-death situation.
Looking back, Gohlke said if she hadn’t been siting in the backseat, she might of just thought Emerson was sleeping and he probably would not have survived the trip to the doctor’s office. She is also grateful that her and her husband took the infant CPR class, something she now recommends to all young couples. Pols noted that the quick action of Andy Gohlke to perform CPR on his infant son helped “avoid losing precious seconds while waiting for first responders.”
Sgt. Blair Shellenbarger, Officer Lee Atkinson, Fire Lt. Brad Deppe, Equipment Operators Steve Boetsma and Tom Marsman, and Firefighters Dan Rettig and Matt Young all received the Life Saving Award at the March Employee Recognition Ceremony. Andy Gohlke received a citizen citation for his quick actions in performing CPR. Pols noted they were all just happy that Emerson and his family were able to join them for the event.
“You know its more than a year later and we are are still dealing with the trauma of the event,” said Gohlke, who described it as the worst week in the couple’s lives. “These guys just went back to work.
“It means a lot to know we have people in our community such as those on the Wyoming police and fire who are there for our children and our love ones.”
Sketch released by the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety has released a composite of a person-of-interest in a Nov. 1 2022 shooting in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old.
The Department is again requesting assistance from the public with any information related to the homicide of Kane Coronado, who shot and killed Nov. 1, 2022, while riding his bicycle in the 2200 block of Indian Mounds Drive.
Investigators are interested in speaking to anyone who may have information about the suspect who was last seen driving an older gray model four-door car with normal wear and tear and minor body damage. Investigators believe the suspect may have abandoned or sold the gray sedan after the incident in November and may be driving a different vehicle at this time.
The suspect was described by a witness as a white male approximately 30 years of age. He had a thin, light or gray colored beard and was wearing some sort of hat like a beany or a stocking cap. The male was described as having a thin build and wearing “scruffy” clothing.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact Wyoming Police, 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-888-774-2345.
On the anniversary of its inception, the Metro Pattern Crimes Task Force (MPACT) announced today that it has arrested 12 individuals believed to be involved with 22 burglaries throughout Kent County including the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.
Since Jan. 30, MPACT has been investigating numerous business break-ins throughout Kent County. The suspects targeted marijuana dispensaries, liquor stores, and convenience stores that sold vape pens similar to the rash of break-ins that took place on Jan. 27 that included Wyoming’s D. Schuler. Officers did not state if the arrests was related to the Jan. 27 break-ins.
The investigation conducted three residential search warrants and recovered four stolen handguns and 12 stolen cars. It is believed that along with the cities of Wyomig and Kentwood, the cities of Grand Rapids, Walker Lowell and Cedar Springs and the townships of Solon, Cascade, Gaines, Plainfield and Byron has all been affected by these incidents.
“By having a unit like this that is under one roof representing several different areas, officers are able to identify developing behaviors and patterns and working together to solve significant crimes that stretch across Kent County,” said Lt. Andrew Koeller, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety public relations officer.
Focus on violent and serial crimes
The task force was created in February of 2022 to address not only violet crime, but also significant pattern crimes such as burglaries, purse snatchings and other incidents that often occur across multiple jurisdictions, within the county.
“The team runs under the radar but has helped with making a number of arrests in violent crimes such as homicides and shootings and serial crimes such as the stolen vehicles,” Koeller said.
Arrests for the business break-ins took place over the last several weeks with the last one on March 14. The adult and juvenile suspects have been arrested on charges ranging from Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Felony Firearms, Breaking and Entering with Intent, to Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. Several cases are still open as MPACT investigates and is exploring charges of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony.
Case still under investigation
The suspects range from 16 to 21 years old spanning rom the cities of Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Walker, Coopersville and Alpine Township. According to a press release, it is believed that the group could be responsible for burglaries outside of Kent County. The task force is coordinating with area law enforcement partners as the case unfolds.
“This investigation unit is the Swiss Army knife of the county for crime,” Koeller said. “These guys are amazing and extremely dedicated, working long hours to solve significant crime that is committed in our county.”
The task force consists of personnel form the Wyomig Department of Public Safety, Kentwood Police department, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 16-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or at https://www.silentobserver.org.
On Wednesday, March 15, at approximately 3:40 p.m., officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety and Grandville Police Department responded to the 5900 block of Canal Avenue on a report of gun shots in the area.
When officers arrived in the area, they located several shell casings in the roadway of the 5700 block of Canal Avenue. The initial investigation indicates that the occupants of an older model grey or gold sedan fired shots from their vehicle. At this time, it is unknown why the shots were fired. No victims nor property damage was located by officers.
At the time of the shots call Century Park Learning Center, 5710 Kenowa Ave. SW, was in the process of dismissing students. To ensure the safety of students and staff; school buses were briefly asked to stay in the parking lot of Century Park Learning Center until officers were able to determine the area was safe. Officers maintained a presence in the area while buses were dismissed from Century Park Learning Center.
There is no indication that this was in any way related to or directed at the students or staff of Century Park Learning Center.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating two unrelated crashes involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles.
On March 14 at approximately 6:40 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the area of 32nd Street and South Division Avenue on a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle.
When officers arrived, they located an unresponsive male lying in the roadway. This male was pronounced deceased at the scene. The initial investigation indicates the pedestrian was crossing South Division Avenue, outside of the crosswalk, when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene to speak with police.
The deceased is a 67-year-old Wyoming man, and his name is not being released at this time.
On March 14 at approximately 6:55 a.m., police and fire personnel from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the area of 44th Street SW and Byron Center Ave SW on the report of a juvenile pedestrian struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived, they located a juvenile male with serious injuries. The juvenile was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The juvenile is a 13- year-old male and remains in critical condition.
Initial investigation indicates that the male was in the roadway on Byron Center when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. The driver of the vehicle remained onscene to speak with police.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety the Accident Investigation and Forensic Services Units are continuing to investigate both incidents. The southbound lanes of Division Avenue south of 32nd Street remain closed while officers investigate the fatal crash. The north and southbound lanes of Byron Center Avenue north of 44th Street remain closed while officers investigate the serious injury crash.
In light of these accidents, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety does encourage both motorists and pedestrians to follow Michigan’s traffic laws, which are put in place to assist both those on foot and in a vehicle in arriving to their destination safely.
“Michigan law does require if there is a crosswalk, the pedestrian should use it,” said Lt. andrew Koeller, Wyoming police’s public relations officer. “If pedestrians choose to walk before daylight hours I would strongly encourage them to wear a reflective vest. If there are pedestrian signals in place, they should be followed for the safety of all those on the sidewalk and roadway.”
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
Residents listen to the presentations on the May 2 millage proposal for a 1.5 mill increase. (WKTV)
On Thursday, the City of Wyoming hosted the first of three public meetings on its May 2 millage proposal that would be dedicated to fund police and fire.
About 35 residents and community and city leaders were at the meeting which took place at the KDL Wyoming branch. The city is seeking a millage rate increase of 1.5 mills for a period of five years. For a $200,000 residential home, which has a taxable value of $100,000, the additional cost would be about $150 annually.
If approved on May 2, the proposal would generate an additional $4 million in revenue each year. The revenue would help fund 14 police officers and 13 firefighters.
Mayor Kent VanderWood, Chief Kim Koster, and Interim City Manager John McCarter discussed the number of factors, such as the 2008 recession, lost in revenue sharing, and the decline of paid-on call volunteer firefighters that have impacted the funding of police and fire. Koster noted the city currently has 1.3 officers for every 1,000 city residents which is below the national average of 2.4. If the millage passed, the city would be at 1.6 officers per 1,000 residents. Koster said the police department has handled 3,583 cases, which have doubled in the past seven to eight years, and that fire has responded to 7,900 calls, which is about 645 calls per firefighter.
McCarter pointed out that the city has not had a millage rate increase since 2010 when the current dedicated millage for public safety was approved. The city’s current millage rate is 11.89 mills. That millage was renewed in 2014 and made permanent in 2018. The city did seek a request to be able to use some of its library funds for park improvements in 2017 and sought an income tax in 2022 for public safety and park improvements, which failed.
Residents asked a variety of questions about the millage, what it will fund and how the additional funding would impact the city. Some of those questions are summarized below with the responses from city officials.
The state of Michigan has a $9 billion surplus, so does it have more money available to fund more firefighters and police officers for the City of Wyoming?
Interim City Manager John McCarter: The City of Wyoming receives funding from property taxes and state shared funding. Within state shared funding, there are two types: constitutional, which is money that always comes to the city and the state cannot touch it; and statuary, which has been cut over the years. Governor Gretchen Whitmer in her budget has a 7% increase on that statuary just for public safety. The amount is about $55,000 with it costing about $130,000 for a fully funded police officer.
We have reached out to the state to see if there is any other money available that we are not aware of and we have been told there is not. We are grateful for what we are receiving and we appreciate that increase but we really can’t rely on the state to get us to that $4 million-level that we are needing.
What about grants?
Interim City Manager John McCarter: The city utilized the United States Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program to hire six officers about a year and half ago. The trouble with grants is that they sunset. The COPS grant steps down. It is 75% the first year, 50% the second year, and then about 25% the third year, and then with that grant you not only have to cover all those costs but you have to retain all those officers one year after the funding is done. So the grant funding is temporary and it always has strings attached.
So we have sought grant funding and we continue to. We have sought out on the fireside as well. We haven’t been successful, but we are still trying.
To clarify on the (COPS) grant that is expiring: if this millage does not get passed, how many officers would the city be at risk losing?
Chief Kim Koster: It would be 10 officers. We have to maintain that staffing for at least two and half years and then that funding would be gone. The grant covers 50% the second year and about 25% the third year for those six officers and there is an additional four that the city is covering.
Mayor Kent VanderWood talks to residents after the meeting. (WKTV)
Interim John McCarter: In our general fund, we carry a fund balance for emergencies and we have a policy minimum, and we can go about two and half more years and support the staff that we have now, assuming that property values come back to earth and do not continue to climb the way they are. So we can support them that long but we have to seek other sources after that.
Mayor Kent VanderWood: When we decided at the council level to accept that grant to hire those additional officers, we knew it would come time that we would have to fund those within our budget and not the COPS grant. It is kind of like when you buy something on a credit card, you know the bill is going to come. So that is kind of what we are facing right now.
So it is 17 public safety officers that are not being funded by the current public safety millage. These are being paid out of our general fund surplus right now. So what this millage will allow us to do is continue to staff at that level plus add 10 more public safety officers.
Are you counting those ones you may no longer have after the grant funding in the millage proposal?
Chief Kim Koster: Yes, so there are 10 current police officers and we would add four through the proposed funding. (For a total of 14 police officers.) On the fireside, it would be 13, seven are already hired and we would hire six additional.
How many total police officers and firefighters does the City of Wyoming have?
Chief Kim Koster discusses why the city needs to increase its police and fire staffing. (WKTV)
Chief Kim Koster: We have 99 sworn police officers, which includes myself, and with the additional four that would make 103. On the fireside, for those in fire suppression, meaning these are firefighters who go out and fight fires and are not assigned to other duties, we have 33 and it would be 39 if we hire the additional six.
So a total of 10 additional public safety officers (and seven firefighters) who are not funded by the current public safety millage who would be part of the 27 officers who would be funded under the proposed millage.
Can you describe what the dedicated traffic enforcement would look like?
We have a crime analyst that was part of the COPS grant. She would be able to identify high intersections for traffic crasheswhere we could deploy some of our community service officers there to run red light violations or radar in other areas where we get complaints. A lot of neighbors complain about speeding traffic. So if we receive many of those complaints around an area, we would respond.
Some of the response times and rates that you mentioned, if this passes and in a year, if we want to see how this is doing, are those response times listed anywhere?
Earlier in the meeting, Koster stated that the response times are 5.16 minutes when the first vehicle arrives on the scene. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the standard is four minutes, which the department hopes to achieve with the additional fire staff funded by the proposed millage.
Chief Kim Koster: We do an annual report so you would get to see it in the annual report which usually comes out at the end of February or March. Note: The report is also available at the city’s website, under the “Public Safety – Police” tab.”
The next meetings are March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Gezon Fire Station, 2300 Gezon Pkwy. SW, and April 27 at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Police Station, 2300 DeHoop Ave. SW. Koster said both events will be more meet-n-greets with opportunities for the public to talk with police officers and firefighters.
Starting in March, City of Wyoming residents will have the opportunity to attend public informational meetings about the upcoming May millage proposal that would provide funding to support public safety needs including staffing.
In October, the Wyoming City Council approved a ballot proposal for a millage rate increase of 1.5 mills for a period of five years. For a $200,000 residential home which has a taxable value of $100,000, the additional cost would be about $150 annually.
If approved on May 2, the proposal would generate an additional $4 million in revenue each year. The revenue would help fund 14 police officers and 13 fire fighters.
“This would bring us back up to where the staffing was about 20 years ago,” said Chief Kim Koster. “While we have had an increase in population we have not kept up with that growth through our police and fire staffing.”
Various factors have impacted staffing
There are are number of factors that have caused this situation. About 20 years ago, the country faced the 2008 recession with the city reducing staffing across the board which included police and fire. During that period, the city also lost several major employers, such as Studio 28 and the 36th Street GM plant.
Chief Kim Koster (Supplied)
Another factor is the increased training requirements that have made it difficult for paid-on call firefighters to maintain required standards. The city has seen its paid-on-call staff go from 40 to 6. The Wyoming fire department also handles the highest number of calls in the area, around 265 per firefighter. The City of Grand Rapids averages 124 calls per firefighter while the City of Kentwood averages about 110 calls per firefighter. This sometimes means there is no city firefighters available to respond for calls for service with other cities such as Grand Rapids and Kentwood sending people to respond.
The calls for service are not just for fires, but for a variety of safety issues such as tree damage, wires down, vehicle crashes, gas leaks and medical calls.
On the police side, the city has about 1.3 police officers per 1,000 people which is below the national average of 2.4. This does impact response times. Koster also noted due to the volume, complexity and severity of calls for service, officers do not have the time for self-initiated, proactive activities. Just like the fire department, sometimes there are no officers available to respond to calls for service.
Increase staff = enhance crime prevention
The increase in police staff would enhance crime prevention and improve traffic safety, Koster said, adding that it also would result in faster police and fire response times to emergencies in the city.
There is about .36 of a firefighter for every 1,000 Wyoming residents. (Supplied)
The additional fire staffing would reduce the city’s dependence on mutual aid from other municipalities. In 2020, the city had to rely on other departments 140 times because its fire department was on another call. The additional staffing also would allow the city to fully staff its four fire stations 24/7, something that has not happened in a while, Koster said.
The city has seen some of those benefits with the hiring of 10 of the officers needed through the United States Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program. Through the funding, which decreases every year over a three-year period, the public safety department was able to add an afternoon community police unit which has helped with safety of residents as well as problems in the neighborhoods and businesses, Koster said.
On the fire side, seven of the 13 firefighters have been hired, which has helped to reduce the city’s reliance — a little — on mutual aid and provide limited staffing to the stations that currently have none, she said.
Opportunity to meet those in the field
If the millage is passed, it would sustain those added positions along with adding four positions to police and six to fire.
According to City of Wyoming Communication Specialist Brianna Peña-Wojtanek, the first meeting, March 9, will be an informational format with Koster, Interim City Manager John McCarter, and Mayor Kent Vanderwood presenting information about the millage proposal and where the city is now for police and fire staffing. The other two meetings, March 27 and April 27, will provide information along with opportunities for residents to meet and talk to city police officers and firefighters.
For more about the millage, visit wyomingmi.gov/millage. At the information website site is a tax calculator for residents to determine how the proposed millage would impact their property taxes.
Around 8:37 p.m on Jan. 31, officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a stabbing that occurred inside Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, 4157 S. Division Ave.
The initial investigation indicates that a physical altercation occurred inside the establishment between two patrons. One of the involved individuals, a 34 year-old male, was stabbed several times and transported to a local area hospital in a private vehicle prior to police arriving on scene. The individual is currently undergoing surgery and is in critical condition.
A person of interest in the stabbing, a 54 year-old male, was located a few blocks away from the restaurant and is being detained for questioning.
It is early in the investigation and detectives are working to learn the circumstances that led to the stabbing.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The search for a missing Wyoming man came to a sad end over the weekend as his body was discovered in a swamp area in Byron Township.
Raymond Tarasiewicz, 68, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. According to family members, Tarasiewicz suffered from early signs of dementia.
On Friday, Jan. 20, a family searching for their missing dog found the body in a semi-rural area of Kent County near the intersection of Ivanrest Avenue and M-6, according to a release from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. According to reports, the family saw the dog in the area and went to search. The dog was later found a few miles away from that area.
The Kent County Sheriff’s Office was called to the location at approximately 1:45 p.m. and worked with Wyoming investigators to identify the remains as those of Tarasiewicz. According to police, there was no obvious indications of foul play or self-harm. The circumstances surrounding Tarasiewicz’s death remain under investigation and an autopsy will be conducted by the Kent County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety expressed its condolences to the family and there has been an outpouring from the community for the family on social media.
Shooting in Buchanan Avenue area
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting in the 3200 block of Buchanan Avenue on Jan. 21 at 4:07 a.m.
A duplex residence was struck by numerous rounds of fired by unknown individuals. A 50-year-old female who was sleeping in the residence was struck in the arm by one round. She was transported to the hospital for treatment and is in stable condition at this time. Both residences in the duplex and a vehicle in the driveway were struck by gunfire. Other individuals were present in the homes, but no one else was injured.
A silver sports car was seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting and is being sought by investigators.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345. Tips can also be left at Silent Observer’s website.
The Kentwood Police is asking anyone with information on a Jan. 13 shooting in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue to contact the department or Silent Observer.
The Kentwood Police was dispatched to an apartment in the 4600 block of Breton Avenue for a subject who had been shot in the leg. Officers arrived on the scene and provided medical treatment for the victim along with the Kentwood Fire Department. The victim was transported to the hospital and the injury is not believed to be life threatening. The suspect is known to the victim and is not in custody.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-771-2345 or online at SilentObserver.org.
This is the most recent picture of Raymond Tarasiewicz. The photo was provided by his family.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety continues to search for missing Wyoming resident Raymond Tarasiewicz and are asking residents to continue sending tips and information.
Tarasiewicz, 69, was reported missing by his family on Nov. 21, 2022. He was last seen at his home around 7:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 2022. According to a Facebook post in Wyoming Michigan Informed, he was seen on his driveway on Steff Court. The closet cross streets are Burlingame Avenue and 44th Street.
He is described as a white male, 6-foot, 2 inches tall and about 225 pounds. He has white hair and a white beard. He wears black prescription glasses and may be wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans.
Tarasiewicz has early signs of dementia. According to the Wyoming police, he has been known to wander and go into garages or outbuildings in his neighborhood. Tarasiewicz is known to frequent the 36th Street/Burlingame Avenue area. He has medical issues and requires medication regularly. He does not have known access to money and did not take his cell phone with him.
If you have seen Raymond Tarasiewciz or have information, please call police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 1-866-774-2345.
Investigators from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety have followed up on all leads that have developed since the time Tarasiewicz was reported missing. Detectives have also followed up on all tips received from citizens as they continue to actively investigate this case. Numerous resources have been used to attempt to locate Tarasiewicz and he is listed as missing in both law enforcement and other databases.
Family members have indicated that if anyone sees Tarasiewicz to call out “Hey Ray!” to try to help snap him out of his daze and call 911 to get him the medical attention he needs.
Anyone who may have seen Tarasiewicz or has information on his location that may assist in locating him is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety recently stated that detectives were able to locate and take into custody two suspects for a Nov. 1 robbery at a Division Street store.
The two suspects are allegedly involved in the 7:15 p.m. Nov. 1 robbery at 3530 Division Ave. Three suspects were involved in the robbery with one being shot during the incident by an employee at the store. The 15-year-old suspect who was shot was funday’s short distance from the business and transported to a local hospital for treatment. He currently remains under medical care at this time.
Police noted that the suspects arrived at the store in a Ford Fusion that had been reported stolen earlier that day. The vehicle was recovered at the robbery scene. In the original police report it stated that information found in that recovered vehicle provided leads regarding to the other two suspects who had fled the scene.
Both suspects were juvenile males ages 14 and 17. they were taken into custody without incident by investigators.
Once the investigation is complete, the Kent Count Prosecutor’s Office will review the circumstances in this case, including a review of the employee’s action in shooting the individual who was robbing the store.
Update on Indian Mounds Drive shooting
Earlier on Nov. 1, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a shooting along Indian Mounds Drive that resulted in an 18-year-old male being struck by gunfire. The victim died at the scene.
At this time, the department spokesperson said the department does not have an update on the case.
The department continues to appeal to the public to provide information regarding this case. Anyone who was in the area of Indian Mounds Drive on Nov. 1 between the hours of 2 and 3 p.m. is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma WKTV Managing Editor joanne@wktv.org
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking help to identify a person of interest in an assault case that took place at 800 Burton St. SW.
On Oct. 9, 2022, at 4:20 a.m. officers from the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to a report of an assault that occurred at the Citgo Station located at 800 Burton St. SW.
A female store employee was allegedly assaulted by a male customers in the store. The male arrived with numerous individuals in black “party” bus. The male customer engaged in argument with employees and began throwing items in the store and at employees. The female employee was attempting to get the male to leave when she was stuck in the head causing her to fall. The male suspect returned to the bus which then left the scene.
The female store employee had significant but non-life threatening injuries from being struck and falling to the floor.
The male involved in this incident is described a a black male, 20-30 years old, 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a skinny build and short hair. He was seen wearing a dark-colored North Face hoodie sweatshirt with dark-colored jeans.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
Kentwood Police
Last week, the Kentwood Police Department was able to identify a 16-year-old male believed to have been involved in the theft of a vehicle in which a 2-year-old was inside. A juvenile petition was forward to the Kent County prosecutor’s office and the following charges were issued: child abandonment, unlawful driving away of an automobile, lying/obstructing police and malicious destruction of property under $1,000.
Courtesy, Kentwood Police Department
“I would like to commend our Kentwood Police officers and the officers from our neighboring communities on their tireless work to identify and locate this individual,” Kentwood Police Chief Byron Litwin said. “I would also like to thank the bus drivers form Kelloggsvillee Public Schools for their quick actions in locating the missing child and returning him to his parents.”
On Oct. 4 at around 8:10 a.m., the Kentwood Police Department was dispatched to a stolen vehicle with a 2-year-old child inside. The vehicle was stolen form the area of 48th Street and Marlette Avenue in Kentwood.
According to media reports, the parents were able to flag down a Kelloggsville bus driver. The driver alerted 911 and then got on the bus frequency radio and alerted the other drivers in the area. Another Kelloggsville bus driver realized she had just seen a 2-year-old child wrapped in a blanket. The driver went back, picked up the child and returned the baby to its mother.
The stolen vehicles was found in the city of Grand Rapids shortly after it was stolen. Multiple agencies assisted the Kentwood Police Department including the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Department of Public Safety and the Grand Rapids Police Department.
On Oct. 4, at approximately 8:10 a.m., the Kentwood Police Department was dispatched to a stolen vehicle with a 2-year-old child inside. The vehicle was stolen from the area of 48th Street and Marlette Avenue in Kentwood.
A few minutes later, the police department received another phone call that the 2-year-old child was left on the side of the road a short distance away. The child was returned to its parents, unharmed.
The stolen vehicle was found in the City of Grand Rapids shortly after it was stolen. A search for the suspect was not successful. Multiple agencies assisted Kentwood including the Kent County Sheriff’s Department, Wyoming Department of Public Safety, and the Grand Rapids Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.
The Wyoming Department of Public safety announced last week that suspect Yenly Garcia was found in Mexico and taken into custody.
Wyoming Police Detectives have been investigating the homicide of Mollie Schmidt since Aug. 30, 2022. The murder took place in the 1500 block of 44th Street SW inside an apartment belong to Garcia. On Sept. 2, 2022, the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office authorized an open murder warrant for Garcia associated with the incident.
Earlier this week, Garcia was taken into custody in central Mexico, north of Mexico City. He was arrested through cooperation between Wyoming Police, the United Marshals Service and Mexican authorities. Further details of his arrest are not available a this time. Extradition processes are being exorcized to return Garcia to Michigan to face his changes.
Anyone with further information on this incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345 or to visit www.silentobserver.org
Kentwood investigates shooting
The Kentwood Police Department wants you to keep cool this summer, and one was is to avoid crime and confrontations.
On Sept. 9, 2022, officers of the Kentwood Police Department were dispatched to the area of Kelekent Avenue and 56th Street for a possible shooting that occurred. One subject showed up to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound which is believed to be related to this incident. Three subjects were taken into custody during this investigation for charges related to this investigation and outstanding warrants.
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detectives Bureau at 616-656-6604 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345 or to visit www.silentobserver.org.
No charges in Burger King incident
Kent CountyProsecutor Chris Becker announced today that he would not be filing charges in the alleged Sept. 4, 2022 assault that occurred at the Wyoming Burger King located at 1313 28th St. SW.
According to a Sept. 4 report from Wyoming Department of Public Safety, a disorderly male customer who was unhappy with his service entered the store and climbed over the counter. He acted aggressively toward staff and assaulted two juvenile employees of the business during the incident before leaving.
Upon further investigation, Becker said that while he finds the suspect’s behavior “abhorrent,” the actions of the Burger King employees was “aggressive and that there is blame on both sides for the incident.
“By no means am I condoning (the person’s) behavior,” Becker said. “This could have been avoided if he would have simply just driven away after not getting the service that he wanted at this Burger King, but he didn’t do so and we have to deal with the facts as they are and there’s just not a basis to file charges for this incident.”
The suspect, who came through the drive thru, was unhappy about the soda coming down the side of his cup. Security footage, which was shown at press conference held last week, shows an employee wiping down a cup and returning it to the suspect who knocks it out of the employee’s hand. It then shows the suspect driving around and coming into the restaurant, jumping the counter, and grabbing a cup. He then went to the soda fountain pour a drink and poured soda on the floor. An employee then threw an ice-coffee at the suspect, who confronted the employee.
From there things escalated with Becker noting that as the suspect left the premises employees pursued him with one appearing to do a flying kick out the door.
Becker said because there was a fight with both sides being aggressive, there’s not enough evidence to charge the suspect with aggravated assault.
Sept. 6, 2022 UPDATE: Wyoming Department of Public Safety obtained an arrest warrant for open murder on Yenly Garcia in relation to the homicide of Mollie Schmidt.
Yenly Garcia
Garcia’s location is still unknown at this time and detectives are still working to locate him.
Anyone with information as to Garcia’s locations is asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or www.silentobserver.org.
On Aug. 31, the Wyoming Department of Public Safety announced it is conducting a homicide investigation in the 1500 block of 44th Street.
On Aug. 30, detectives from Wyoming Public safety and Kent County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant at an apartment belonging to Yenly Garcia and located a female deceased from a gunshot wound. The female has been identified as Mollie Schmidt who was reported missing to Kent County Sheriff’s Department last week.
Detectives are investing this case as a homicide and are pursuing all leads .Garcia is a person of interest in this case. Garcia is 44-years-old, 5-foot, 10 inches tall, 200 pounds with dark hair and distinct tattoos on his face. Garcia was last known to be driving a black 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup with a Michigan plate of ELW6780. Garcia’s current whereabouts are unknown. Garcia current has an active warrant out for his arrest on an unrelated charge.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345 or online at https://www.silentobserver.org.
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2. (Courtesy)
By WKTV Staff
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and city leaders will help celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 2. The event will feature block parties, neighborhood events and more.
National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that promotes community-police partnerships and encourages residents to turn on their porch lights and come outside to connect with their neighbors, community leaders and local police and fire department personnel.
Kentwood’s National Night Out celebration will be held at various locations on Tuesday, Aug. 2. (Courtesy)
Kentwood police officers, firefighters and leaders will join residents at 15 gatherings, most of which will take place from 6-8 p.m. Residents can learn about a variety of safety topics and explore police cruisers, fire engines and other emergency response vehicles at the events.
“National Night Out gives residents a chance to connect with our police and fire teams and learn how we can all be part of a community effort to make the City of Kentwood a wonderful place to call home,” Mayor Stephen Kepley said. “The city’s leadership team is excited to spend time with residents and enjoy an evening of camaraderie, community and connection.”
Several community-based events will be hosted throughout the evening and feature a variety of free activities, including appearances from McGruff the Crime Dog.
Ada Bible Church, 1640 East Paris Ave. SE, will offer food and activities from 5-8 p.m.
Pentecostals Church, 2627 44th St. SE, will host a party from 6-8 p.m.
Kentwood Police Chief Bryan Litwin (shown when he was deputy chief). (Courtesy)
“National Night Out is a great opportunity for our department to spend time with community members in a fun, relaxed setting,” Police Chief Bryan Litwin said. “We always look forward to this event and value strong community relationships.”
National Night Out was created in the 1980s through an established network of law enforcement agencies, neighborhood watch groups, crime prevention associations and volunteers across the country. It began with a goal to promote thriving neighborhoods by uniting community members and police against neighborhood crimes.
Using GPS tracking on phones to recover stolen merchandise and vehicles. Pulling trace evidence from the inside of a driver door’s handle to identify a suspect. Risking their lives by entering into the flood waters of Buck Creek to save a civilian. Making sure a vulnerable resident has a safe place to stay at a local hotel.
These were the stories – the ones often not told – that were shared at the annual Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony last week as the department recognized about 80 officers and civilians for their actions in crime prevention, recovery, and rescue.
Office Brady Heckman was named the 2021 Office of the Year. (WKTV)
“In light of all the events that have taken place over the past few years that have impacted not only our profession but our personal lives, I think it is more important than ever that we celebrate each other,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster. “It is imperative that we acknowledge all of the accomplishments of our fellow police officers and firefighters. We can not let the stories of our compassionate service and heroic actions go untold. The work we do matters and it does make a difference.”
An officer whose work certainly has made a difference is that of Officer Brady Heckman. A five-year veteran on the force, Heckman received a number of accolades, including a certificate of merit and individual commendation for his work in locating illegally possessed firearms, taking violent criminals off the streets, and his care for victims. For his dedication, Heckman, who is a field training officer, a tackle bike team member, and operator on the tack team, was named the 2021 Officer of the Year, which is chosen by a panel of sworn officers.
“Heckman has earned a reputation as an outstanding police professional with a keen ability for catching criminals and a heart for serving this community,” said Capt. Timothy Pols who with Fire Deputy Chief Dennis Vantassell served as master of ceremonies. “He is valued by co-workers and supervisors alike as a consistent teamplayer. He is an outstanding representative of the law enforcement profession in general and the Wyoming Police Department in particular.”
From his peers, it was noted that Heckman “makes being proactive a priority and sets an example for young officers to do the same,” as well as for his work in locating stolen vehicles, seeking out criminals and making arrests, and volunteering to help new recruits.
Celia Rhodes was named the 2021 Civilian of the Year. (WKTV)
The department’s civilian employees also form a panel to select a civilian of the year, which for 2021 is Celia Rhodes. Rhodes, who has served as a forensic science technician with the department for four and half years, has become an expert in evidence storage and operating the BEAST (Bar Coded Evidence Analysis Statistical Tracking) evidence management system.
“Celia is well known and respected for her upbeat attitude and true passion for helping others in need,” Pols said. “No matter what she is working on, Celia never turns away from aiding someone else, whether it be explaining policy or procedure to a fellow employee or talking to a citizen about their case. She always does so with a smile and genuine care for whomever she is working with.”
Another officer recognized for his investigation work on child sexual abuse was Det. Dan Vlietstra, who received the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence. For the past two years, Viletstra has been the department’s liaison with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County, where he works with a multidisciplinary team and coordinates the investigation of abuse allegations.
“Through his work, Dan has been able to stop the abuse, identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and support the victim and their family on a path of recovery and healing,” Koster said.
Also receiving the Chief’s Award of Professional Excellence were Fire Inspector Brad Dornbos, Lt. Chris Velzen, Equipment Operator (EO) Brandon Travis, and firefighter (FF) Matt Frazee, for their work in recruiting, interviewing and training new firefighters.
Also honored was Mayor Jack Poll, who received the Chief’s Award of Excellence for his dedication to the Public Safety Department during the past 13 years he has served as the city’s mayor. Poll will retire from public service at the end of this year.
“I have lived in Wyoming now for 67 years and I can tell you that I have never gone to bed at night that I was concerned about my safety because we have such stellar leaders in our community,” Poll said.
Police officers receiving the individual commendation award. (WKTV)
Koster said what was presented at the recognition ceremony is only the tip of the iceberg as to what officers and firefighters have done.
“There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn’t tell me a story about a way a police officer or a firefighter has served them in a capacity that amazed them,” Koster said. “There are a lot of stories that officers don’t tell about what police officers do and firefighters who go above and beyond.”
Award Recipients
Life Saving Award
Ofc. Tony Jacob
Ofc. Russ Kamstra
Lt. Chris Velzen
EO Bradley Bennett
EO Brian Ilbrink
EO Tom Marsman
FF Ken Eppink
FF Matt Frazee
FF Jason Hanlon
FF Andrew Johnson
FF Michele Kelly
FF Jesse May
FF Alex Parsons
FF Dan Rettig
FF Jason Richardson
FF Dan Royce
Police officers and community members being recognized during the Wyoming Department of Public Safety Employee Recognition Ceremony. (WKTV)
Currently there are 27 Wyoming firefighters. The department is down by 8 employees from 2000. (WKTV)
In the early morning hours of Jan. 25, the Wyoming Fire Department was called to a house fire on Canal Ave and shortly after, the department received a second call of a fire at the 28th Street Taco Bell.
“Thankfully another shift was on,” said Wyoming Chief Kim Koster. “The Taco Bell fire occurred at 6:30 a.m. Our next shift came on at 7 a.m., so we did have another shift of firefighters who could respond, and they were assisted by other departments.
“But what if we didn’t have that other shift coming on at that time?”
More than likely, a department from a neighboring city, such as Grandville, Grand Rapids, or Kentwood, would have been called. In fact, the City of Wyoming has had to call on those three cities 165 times in 2021 while in the same year providing return assistance 23 times.
The tide needs to turn, Koster said, adding “We need to provide mutual aid in the same manner that we receive it.”
The City of Wyoming is hoping to double its firefighting staffing from 27 to 54 and added 13 police officers and a crime analyst through two proposals on the May 3 ballot. The first proposal would be an income tax of up to 1 percent for city residents and up to .5 percent for non-residents such as commuters who work in the city. In the second proposal, the city is seeking to reduce its property tax by about 58 percent, from around 12 mills to 5. Both proposals must pass to take effect.
The passage would generate about $6 million for the city, of which $5.4 million would be dedicated to the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, which houses the city’s police and fire.
How would the city gain revenue if the property tax would go down? According to City Manager Curtis Holt at the March 24 income tax public information meeting, according to the U.S. Census there are about 34,000 non-Wyoming residents who work in the City of Wyoming who currently contribute zero toward the city roads or services. Through the first proposal, those residents would contribute up to a .5 percent of their income. City staff has estimated the total revenue raised from the income tax would be about $6 million annually with $3.3 million dedicated to the fire department, $2.1 million to the police department, and $600,000 to the parks.
With the additional $3.3 million, the City of Wyoming would be able to hire an additional 27 firefighters. This would add about 9 firefighters per shift and the city would be able to fully staff all four of its fire stations. Currently only two of the stations, Gezon and 36th Street, are fully staffed; however emergency calls are evenly distributed throughout the city, Koster said.
The city received about 7,155 calls in 2021, which is about 265 calls for service per firefighter. With the additional firefighters, calls for service per firefighter would decrease to around 133. In neighboring Kentwood, calls for service per firefighter is about 121. Kentwood has 42 firefighters serving a population of 51,898. The City of Grand Rapids has 195 firefighters serving a population of 201,013 with calls for service per firefighter around 123. Holt pointed out that this shows that Wyoming’s firefighters are answering a lot of calls.
The Wyoming Fire Department answered 7,155 calls in 2021, averaging 265 calls for service per firefighter. (WKTV)
The additional 27 firefighters would allow the city to fully staff all four of its stations, Koster said, adding that in return this would mean faster response times.
“Right now, we have to send our resources to where the calls are,” Koster said during the March 24 informational meeting. “Sometimes we have to send them all away across the city and then a call comes out from where they just came from. So then again, we have to send a unit from this side of the city all the way back. So our response times are higher that way.”
There would be more firefighters on each shift, again increasing response times along with providing enough officers to answer more than one call at a time. More officers not only increases the safety of residents but of the firefighters as well.
“Right now, we don’t have enough firefighters in the City of Wyoming to enter a burning building,” Koster said, adding that the rule is you have to have two out for the two going in a burning structure so the two out can rescue the two in if something happens.
Lastly, the increased staffing would reduce Wyoming’s dependence on mutual aid.
“It won’t eliminate it,” Koster said, adding that there will be times when another city’s department has to be called.
“It would increase the number of firefighters on each shift so when we have those structure fires we can handle them alone or at least leave some of those units available for some of those medical calls,” she said.
To learn more about the two May 3 proposals, visit wyomingmi.gov/FundingFortheFuture. The next informational meeting on the two proposals is April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the KDL Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael Ave. SW.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster
A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive on Nov. 1, to examine all aspects of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services, Chief Kimberly Koster announced today.
As a part of the on-site assessment, which will be done virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the public and agency employees are invited to offer comments on the agency’s services and overall performance at a public information session to be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Those wishing to attend the virtual town hall with the assessment team can email PD_Info@wyomingmi.gov to request the zoom link to attend and provide comments.
If for some reason, an individual cannot speak at the public information session but would like to provide comments to the assessment team, he/she may do so by telephone. The public may call 616-530-7313 on Tuesday, Nov. 2, from 3 – 4 p.m.
The telephone comments as well as those made at the public information session are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the Commission’s standards. A copy of the standards is available at the Wyoming Public Safety Department. For further information, contact Lt. Brian Look at 616-249-3441.
Persons wishing to offer written comments about the Wyoming Department of Public Safety’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write:
Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA)
13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320
Gainesville, Virginia, 20155
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety must comply with 463 standards in order to maintain accredited status. The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar, but out-of-state agencies. The team will review written materials, interview individuals, tour the facilities, and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed. Once their review is complete, the assessors will report back to the full Commission which will then decide if the agency is to be granted re-accredited status.
Accreditation is for the next four years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited. The Wyoming Department of Public Safety was originally accredited in 2012.
For more information regarding the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. please write the Commission at 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Virginia, 20155 or call 800-368-3757 or 703-352-4225 or e-mail at calea@calea.org
At its Monday night meeting, the Wyoming City Council approved two proposals to be placed on the May 2022 ballot that, if approved, could minimize the overall tax burden to city residents while providing public safety and park needs and helping to make the city more financially sustainable.
“After carefully reviewing our options, the City Council has agreed that an income tax is the most equitable way to fund these needs and ensure a sustainable economic future for Wyoming,” said Mayor Jack Poll.
The first ballot proposal would allow the City to levy an income tax on residents, business and non-residents who work in Wyoming. Under this proposal, the City would levy an income tax of .8% for residents and businesses and .4% for non-residents. This would be the lowest income tax rate charged by any city in Michigan that currently has an income tax.
According to the U.S. Census, the average median income for a household in the City of Wyoming, for 2019, was $54,328, which would pay $434.63 for the proposed income tax.
This City of Wyoming chart shows that Wyoming firefighters on average responded to 100 calls more than their counterparts in other cities. For more information, visit wyomingmi.com/FundingForTheFuture. (Supplied)
The second ballot proposal would decrease the City of Wyoming property tax millage by more than half. The current Wyoming milage rate is 11.89470 mills. If approved, property owners would see a decrease of 4.3497 mills in the summer 2022, with the rate being about 7.54 mills and an additional decrease of 2.5450 mills in summer 2023, with the rate being just under 5 mills.
According to the U.S. Census, the median price in 2019 for a home in the City of Wyoming is $127,000 with under the city’s current millage, paying $755.50. If the proposal is approved, the 2022 property millage for the home would be about $478.79, which is about a $276.11 savings. In 2023, the property millage will be $472.50, which will be $438 savings from the current millage rate.
Under the language, both proposals must be approved by voters.
“These proposals support the City of Wyoming’s commitment to community, safety and stewardship,” Poll said, adding that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has seen an increase in the frequency and complexity of calls for service and surveys of residents have clearly illustrated a need for additional, proactive traffic enforcement and community policing. At the Sept. 20 council meeting, a resident presented the council with a petition signed by 36 residents along with letters in support of the income tax proposal because of the need for increase fire personal.
Another need, Poll noted was the city parks. Many of the parks were built between 1950 and 1970 and while the city has made great strides in developing park properties such as Ideal, Frog Hollow, Jackson, and Ideal, other parks, such as Marquette Park, are 25-years-old or more and are in need of of capital improvement. The current parks millage does not have capacity to provide any funding for capital investment.
The funding generated by income tax would allow the Wyoming Department of Pubic Safety to add 27 firefighter and 14 police positions, improving public safety by decreasing response times, enhancing crime prevention efforts and adding more proactive traffic enforcement. The funding also would provide $600,000 in sustainable annual capital invest in the city’s park system.
There are 21 other Michigan cities that levy an income tax of which four are located in West Michigan: Grand Rapids, which is 1.5% for residents and .75% for non-residents, and Walker, Muskegon, and Muskegon Heights, which all levy 1% for residents and .5% for non-residents.
Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking assistance in locating a witness to an assault and possible robbery that took place on Aug. 4.
On Aug. 4, at about 3:40 a.m., Wyoming Police officers responded to the 1000 block of Burton Street SW on a report of an injured person stemming from an assault. Officers located an unconscious 38-year-old male from Wyoming. The male was transported to a local hospital for emergency surgery for serve, life-threatening head trauma. According to an official statement from the department, police revealed there was a female witness to the crime.
Wyoming Police investigators are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the female witness. She appears to be a white female with long dark hair. The attached photos of the witness were provided to the police from an area business and separate witness.
Anyone who could identify the female witness in the photos or who has information on this case is asked to contact the Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
The Wyoming Police are seeing information on an assault that took place in the 4400 block of Herman Avenue on Aug. 23 at around 12:30 a.m.
The incident, according to police, stemmed from an altercation involving four individuals who were known to each other and resulted in all four of them receiving injuries requiring medical treatment at a local hospital. According to police, the injuries were sustained from being stabbed or assaulted with a blunt object. One of these individuals sustained life-threatening injuries and is in critical condition at a local hospital. One individual has been traded and released, one has been treated and then lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility on charges related to this incident, and one remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are working to determine the role of each person involved in the incident. The individual who was lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility will be held pending review of changes by the Kent County prosecutor.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or 1-866-774-2345.
“It is basically our Super Bowl,” said Wyoming Officer Jenni Eby as she described National Night Out, which will take place Tuesday, Aug. 3.
“It is a nice opportunity for us to be able to focus on the people and the connection between the police and the community,” Eby said.
Give me five: A residents gives a Wyoming police officer a high-five. (WKTV)
Always the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out is a nationwide event that encourages residents to turn their porch lights on and come out and meet their neighbors. With last year’s pandemic, the event was cancelled.
“We are excited about seeing people especially since it has been more than a year,” Eby said.
A change for this year’s Wyoming event will be that the city will host two main sites, Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th St. SW, and Grace Christian University, 1011 Alden St. SW. Both locations will be open from 5 to 7 p.m.
“Our community service officers work very closely with the neighborhood associations over the years and this is something they wanted to try on a trial basis this year.” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster during a recent council meeting. “They wanted to be able to bring all of our resources together and to have two big parties where people can come and enjoy all the services.
“Sometimes, say our K9 unit, they don’t have the time to make it to all 15 parties, so there are people who don’t get to see the K9 unit or get to see the motorcycle unit.”
By hosting the two larger events, it is the hope that these parties will have “a bigger splash,” allowing the Public Safety Department to have a greater reach and connect with more residents, Koster said.
Neighborhoods can still host individual events, she said, adding that if they reach out to the department, officers will see what they can do to have someone from the department stop by.
Eby said that the department’s resources will be split between the two locations.
“There will be K9s at both locations, as well motorcycles and other vehicles,” she said. “The tactical truck will be splitting its time between the two locations as there is only one.”
Basically, residents attending either location, GR First or Grace Christian University, will be able to see all that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has available.
Flashing lights: Residents check out a Wyoming police car during a past National Night Out event. (WKTV)
Eby said there will be tables at both locations providing information on a variety of safety programs, such as:
Smart 911: With landlines, it was easy to determine where a call was being made. Cell phones make it much harder to know the location of the emergency. Through Smart 911, residents can create a free, secure profile that dispatch operators can call up to help police and rescue personal get to a person faster.
OK2SAY: This is a student safety program that operates similar to Silent Observer in that students are able to confidentially report tips on potential harm or criminal activities.
Stop the Bleed: A program that teaches people how to help those who are severely bleeding while waiting for first responders.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is seeking information on two suspects who robbed the Verizon Wireless store at 5811 Byron Center Ave. SW on Tuesday evening.
According to police, two males entered the store at approximately 6:25 p.m. One of the males grabbed the employee and escorted them to the back of the store. The two males then stole an undisclosed amount of cell phones and cash before fleeing the scene in a silver four-door sedan. No injuries were reported during the the incident.
The police descriptions of suspects are a black male, about 5-foot, 8 inches to 5-foot, 11-inches, unknown age, wearing a dark gray hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, black tennis shoes, black baseball hat and a blue cloth mask. The second suspect is described a black male, about 5-foot, 9 inches to 5-foot, 11 inches, wearing a dark blue zip-up hood sweatshirt with white draw strings, red sweatpants, black and white shoes, black stocking cap and a blue cloth mask with a surgical mask. (Supplied photos below.)
Anyone with information about the robbery or the identify of these individuals is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
On Aug. 5, 2006, Forrest DeMaagd and his wife had stopped at his daughter’s house in Rockford to check on her after she failed to meet with a friend. Knowing that she was recovering from surgery to donate a kidney, they went upstairs only to find Renee Pagel stabbed to death in her bed. Fourteen years later, the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and Prosecutor’s Office would announce the arrest of her Pagel’s estranged husband.
This Friday, the memory of Renee Pagel and the passion of her friends to get justice for her will be the focus of Dateline. The show is set to air at 9 p.m. on NBC affiliate, WOOD TV, which is channel 8 in Grand Rapids.
“Renee Pagel’s murder was heartbreaking to so many people in the community because so many people knew and loved her,” said Susan Samples, an Target 8investigative reporter, during the Dateline interview. “I mean she touched so many lives. She was a nurse, a nurse practitioner, a teacher.
Target 8 investigative reporter Susan Samples was interviewed for the Dateline show on the Renee Pagel murder. (Dateline)
“Her friends would not give up. They were not going to let the news media forget about Renee. No matter who the reporters were in the newsroom, they were going to hear about Renee Pagel’s murder and they were going to remind people about it.”
A mother of three, a nurse practitioner at Forest View Hospital, and a health instructor at Kent ISD’s Kent Career Tech Center, Pagel was known for her compassion. She had just donated her kidney to a student’s father only a few days before her murder and was in a weaken state. At the same time, her divorce with husband Mike Pagel was about to be finalized.
According to officers, the scene was strange as there was no sign of any trouble outside or inside the house. The only struggle was contained to the bedroom said Kent County Sheriff Lt. E.J. Johnson who along with Detective Sgt. Bill Marks were instrumental in helping to solve the mystery.
“For a crime like this to take place in Courtland Township, even in Kent County is very rare,” said Kent County Deputy Michael Allen in the Dateline program. “The feeling of walking into that home and into the bedroom was an eerie feeling. You could sense that something evil had taken place that night.”
The case left law enforcement stumped as the key suspect, Mike Pagel, had a solid alibi, he was at a sleepover with his children, and there was no murder weapon.
The murder may have gone unsolved for years if it had not been the dedication of Pagel’s friends, specifically Chris Crandle. Crandle put up the Facebook page Justice for Renee, to keep the investigation going in hopes of an arrest. It was Mike Pagel’s brother, Charles also known as “Bo,” who finally came forward, telling police that some years earlier, Mike had confessed to him some killing his wife and threw the murder weapon in a river in Saginaw County.
Through an effort to drag the river using a magnet, law enforcement found the murder weapon among car parts, bullets, and a Christmas tree stand. Mike Pagel was arrested in February 2020 and sentenced in October to 25 to 50 years in prison, which means he will not be eligible for parole until he is 80.
The Wyoming Department of Public Safety is investigating a stabbing that took place in the evening of March 28 in the 2300 block of Barberry Drive SW.
Officer responded around 9:45 p.m. on March 28 to a report of a fight and stabbing. Upon arrival, officers located a ale victim with several stab wounds. The initial investigation indicates that a verbal argument turned into a physical fight, according to a statement from the department. During the fight, the victim was stabbed several times.
The victim was transported to a local area hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, a 41-year-old male, was taken into custody at the scene and lodged at the Kent County Jail for assault with intent to murder.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
When Kim Koster started her college career, her plans did not include going into law enforcement much less becoming the chief of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety.
Chief Kim Koster
“When I started at Grand Rapids Junior College, and back then it was a junior college, I was in interested in teaching,” Koster said during a recent interview with WKTV. “But then I took a criminal justice class and I found it intriguing, and, at the same time, I was working out at a local gym and my instructor for aerobics was a Wyoming police officer.”
About 15 percent of the sworn on-duty officers are women with about one percent serving as head of their departments. It makes Kent County unique in that in many of its law enforcement agencies, women are leads in various departments with Koster and Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young, heading up two of the county’s three largest law enforcement departments.
“I grew up on the east side of the state,” LaJoye-Young said. “My father worked for the Shiawassee County Sheriff’s Department and became the sheriff. I remember going to restaurants and community events and everyone would come up and talk to him about issues they were having and I just loved how he could pour into their lives and the community.”
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young
With that desire to serve the community, but not work for her father, LaJoye-Young moved to West Michigan and joined the Kent County Sheriff’s Department in 1989. Koster joined the Wyoming Department of Public Safety in 1996.
Throughout their careers, neither woman had the goal of eventually becoming chief or sheriff, but rather to simply do their best.
“It was never anything that I aspired to,” Koster said. “Things happened in my career where doors opened or a door was cracked and I decided I was going to take the opportunity to walk through and that is what I encourage other women to do.
“I think sometimes we don’t see those doors or we are afraid to walk through them and I just decided I would walk through it and see what would happen and I think even the day I was promoted chief, I was still a little surprised at myself that I had taken that role on.”
In the 1900s, the Portland Oregon Police Department swore in the first female officer. Lola Baldwin.
The history of women in law enforcement dates back to the mid-1800s with women serving as matrons in New York City jails. Widows of police officers were hired by departments to work with women and children and one of the first persons to do so was Marie Owens who was hired in 1891 by the Chicago Police Department. The beginning of the 1900s, the Portland Oregon Police Department swore in the first female officer, Lola Baldwin.
However it was not until the Civil Rights Act passed in 1971 that women’s roles in law enforcement expanded and helping the perception that women were cable to serve were such shows as “Policewomen” and “Charlie’s Angels.”
“I focused everyday at being a leader in whatever group I was working within…,” LaJoye-Young said. “Making sure I was always putting my best foot forward, doing the right thing for the right reasons and advocating for others if I was in a position to do so and I think when you are working in that way leadership positions kind of naturally happen.”
Koster or LaJoye-Young wouldn’t deny there have not been challenges, but more so from the overall actions and reactions to law enforcement.
“I thought it was just so important what we were doing and for women to be involved in policing,” Koster said. “I just knew there was a reason for us to be there and I knew that people were really being responsive to women in policing and developing good relationships with the public.”
With LaJoye-Young adding that the importance of having someone like you when faced with a situation remains a key benefit in helping to resolve problems.
“The more variety you have on your police department or sheriff’s department the more prepared you are to deal with the circumstances that you are faced with,” LaJoye-Young said. “Law enforcement changes so quickly and is so dynamic and there is such a variety of things. There are some places that a female is more successful. There are some places that somebody of color is more successful.”
The key is having that “heart to serve,” Koster said, adding it is what she looks for when talking to a potential candidate. Someone who can listen and show empathy, she said, adding that she encourages people interested in the profession to reach out to their local law enforcement agency to talk to officers in the field. There are also several places that offer criminal justice programs such as the Kent Career Tech Center (for high school students) and numerous colleges such as Grand Rapids Community College. Local departments like the Kent County Sheriff’s Department and the Wyoming Department of Public Safety also have cadet and internship programs.
“I feel like law enforcement in general is at the beginning of a very dynamic change,” LaJoye-Young said. “I think you are going to see a lot of things in law enforcement really go in a different direction in the next decade or so. There couldn’t be a better time to get into law enforcement to be part of that progress, to be part of that adaption.”
As the weather gets warmer, more and more people will have their windows open to enjoy the sun and fresh air. However, we always see an increase in noise complaints with warmer weather, as well as more questions about the hours of the noise ordinance. What the hours for the general noise ordinance (noise able to be heard from a public way like a street or sidewalk) in the city of Wyoming?
No noise from 10PM to 7AM
No noise from 11PM to 7AM
No noise from midnight to 8AM
There are no hours for the general ordinance
I’m not sure, I’ll check back on Thursday
The answer is 4) There are no hours for the general ordinance, the city does not have designated “quiet hours”. If noise is bothersome to you, and can be heard by an officer from a public way (meaning a street or sidewalk), the ordinance can be enforced at any hour of the day.
