Pride and Honor throughout History

I recently stumbled upon these amazing, old photographs in the GRPD Archives and I realized that in my previous posts, I had neglected to mention one of the most important things that GRPD has - a History of Honor through Service. So I'd like to show you a little of the History behind the badge that we proudly wear.

The Grand Rapids Police Department was established June 10, 1871 when James L. Moran was hired as the City's first Police Chief.


This photo is from the 1890's. By 1927, GRPD employed over 100 Officers!


The first "cruiser" was the "Black Mariah", a horse-drawn paddy wagon used to transport officers and/or suspects.


These appear to be the first GRPD Motorcycles.



This photo was taken in 1926 in front of Police Headquarters which at the time was at Crescent Street and Ottawa Avenue.


1950's Cruiser


1970's to 1980's Cruiser


Here is the "Riot Squad" from 1911 and Field Force Training in the 1980's.



And finally, the first recorded GRPD Recruiting Poster:


Now that you've seen a little of our history, are you interested in becoming part of our future? I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. You can reply to the post or contact me directly via e-mail.

New Photos

We took advantage of Michigan's beautiful fall weather and Autumn colors to update our photos. I'd like to show you a couple so you can see some of the opportunities Grand Rapids Police Department can offer you:





If you like, you can click on the photo to enlarge it - we have representatives of Patrol, Special Response Team, Hostage Negotiators, Bomb Team, K-9 Officers, Bicycle Trained Officers and our Motorcycle Unit. The Officers and Sergeants in these photos have worked Patrol, Vice, Detective Unit, Training Bureau, Traffic Unit and more. There truly are endless opportunities at GRPD; we want you to ENJOY your career!

I'd like to thank our photograper Officer Terry Dixon who risked life and limb to get some of these shots!
I'd also like to especially thank the Firefighters of Grand Rapids Fire Department Ladder Truck 4 who assisted us in getting these amazing shots. We couldn't have done it without them!

Pistol Competition - Video

Check out these short clips of the Robert "Koz" Kozminski Memorial Tactical Firearms Competition!


I'll keep you updated and post a winner as soon as we know!

Advanced Firearms Training

It's a perfect October day in Michigan- 55 degrees and partly sunny. I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than at the GRPD Outdoor Range! This group is taking part in our Advanced Firearms Training. We've upgraded our shotguns with a pistol grip stock, a receiver mounted side sleeve and forend (with rail system) that will accept a light mount. These changes create a more versatile combat weapon. In addition, we've also added Federal Premium Tactical "Truball" Slug ammuntion. This will provide us with a more precise option at greater distances.

Robert "Koz" Kozminski Memorial Tactical Firearms Competition

On October 8th, GRPD began the Robert "Koz" Kozminski Memorial Tactical Firearms Competition. Officer Kozminski was killed In the Line of Duty on July 8, 2007 and this competition is one of the ways we honor his life and service at GRPD.

The competition is a "stress course" and includes drills testing:

• Marksmanship


• Use of Cover


• Shooting on the Move


• Cover to Cover Movement

The course is timed with penalties for misses and disqualifications for safety violations.

The course is designed by Firearms Instructors and will be changed year to year. Last year, the honor was awarded to a Team whereas this year, a single Officer will be named as the winner. May the Best Shooter win!!!

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the GRPD Recruiting Blog! Grand Rapids, Michigan is a beautiful, vibrant city with a population of approximately 200,000. Our Police Department is 323 strong and we hope to add Officers soon. I am Katie Hefner. I have been an Officer at GRPD for almost 10 years and have been assigned to the Training Bureau since 2006. I have been actively involved in Recruiting since 2001 when I Recruited at my first Career Fair - and I've been hooked ever since. Let me tell you a little about what we can offer you:

Competitive Wages
Health Care - Medical, Dental and Vision
Paid Sick Leave
Longevity Pay
Paid Vacation
Education Pay

We have the following Career Opportunities:
Patrol Units
Special Response Team
Investigations (Detective) Unit
Vice Unit
K-9 Unit
Training Unit
Community Officer

We offer Secondary Assignments:
Honor Guard
Bomb Team
Hostage Negotiator
Field Training Officer
Training Instructor - Firearms/Defensive Tactics/Ethics/Emergency Vehicle Operations/CPR & First Aid

Check back soon - future comments, posts, pictures and videos will be added! If you have any questions, please respond to the posts and I will be happy to personally respond.