GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Captain Kristen Rogers has spent the past 25 years protecting the people of Grand Rapids. Now, she's the police department's Deputy Chief, the first women to hold the role.
Police Chief Eric Payne announced the promotion Thursday morning.
Deputy Chief Rogers is replacing David Kiddle who is retiring after 28 years at GRPD. He served as interim Police Chief before Chief Payne was hired.
Rogers started with the department in 1996, working as a patrol officer before transferring to the Detective Unit for 16 years. In 2012 she was promoted to Sergeant and supervisor of the Family Services Team. Rogers helped coordinate responses to crimes involving children and sexual assault.
In 2015 she was promoted to Lieutenant, serving as a watch commander, and then commander of the Detective Unit. Then in 2019 she received the rank of Captain and was put in charge of the East Service Area.
Rogers has been awarded a Lifesaving Medal, four Commendation Awards, two Achievement Awards, two Meritorious Unit Citations, two Certificates of Recognition, and numerous Letters of Recognition. She was nominated for Police Officer of the Year in 2011.
“I’m very humbled by this tremendous honor and opportunity,” stated Deputy Chief Rogers. “My goal will remain, as it always has throughout my career, to be the best public servant possible. I am extremely proud to be part of the dedicated men and woman of the Grand Rapids Police Department, and their continued commitment to protect this community."
“The City of Grand Rapids is fortunate to have someone of her caliber, passion and heart for service attending to the community,” said Kiddle. “I have no doubt that Deputy Chief Rogers will not only rise to the occasion, but far exceed any expectations.”
