GRAND RAPIDS, Mich (February 18, 2014) – The City of Grand Rapids will hold community meetings in all three Wards of the City this week, working to create a Police Chief Candidate Profile as the City continues to search for a replacement for retiring Chief Kevin Belk.
The City announced in January that Chief Kevin Belk would be retiring after nearly 34 years of service. His last official day was February 7th, but Chief Belk continues to serve as transitional Chief until a new Chief is found.
All three meetings this week are from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 18 – 1st Ward – Union High School – 1800 Tremont Blvd NW (Please park in staff parking lot)
- Wednesday, February 19 – 2nd Ward – City-High Middle School – 1720 Plainfield NE
- Thursday, February 20 – 3rd Ward – Gerald R. Ford Middle School – 851 Madison SE
An additional meeting is scheduled for those in our community who are Spanish-speaking:
- February 27 – Cesar E. Chavez Elementary School – 1205 Grandville Avenue SW
On Tuesday, Grand Rapids City Manager Greg Sundstrom announced the names of the individuals who comprise his Police Chief Search Advisory Team.
- Tom Almonte, Assistant to the City Manager
- Christine Arnold, Director of the Woodrick Diversity Learning Center at Grand Rapids Community College
- Johnny Brann, Jr., local restaurant owner
- Mari Beth Jelks, Managing Director of Administrative Services at the City of Grand Rapids
- Joe Jones, Grand Rapids Urban League President
- Charlotte Lansinger, Police Executive Research Forum consultant
- Ralph Mason, retired Grand Rapids Police Lieutenant
- Catherine Mish, City Attorney
