The Grand Rapids Police Department welcomed 11 new officers on Thursday. GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom says this is a night and day difference compared to where the department was 18 months ago. He says this is great because he wants to increase staffing levels as major projects break ground.
GRPD looks to boost staffing, welcomes 11 new officers
Todd Barnett is among the many joining GRPD and says he is ready to hit the streets.
FOX17 “I just always thought it was cool. You know, growing up, like the lights, that was always cool. But understanding now, growing up, like, what all goes into the work, just interests me,” Barnett said. “We can get put anywhere in the city recovered 44 square miles of the city of Grand Rapids. So yeah, anywhere I’m at, I plan on making it the best.”
Chief Winstrom is thrilled to see many new faces lining up to be on his team.
“It makes things just that much easier to know that backup is going to arrive a little bit quicker, when that 911 call is going to be answered a little bit faster. So, it just makes me feel like we’re headed in the right direction,” he added.