EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — East Grand Rapids Director of Public Safety Mark Herald announced Thursday that he will be retiring after a decades-long career in law enforcement.
Herald has served as the public safety director in East Grand Rapids for 18 years. He was the deputy director for four years prior, and worked as a captain with the Grand Rapids Police Department before coming to East Grand Rapids.
“It has been a true honor serving the residents of East Grand Rapids and working with City staff,” Herald said. “I am amazed and humbled by all we have accomplished together. I am extremely proud of all the officers and civilian members of the department. They treat residents and visitors with dignity and respect, truly putting people first – and it shows. I feel truly fortunate to have served as chief for nearly two decades.”
Under his leadership, the city has been named one of the safest municipalities with more than 10,000 residents since 2006 and created the original Kent County Crisis Intervention Team.
“(Herald's) work in building positive relationships with residents and leading community engagement opportunities has resulted in increased transparency, more equitable outcomes and enhanced safety in our community and beyond,” said East Grand Rapids City Manager Shea Charles.
Herald's last day will be March 6.
A national search for Herald's replacement will take place in the coming months.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.
