GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — After 28 years, the deputy chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department is retiring.
Deputy Chief Kristen Rogers's last day will be October 5. Captain Michael Maycroft was selected as her replacement.
He began the new position on September 15 to provide a seamless transition, department leadership said.
Rogers joined GRPD in 1996. She started as a patrol officer in the south and west neighborhoods. Four years later, she transferred to the detective unit, where she worked for 16 years.
In that position, she devoted much of her time to the Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County and the Family Services Team. She worked on how the department responds to crimes involving minors, victims of sexual assault and victims of domestic abuse.
She was promoted to captain in 2019, then deputy chief in 2021.
Over her career, she's been awarded a Lifesaving Medal, four Commendation Awards, two Achievement Awards, two Meritorious Unit Citations, two Certificates of Recognition and numerous Letters of Recognition, staff said.
She was also nominated for Police Officer of the Year in 2011.
“DC Rogers has been a tremendous asset to GRPD, the Grand Rapids community, and to me personally in my first few years as chief,” said Chief Eric Winstrom. “She has an exemplary service record, has been integral to our successful recruiting and retention efforts, and has a long history of seeking justice on behalf of children, sexual assault victims, and victims of domestic violence. She is leaving us as the highest-ranking female officer in GRPD history.”
Maycroft began his career with the Norton Shores Police Department, joining GRPD in 1997. Over the years, he's worked as a patrol officer, vice detective, background investigator/recruiter, the supervisor of community policing officers and public information officer.
As he is a certified bomb technician, he also serves as the Bomb Squad Commander.
“[Rogers] has set a very high bar for service, integrity, experience, and accountability, and I am confident that DC Maycroft will bring those same qualities to the deputy chief role,” Winstrom said. “I have no doubt he will be successful in working alongside me and Deputy Chief Joe Trigg to make GRPD the gold standard in law enforcement.”
Maycroft is a member of the Honor Guard, serving as commander from 2014 to 2021. He graduated from the FBI's National Academy, got a public safety degree at Lake Superior State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice administration from Ferris State University.
After his promotion to captain in 2015, he served the north Grand Rapids area.
“I am so very grateful for Deputy Chief Rogers’ amazing contributions to the success of GRPD in serving the Grand Rapids community and am excited to welcome Deputy Chief Maycroft into his new role,” said Chief Winstrom.
