Tag Archives: Wyoming Public Safety Department

Wyoming voters to see public safety millage on August ballot

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By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma

joanne@wktv.org

 

Officers at the schools, property checks at businesses and residences, the re-opening of the Gezon Fire Station — these are just some of the accomplishments that the Wyoming Department of Public Safety has been able to complete in the last eight years when a public safety millage was approved.

 

This Aug. 7, residents are being asked to provide a permanent renewal of the annual levy of 1.25 mills for public safety. For a resident with a home valued at $100,000, the cost will remain at $62.50 per year.

 

A Wyoming Public Safety firefighter shows how a firehouse works during a recent public safety open house.

“We would like to maintain the level of service we have been able to provide this far and in order to do that those funds would be needed to continue the operations and maintain the efficiencies built into some of our models here for public safety,” said Wyoming Department of Public Safety Chief Kim Koster during a recent interview with WKTV.

 

Police and fire services account for 65 percent of the all spending from the city’s general fund. In 2010, when the millage was first proposed and passed, the city was facing declining state funding, the loss of the General Motors Stamping Plant and falling property values. Voters approved a renewal in 2014. Today, while home values have started to increase, Wyoming has faced continued cuts in state funding and its revenue status remains largely the same.

 

Through its new Pubic Safety service delivery model, the department has created many efficiencies and cost savings. One of those measures lead to the re-opening of the Gezon Fire Station which also now houses the Metro Health – University of Michigan Heath’s helipad.

 

“So through some creative staffing models we have been able to staff this Wyoming fire station out here on the south end of Wyoming for 24 hours, seven days a week,” Koster said. “In addition to that we have added two quick response vehicles. They are able to respond from [the Gezon] Fire Station as well as our central fire station that way we don’t have to take an engine to a medical call, and get there a lot faster and more efficient that way.”

 

One of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety K-9s meets with his fans.

The opening of the Gezon Fire Station and the addition of the quick-response vehicles has helped to reduce response times, according to a recent city report. Other accomplishments by the department include:

 

·       Achieved and maintained Gold-Standard police accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., putting the department in the top one percent of law enforcement agencies nationwide.

 

·       Provided a professional public safety response to more than 37,000 calls for service every year

 

·       Implemented efforts to visit every school in Wyoming each school day, totaling 5,738 school visits last year

 

·       Conducted daily and nightly visits to businesses, making 8,606 contacts and 6,852 closed business checks in 2017

 

·       Equipped every police cruiser with an automated external defibrillator, or AED,  as well as supplying every officer with Naloxone, which reverses the effects of overdoses

 

·       Increased forensic laboratory capabilities providing faster, more comprehensive results which have contributed to a higher success rate in solving crime

 

·       Added three full-time fire fighters

 

·       Utilized part-time employees to implement a peak load staffing model which employs more staff during times of high call volume

 

·       Crossed-trained and licensed 22 City employees as firefighters and utilized paid-on-call staff

 

·       Secured grants that allowed staff to become licensed as EMTs and purchase CPR assisted compression devices

 

Residents can learn more about the millage on the city’s website at wyomingmi.gov/publicsafety or by calling 616-530-7272.

 

Wyoming Public Safety asking for assistance in identifying suspect in hit-and-run

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On Monday, Dec. 18, at approximately 5:40 p.m. the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a Hit and Run Personal Injury Crash at 54th and South Division Avenue. The Department has very limited information in regards to the crash. What is known at this time is that a 40-year-old female from Kentwood was walking east crossing South Division Avenue on the south side of 54th Street. The female pedestrian had the right of way at the light and a white vehicle was turning south bound onto Division struck her. The pedestrian was knocked to the ground and she believes that the vehicle continued south bound on Division Avenue. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with injuries.

 

According to department officials, this is the only information that officers have on the striking vehicle or any other circumstances surrounding this incident. The department is  asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect vehicle and / or witnesses to please come forward with any information.

 

Wyoming Public Safety personnel continue with its investigation and ask the public’s assistance for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect/vehicle. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Wyoming Police seeking help in locating suspect in armed robbery

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, , ,

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, Jan. 26, at around 3:15 a.m., the Wyoming Department of Public Safety responded to the report of a robbery in the 300 block of Burton Street SW, according to a police report.

 

The clerk reported that a n approximate 20-year-old black male came into the store and demanded money while pointing a handgun. The suspect was wearing all black, with a hooded sweatshirt pulled up over his head. The suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash, according to the report.

 

Witnesses reported that the suspect left the scene in a white two-door sedan, possibly a Honda Civic and fled west bound on Burton Street.

 

Wyoming Public Safety personnel continue with the investigation and ask the public’s assistance for information that may lead to the identification of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

Investigation continues on Sept. 7 shooting in Wyoming

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News, , , ,
Sadiq Bishara Abaker Irdris
Sadiq Bishara Abaker Irdris

Wyoming Public Safety today (Sept. 8) provided an update with additional details about yesterday’s shooting by a Wyoming Public Safety officer.

 

The suspect who was shot has been identified as Sadiq Bishara-Abaker Idris. Idris is 25 and a native of Sudan. He is believed to have been living in Grand Rapids. No additional details about Idris are available at this time, according to a release from the City of Wyoming Public Safety Department.

 

An autopsy was conducted this morning but is not yet complete pending results from a toxicology screen. The department confirmed that Idris died from a single gunshot wound but are not releasing additional details at this time due to the investigation being conducted by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.

 

A portion of the incident was captured on dashcam, which is being reviewed by Kent County investigators and will not be released publicly at this time.

 

Kent County investigators continue to talk with witnesses and encourage anyone with information about the shooting to call the Kent County Sheriff’s Department at 616-632-6125 or to call Silent Observer at 616-744-2345 or toll-free at 866-774-2345.

 

As reported by the department in release last night, the incident began at a Wyoming gun store at approximately 5:24 p.m. when Idris, who had been looking at firearms, allegedly took a semi-automatic pistol, ran out the door and jumped on a bicycle. Wyoming Public Safety called in a canine unit, which tracked and found the abandoned bike.

 

Police searched the area and the canine unit continued to track Idris, but was unable to pick up the scent. At approximately 7:15 p.m., a witness called Wyoming Public Safety to report a man walking on 32nd Avenue SE near Eastern Avenue SE with what appeared to be a gun in his back pocket.

 

A Wyoming Public Safety officer was the first to make contact with Idris, who was on foot. The officer exited his patrol car and confronted Idris, who reached for his gun and pointed it at the officer. In defense of his own life, the officer fired his weapon, striking Idris.

 

Responding officers provided emergency medical aid to Idris, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

According to the Wyoming Public Safety Department protocol, the officer remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation, additional details about the suspect, the weapon involved and other information will not be shared at this time.

 

“This was an experienced officer who is a trained and seasoned professional,” said Wyoming Public Safety Director James Carmody in statement released last night. “We are grateful that he and other members of the public were not harmed [last night.]”

 

“We are following our protocol for an officer-involved shooting and are cooperating fully with the Sheriff’s Department, which is overseeing this investigation.”

Wyoming Public Safety attempts to locate missing Wyoming man

City of Wyoming, Hard News, ,
Tyrone Victor Harding
Tyrone Victor Hardin

UPDATE: Aug. 30, 2016 – The Wyoming Public Safety Department released a statement this morning that Tyrone Victor Hardin has been located.

 

The Wyoming Police are asking the public for assistance with locating a man who has not been seen by family in several days. Tyrone Victor Hardin is a 61-year-old black male who is 5 feet, 7 inches and weights 100 pounds. He has a goatee and walks with a cane. The family cites no medical condition but describes Hardin as “confused at times.”  He may have been walking from a relative’s home on Adams St SE in Grand Rapids heading toward Wyoming on August 25.

 

Police are asking anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Tyrone Victor Harding to contact the Wyoming Department of Public Safety at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.

 

Wyoming Police investigate shootings in 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Hard News, , , ,

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The City of Wyoming Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation into several shots being fired early this morning in the 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW.

 

According to a release from the department, units were dispatched to 1900 block of Wyoming Ave. SW in reference to several shots being fired today at approximately 5 a.m.  A victim was on scene and stated he had encountered three subjects breaking into a vehicle while he was driving down the street, according to the release.  One of the suspects became confrontational. The victim began driving away and then heard the gunshots and bullets striking his vehicle.  He drove to a nearby business and called police.  Officers located several shell casings in front of this address.

 

Officers checked the area and found multiple vehicle larcenies in the area.  Officers came across several people in front of an address in the 1800 block of Wyoming Ave. SW.  According to officers, a female handed an officer a purse stating someone showed up and said it was stolen.  Officers secured the residence and took several uncooperative subjects into custody.  A search warrant was executed resulting in a handgun and several stolen items being recovered.

 

Several individuals aged 16-18 were interviewed.  Charges are pending.  Although a firearm was recovered, officers are attempting to find the actual shooter. If anyone has knowledge of this incident they are asked to call the Wyoming Department of Public Safety, 616-530-7300, or Silent Observer, 1-866-774-2345.

Wyoming police investigating crash on Byron Center Avenue

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wyoming police dept signThe City of Wyoming Public Safety Department continues to investigate a crash that resulted in closing down northbound Byron Center Avenue for several hours yesterday evening.

 

Kent County Dispatchers stated that the crash of a pick-up truck into a PT Cruise was reported around 3 p.m. yesterday. Wyoming Public Safety stated that the the pick up truck drove onto Byron Center Avenue from Bayberry Drive and ran into a black PT Cruiser. The occupants of the PT Cruiser were transported to Metro Hospital with significant injuries, police said. They are currently listed in serious condition.

 

Police are investigating the possibility that the driver of the truck may have suffered a medical condition while driving and sustained non-life threatening injuries, police stated.

 

The crash did result in traffic on Byron Center Avenue being diverted for several hours yesterday starting at the M-6 eastbound exit ramp onto Byron Center Avenue. The traffic was detoured through the Metro Health Village.

Wyoming sets aside a day to say ‘thanks’ to its police, fire departments

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Upcoming Events, , ,
Steves Antique Auto Repair is the first business to host Appreciation Day for Wyoming police and fire fighters.
Steves Antique Auto Repair is the first business to host Appreciation Day for Wyoming police and fire fighters.

Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

Realizing just how much the Wyoming Public Safety Department officers do for businesses, Harriet Sturim and her family, which owns Steve’s Antique Auto Repair, Inc., have been hosting the Wyoming Public Safety Appreciation Day, an event – with the help of Wyoming businesses – they are now making a community-wide celebration.

 

“When we started it, it was during a time when officers really weren’t being given the credit for what they do,” Sturim said during a recent phone interview. “As a business owner, we recognize the amount of time the officers take to check the businesses throughout the night, leaving their card to let owners know when they came by, and we just wanted to say thank you for that.”

 

This year, the Sturims along with the Wyoming Business Leaders, the business association the Sturims are a part of, decided to make the event a community “thank you” by having it Saturday, June 25, at the lodge at Pinery Park, 2301 DeHoop Ave. SW. The event will run from 2 – 4 p.m.

 

Several area businesses, such as Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille, Fresh Coast, and Marge’s Donut Den, have donated items from food to kids activities. More donations are welcomed and anyone interested can contact Sturim at 616-540-7675.

 

Depending on the needs of the city for that day, the Wyoming Public Safety Department and the Fire Department will have equipment on hand as well. Also scheduled to make an appearance is the K9 Unit.

 

“This is a great way to meet your police department,” Sturim said. “In this day and age, we feel it is really important for the young people to realize that these officers are friends and that if they need them for something, they are there for them.”

 

The entire event is free and open to public.