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WALKER POLICE & FIRE DEPARTMENTS

2013

ANNUAL REPORT

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR….

Fellow Citizens:

It is my honor and privilege to present to you the annual report for the Walker Police and Fire

Departments. This summary provides insights to the hours of training that our public service officers

endure to provide safety for our community. The statistics are just numbers, but we know that each one

of those numbers represents an encounter with a citizen who has been affected by auto incidents, building

or home fires, medical emergencies or a multitude of other situations.

The knowledge that our public safety officers maintain, ensures that we have the best force possible. As

we work to implement new equipment, technology and officers it is critical that training occurs at the

highest level. This report provides detailed metrics that validate that this training has occurred.

In addition to the statistics provided in this report it has been my privilege to personally witness a fire

training event and do a “ride along” with our police officers. I can say emphatically that we have a

fantastic team of professionals that are equipped to keep us safe.

On behalf of the Walker City Commission, I wholeheartedly thank our Walker Police and Fire

Departments for their efforts.

Mark E. Huizenga Mayor

City of Walker

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MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR . . . . .

As the Public Safety Director for the City of Walker I have the honor of serving as the primary

administrator for both the Police and Fire Departments. Each agency is organizationally separate and

each department has a Deputy Chief who assists me with day-to-day operations for each discipline.

2013 was no exception to the high level of professionalism and dedication that the men and women of our

Police and Fire Departments displayed in serving our community this past year. Their commitment has

enabled us to not only address emergency calls for service, as well as to participate in numerous

community events in addition to our community policing and fire inspections programs.

I would like to give thanks to the citizens, business community, Mayor, City Commission, City Manager

and Assistant City Manager for the support they have given the Police and Fire Departments this past

year. Without this important ingredient we would not be able to provide the efficient, professional

services we do while maintaining a safe and friendly environment for everyone.

CATHERINE M. GARCIA-LINDSTROM

Public Safety Director

Walker Police and Fire Departments

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Walker Police Department

Annual Report

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2013

Patrol 2013

The Walker Police Department is charged with the preservation of life and property, through the

enforcement of all Federal and State laws, as well as Municipal ordinances and regulations. An integral

part of achieving excellence in law enforcement is the adequate training of police officers, combined with

a sound community relations and customer service program. The Walker Police Department is committed

to excellence in all aspects of its performance of duties. Our organizational structure provides an efficient

and cost effective delivery of service to its citizens.

Administration The Administrative Division consists of the Director of Public Safety, Deputy Chief, and a Police

Captain. Administration is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the financial, staffing, training,

community and overall efficiency of the department.

Patrol Division This Division is responsible for the overall protection of lives and property, maintaining law and order

and responding to requests for services (emergency and non-emergency). The Patrol Division enforces all

criminal laws that are mandated by Federal, State or Municipal Government. Patrol consists of a Captain;

six Sergeants and nineteen Patrol Officers.

During 2013 officers responded to a total of 13,143 calls for service. The patrol division took 1042 car

crashes and issued 3729 citations both misdemeanor and civil infraction. One of our most common calls

is a medical emergency. Our Officers are medical first responders and responded to 1146 medical

emergencies throughout the year.

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2012 Employee of the Year Recognition

Officer Brandyn Heugel was selected by her peers as Walker Employee of the Year for 2012, awarded in

February of 2013. Officer Heugel has been a Walker Police Officer since March of 1999, where she has

been assigned to the Communications Center, Investigations Bureau and her current position on the Road

Patrol. Officer Heugel consistently displays a great work ethic, positive attitude and a “can-do” approach

in getting her duties and tasks done. For these reasons, Officer Brandyn Heugel has been identified as the

Walker Police Department’s Employee of the Year for 2012!

2012 Employee of the Year

Pictured with Deputy Chief Greg Long

Officer Brandyn Heugel

2013 Employee of the Year Recognition Detective Tiffany Elliott was selected as Walker Police Department’s Employee of the Year for 2013. As

many of the comments indicated on the nomination letters, Detective Elliott has a great work ethic and

very positive attitude. Her work ethic is ever-present with her assignment to the Kent Area Narcotics

Enforcement Team and the consistent level of dealers arrested, narcotics confiscated and forfeiture assets

realized, all through her diligent work on the team. Detective Elliott is known for her willingness to get

involved and help out whomever and wherever there is a need. Detective Elliott conducts her assigned

investigations in a tenacious manner with a “no quit” attitude to bringing cases to successful conclusions.

Detective Elliott has been described as a teacher at heart, willing to explain and share her learned

knowledge for the betterment of those working with her.

Once again, please extend your congratulations to Detective Tiffany Elliott as the selected Employee of

the Year for 2013!

2013 Employee of the Year

Officer Tiffany MacKellar

(For confidentiality reasons, photo not available)

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TRAFFIC UNIT The traffic unit responsibilities are to investigate all serious or fatal crashes in the City of Walker. All the

officers that are assigned to this duty have received over 500 hours of extensive training in crash

reconstruction from Michigan State University. Sgt Keith Mankel oversees the unit and is assisted by

Officer Tom Raisanen and Officer Don Munn.

The accident investigation team was called out on 4 occasions to investigate crashes, three that were fatal.

Over the last few years we have seen an increase in the amount of pedestrians that have been struck. This

year is no different, as we investigated14 pedestrians crashes compared to 11 last year.

Wilson Avenue and Remembrance Road has seen a fair amount of crashes over the years. This year there

were 14 crashes at the intersection. The City of Walker has agreed to partner with the Michigan

Department of Transportation (MDOT) to explore the creation of a roundabout in 2015 at the corner of

Wilson Avenue and Remembrance Road.

Wilson Ave at Remembrance Rd Alpine Ave at I-96

Crashes Investigated By Accident Reconstruction Trained Personnel per Year:

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

11 7 2 5 4

Traffic Deaths per Year:

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2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

4 3 2 3 3

Type of Crash Number of Crashes

Deer 79

Motorcycle 9

Pedestrians 14

Bicycles 6

Walker Police investigated 818 property damage crashes, 221 injury crashes, and 3 fatal crashes in 2013

for a total of 1042 crashes. This is up from last year by 51 total crashes. There was a significant increase

in the amount of car/deer crashes this year. There was a reported 79 car/deer crashes this year compared

to 65 last year.

There were 41 crashes where alcohol was involved this year compared to 35 crashes last year. This is a

17 percent increase of alcohol related crashes over last year.

Wilson Ave and Lake Michigan Dr had the most crashes in 2013 with 46. This is same amount of crashes

at the intersection as last year. This intersection is ranked 7th in Kent County for the number of crashes.

Other areas with high crash totals are Alpine Ave and 3-Mile (38), Alpine Ave and N. Center (29) and

Alpine Ave and Center (32).

Special Enforcement and Events

The Walker Police Department continued the partnership with area agencies and the State Of Michigan’s

Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) programs to reduce traffic related incidents on our roadways.

This past year, we introduced a new program, Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks, or “TACT”. This

program utilized federal funds that reimbursed officer’s salaries while participating in the program. The

program solicited input from our area professional truck drivers to identify motorist’s tendencies that

cause risk to the motoring public. We took this input from the professional truck drivers and implemented

patrol areas on the major highways of our region. This coupled with aggressive advertising campaigns,

brought awareness to the public about the dangers of aggressive driving on our roadways. While OHSP is

still reviewing the data, early indicators show that this program can be considered a success.

Along with the TACT initiative, OHSP continued their support of local law enforcement by continuing

the OWI enforcement initiatives as well as the Click it or Ticket campaign. These programs are funded by

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state and federal grants that reimburse local agencies for the cost of the officers to be on patrol. In 2013,

OHSP reimbursed a total of $44,459.86 to the Walker Police Department for officer’s patrol time. This

translates into many additional hours of police service that would not be realized without this partnership.

The City of Walker looks forward to 2014 and continued partnership with the OHSP program. The

programs that are subsidized by this grant initiative are essential to keeping our roadways safe for the

general public. Continued concentration in the areas of aggressive driving, drunk driving, and unbelted

motorists, will allow us to continue to reduce traffic related injuries and deaths for years to come.

2013 STRIKE TEAM REPORT

For the 2013 year the Strike team participated in four trainings. As in years past we try to utilize the most

critical trainings. At the end of this report are the actual callouts that the Strike team took part in.

Trainings

February 2013

All team members completed low light firearms training with all members of the department.

April 2013

All team members participated in firearms training with all department issued weapons along with all

department members.

May 2013

The team completed entry training at an abandoned house in the north patrol district. One of the team

members did not participate due to an injury that he had sustained another day.

September 2013

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Team members completed the fall firearm training with all department issued weapons. This training

took place along with all department members.

Walker Police Strike Team 2013 Callouts

October 2013 North District

The strike team was activated to assist the Kent County Vice team with a narcotic search warrant. The

team assisted by securing the residence and standing by until the Vice team could obtain the items they

were looking for in their search warrant. This search warrant was also executed at a few other locations

around the area.

November 2013 Central District

The strike team was activated for a barricaded subject. The subject was reportedly intoxicated and had

assaulted a person at his residence and threatened his girlfriend with a firearm. Patrol had made contact

but he refused to exit the house. Strike team members arrived on scene to assist and waited for the

Bearcat to arrive from GRPD. Once the Bearcat was on scene, The Strike team made an approach to the

house. The subject then exited the house and was taken into custody without incident.

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FORENSIC SERVICES REPORT

The Walker Police Forensic Unit is responsible for crime scene processing, evidence collection and

preservation. The Unit is also responsible for evidence delivery and pick up at the Michigan State Police

Lab (Grand Rapids) for the purpose of various exams and analysis.

2013 marked the third year for the Sergeants handling the majority of crime processing. It has been an

on-going process but is faring well.

Carl Wood continues to process gathered evidence for fingerprints and biological evidence. He is used as

an on-call consultant and works in the lab approximately five times a year.

Sgt Shoemaker completed the third full year as the Property Room Custodian and Sgt Elliott is now

assisting him. They are continuing to organize the property room and have gleaned down much of the

outdated property.

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HONOR GUARD

2013 Honor Guard Members

Sergeant Rob Shoemaker

Sergeant Bert Elliott

Sergeant Keith Mankel

Sergeant Jon Paasch

Officer Scott Johnson

Officer Jason Frank

Officer Sammy Powell

Detective Tiffany Elliott

Detective Brandyn Heugel

Officer Don Munn

The Walker Police Honor Guard Unit continued to represent the Walker Police Department with pride

and professionalism in 2013, whether honoring the flag or the fallen. The Honor Guard Unit participated

in numerous events and training throughout the year. The unit continues to participate in events with area

agencies as a member of the Kent Metro Honor Guard Unit.

Honor Guard Events for 2013:

On January 26th as part of the Kent Metro Color Guard at the Kozminski Fundraiser basketball game at

Kenowa Hills High School.

On February 28th Sgts. Shoemaker and Mankel attended an Honor Guard Incident Management training.

In April the members attended the annual Metro Guard training in Wyoming.

From May 9th through the 12th members, Jason Frank and Scott Johnson, participated in the Unity Tour

Bike Ride to Washington D.C for National Police Week where they represented the department at

memorial events.

On May 16th members attended the Grand Rapids Police Week Memorial at Rosa Parks Circle in Grand

Rapids. Member, Jason Frank, accompanied Kim Slot for the rose laying honoring fallen Walker Police

Officer Trevor Slot.

On May 23rd as part of the Kent Metro Color Guard at the Kevin Marshall Memorial in Newaygo.

On May 27th as Color Guard in the Walker Memorial Day Parade in Standale.

June 8th attended the Fallen Officers Memorial at the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department.

On September 14th Honor Guard members represented the department at the funeral for fallen Michigan

State Trooper Paul Butterfield who was killed in the line of duty.

On September 23rd members represented the department at the funeral for Detroit Police Officer Rodney

Jones.

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October 12th the Honor Guard Color Guard presented the colors at the Trevor Slot Memorial held at the

Walker Police Memorial.

On October 17th members participated in the Kent Metro Color Guard at the Touchdowns for Trevor

event at a Kenowa Hills High School football game.

On November 7th as part of the Kent Metro Color Guard at the GRCC Police Academy graduation.

Metro Honor Guard – Officer Trevor Slot Memorial Service

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COMMUNITY/SCHOOL RESOURCE

Our mission as the Community Resource Team is to coordinate police department interaction and

involvement with the community. Community is a broad term, which encompasses businesses, churches,

neighborhoods, city staff, schools, organizations and visitors. The CRT (Community Resource Team)

was formed in January of 2012. Deputy Chief Long presented an offer to all sworn staff, asking for

volunteers to help with community events on a regular basis. These volunteers would be called the

Community Resource Team. They are assigned to and responsible for patrol but would help with the

community events whenever possible. Four police staff members are currently part of the CRT, Gil

Redzinski, Shannon VanderHeuvel, Ken Martiny and Deputy Chief Greg Long as the supervisor. In the

fall of 2012, the Walker Police Department received a grant for a full time community policing officer.

This position was given to Gil Redzinski in November. As a result of the same grant we are able to have

Officer’s VanderHeuvel and Martiny assist him on a regular basis in addition to their patrol duties. We

believe this team concept will only serve to enhance the effectiveness of the CRT.

Neighborhood Watch

We have an active neighborhood watch program in Walker, with about 150 members. We have quarterly

neighborhood watch meetings with the entire group. These generally occur in March, June, September

and December. These meetings are of a general information nature but many times have a keynote

speaker. Attendees are encouraged to participate and bring all of their neighborhood concerns with them.

A CRT member or two are always in attendance. We also assist with meetings in the neighborhoods and

neighborhood block parties. The block parties are a form of neighborhood watch meeting where the

neighbors get together in a fun atmosphere. We assisted with five block parties in 2013.

Occasionally issues arise in the community and we need to schedule a meeting in the problem area to

address the issue. The CRT is also responsible for this assisting with these meetings as well as providing

assistance in solving the neighborhood problems. Our neighborhood watch is constantly changing and

the CRT is always looking for new participants.

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National Night Out On the first Tuesday in August, many of our neighborhood watch groups get together to support National

Night Out. This nationwide effort is a show of unity against crime. The CRT is active in promoting,

organizing and participating in the NNO effort in Walker. In 2013 we supported 5 neighborhood groups

with their NNO events.

Apartment Complexes, Manufactured Home Parks and Hotels The multi-unit housing communities in Walker bring with them unique problems, issues and concerns.

The CRT works with the owners, managers and office staff of these neighborhoods on a regular basis.

The managers of these facilities are our neighborhood watch coordinators for these multi-unit housing

communities.

Schools and School Transportation The CRT is very active with the Walker area schools. Walker has eight schools within our city

boundaries:

Cummings School, Grandville school district

Central Elementary, Kenowa school district

Walker Station School, Kenowa school district

Zinser School, Kenowa school district

West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science, Charter School

Walker Charter School

Covenant Christian High School

Hope Protestant Reformed Christian School

The number one school priority of the CRT is the safety and wellbeing of the students and staff. We

think of these schools as huge eight hour neighborhoods. As with all of our neighborhoods, they deserve

to be protected, visited, assisted and nurtured. Some of the CRT involvement with our schools in 2013:

1. Lock down assistance

2. Classroom visits and instruction

3. Staff instruction

4. Criminal investigations

5. Parking and signage assistance

6. Lunch room visits

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7. General security assistance

8. Any and all other assistance we could provide that time permitted

Officer Redzinski visiting an elementary classroom

The CRT also assists the Kent Skills Center and their Criminal Justice Program whenever possible. The

different schools in Walker bring with them different transportation issues. We have school busses

transporting students, parents transporting students and students transporting themselves. In the past year

the CRT has attempted to assist with all of the transportation issues that have arisen including school bus

violations, traffic problems (school lots and public streets), and problem children at the bus stops and on

busses. In 2013 we began a school visit program for our patrol personnel. Our officers now stop at the

schools and do walk-throughs.

The Metro High School Police Academy The CRT assisted with the High School Police Academy as well as the golf tournament/fund raiser that

pays for the academy.

The golf tournament was held on the 17th of May at North Kent Country Club. Participants totaled 132

golfers and 10 volunteers. The event raised $5500.00 for the academy. All three CRT members assisted

with the planning, preparation and operation of this fundraising event.

The academy was held from June 17th through the 21th with 36 kids graduating. The schedule for the

academy is Monday at Grandville High School, Tuesday at Grand Valley State University, Wednesday at

Wyoming PD, Thursday and Friday back at Grandville High School. This was the 18th year of the

academy and the 14th year for Walker’s involvement. Eleven police departments are now involved;

Wyoming PD, Kentwood PD, Grandville PD, Walker PD, Kent County Sheriff, Rockford PD, East Grand

Rapids PD, Grand Rapids PD, Michigan State Police, Grand Valley State PD and Grand Rapids

Community College PD.

Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians Our CRT program is active with the Safe Kids of Grand Rapids organization. The first Friday of every

other month, the Walker Police Department sponsors a child safety seat check event, at the fire station in

Standale. Our two certified technicians are Redzinski and VanderHeuvel. Safe Kids of Grand Rapids

supplies extra technicians. During the four hour event we have completed as many as 45 safety

inspections on child car seats. These events occur in February, April, June, August, October and

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December. This year we completed approximately 200 child passenger safety seat inspections in Walker.

We also provide assistance for people who call in and need a seat checked on short notice. Each year we

participate in the Cops Fore Kids golf outing. It’s held the first week of August at Gracewil Golf Club.

Troubled teens from the Kent County juvenile court, pair up with police officers to play nine holes of golf

and eat lunch. The event is funded by private donations with almost all area law enforcement agencies

participating. Two CRT members assisted with this event.

Crime Prevention Association of Michigan CPAM is a statewide organization specializing in crime prevention initiatives and training. CPAM has

about 100 members with a board and training staff comprised of police officers from around the state.

Our CRT is active in the CPAM organization. One of our members assisted the CPAM training staff

while another helped on the awards committee.

Businesses and Churches The CRT is always looking for more community events to get involved in. Some other business and

church events we assisted with are:

1. Home Depot Days

2. Two community events at Westwood church

3. Cash Advance in Standale, assist with identikits and fingerprinting.

Trevor Slot Memorial Golf Outing The entire CRT assisted with the planning, preparation and execution of the Slot golf outing. Many other

staff members from the police department also helped and attended the event. The outing was held at the

Highlands on August 9th. The golf day was beautiful with 160 golfers supporting our charities. Once

again the meal and evening activities were a huge success. In all about $14,000.00 dollars was raised for

our charities. The primary partner this year was Silent Observer. Other charity partners were the West

Michigan Explorers Post 2043, Gilda’s House, Metro High School Police Academy and the Walker

Police Unity Tour.

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Community Policing In November 2012 we received a grant to assist our community policing efforts. 2013 was the first full

year Officer Redzinski was assigned full time as a community resource officer (CRO) and was assisted by

two officers on a part time basis. Some of the extra duties assigned to the CRO are:

1. The full time CRO oversees the senior volunteers. As of now we have 13 senior volunteers. In

December of 2013 Joyce and Nancy joined our volunteer team. Once again the volunteers

assisted with community events, school events, and our special events, all while maintaining a

solid volunteer patrol presence. Our volunteers did a wonderful job in 2013.

2. The food drive was successful this year. For the food drive this year we rekindled our partnership

with the schools. Three schools (9 classrooms) took on our food drive as a school project. The

kids walked the neighborhood near their schools collecting food. The youth commission assisted

by collecting 2000 items of food from the high school. The volunteers and interns also assisted

by placing 20 food barrels in local businesses and schools and collecting the food on a periodic

basis. The food drive was completed on December 17 when all of the groups came together at

Remembrance Reformed Church to organize, pack, and deliver food. Needy families, totaling 30,

received three large bags of food each. The remainder of the food was placed in the

Remembrance Reformed Church food bank for local families.

3. Vehicle inspections are also a duty of the full time CRO. These inspections include abandoned

vehicles and auctions. Each month we assist our local wrecker services with abandoned vehicles.

We primarily assist custodian wrecker companies, Marz, Walker City, M&W and Padnos. Per

state law we are obligated to assist them with paperwork for scrap vehicles and auctioned

vehicles. Depending on the year we could have 40 to 100 abandoned vehicles.

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4. Court coverage is also a responsibility of the full time CRO. In 2013 court coverage consisted of

18 days when the court officer was either in training, sick or on vacation.

5. Tours of the police department are another duty of the CRO. For the past year we have given

approximately 10 tours of the department. Some of the groups visiting have been from area

schools, cub scouts, Kent Skills criminal justice students, church groups, Walker Youth

Commission, and one group of students from France.

6. For the 2013 year we had two high school interns for the winter semester (January to June). Cate

Carey and Aaron Skorka were both Kenowa seniors and did a marvelous job for us the five

months they were with us. Cate went on to Detroit Mercy College to pursue nursing and Aaron is

currently attending Grand Valley. In September we selected Jake Terpstra and Aly Raterink from

Kenowa and Sydney Bogard from Rockford. All three interns should be with us through May of

2014 and on average spend about 2 hours a day with us.

7. In May of 2013 the Walker Police Department spearheaded the creation of the West Michigan

Law Enforcement Explorer Post 2043. Our partners are Kent County Sheriffs Dept, Grand

Rapids P.D., Rockford P.D., Lowell P.D., Kentwood P.D., Cedar Springs P.D., East Grand

Rapids P.D., and the Boy Scouts of America. This post is Boy Scout sanctioned with 25 young

people (male and female) as members. The ages for our kids range from 14 to 18 years old and

they come from all over Kent and Ottawa counties. We meet once a month for 3 to 4 hours to

learn about different functions in police work. The explorers are also very active in volunteering.

They have volunteered at 7 different Walker P.D. events and 3 Sheriff events.

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VOLUNTEER PATROL/RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PATROL

Members of the Volunteer Patrol Unit provided over 3400 hours of volunteer service between 11

members, for 2013. This service provided is not exclusive to the police department’s function, but for the

entire city’s benefit. Many of the tasks completed by members are in assistance of other departments

within the city (Court, Fire, Community Development, City Management), and are truly appreciated by

all. As is often mentioned when speaking of this group, it is possible to place a cumulative value on their

time and efforts, but it is impossible to place a comprehensive value, other than priceless! These

community-minded individuals dedicate themselves to help improve all aspects of living and visiting the

City of Walker, through activities such as parking enforcement, paperwork processing, and assisting at

the majority of community events sponsored by the city.

Swearing-in of new member Joyce Kuklewski

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New members Joyce Kuklewski & Nancy Winowiecki

College Intern

This year the Walker Police Department took a different approach with the internship program. The last

few years we would accommodate about 5 students through the year with internships. This year we

teamed up with Grand Valley State University’s police academy to allow the students in the police

academy to do ride-a-longs when their schedule would allow them. With students taking more classes

throughout the summer, finding time to schedule interns becomes challenging. We were able to

accommodate 6 police academy students from GVSU this year.

We also had Felix Rodriguez-Torres from Grand Rapids Community College with us for three months

over the summer. Felix was able to ride with the officers and work with the detective unit to learn

valuable skills and what it takes to be an officer. Felix has since been hired by the city of Wyoming as a

police officer.

Felix Rodrigues-Torres

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POLICE CHAPLAIN UNIT

The Police Department continues to be very fortunate to have the services of four police chaplains who

volunteer their expertise and services by supporting the department’s members and the citizens of Walker.

Each member has attended numerous advanced trainings in a variety of disciplines including delivering

death notifications, substance abuse issues, sensitivity and diversity, ethics, suicide prevention concepts,

confidentiality and liability considerations, along with many other beneficial subject concepts. The

agency and citizens are truly blessed to have these fine individuals lending their knowledge, expertise and

caring personalities for the benefit of those coming in contact with any one of them. Listed are a few of

the tasks performed by members in 2013:

Department Meetings 42

Community Meetings 17

In Service/Continuing Ed 4

Facility Visits 67

Patrol Ride-alongs 3

Personal Contacts 11

On-Scene Assists 1

Assist Other Agencies 9

Counseling Services 3

Visitations (sick/injured) 1

Death Notifications 1

Ministry (funerals, etc) 3

Rev. Tom Bradley, Rev. Larry VandeVoren, Rev. Jim Carpenter, Rev. James Durr

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Detective Bureau

2013 Investigations (cumulative data excluding vice)

Cases Assigned 1395

Cases closed by Investigations 908

Arrests (Adult) 110

Arrests (juvenile) 8

Case Highlights

General Case

There were 395 cases assigned to the General Case Division in 2013.

A business B&E was reported in the North service area. The suspects gained entry through a window and

stole approximately $10,000 worth of property. Before the suspects fled, they gained access to the CCTV

system and erased the footage of their crime. The I.T. person of the business was able to pull the erased

footage from the hard drive and provide a small amount of video and still pictures of the three suspects.

The information was shared with patrol and patrol later developed two possible suspects. That

information was passed on to the detective unit where the actual three suspects involved were identified

and interviewed, leading to confessions. Due to the cooperation between the business, patrol, and

detective unit, most of the property was recovered for the victim. Warrants were authorized for all three

suspects.

Patrol was dispatched to the hospital ER regarding a felonious assault (stabbing) that occurred at the

homeless camps off Turner Ave. The victim indicated that he was stabbed multiple times by an

intoxicated male subject, known only by his first name, and who was a guest at the victim’s camp. The

victim was interviewed by detectives a few days later. The suspect was ultimately identified and a felony

warrant was authorized for assault with a dangerous weapon.

Patrol took a report of a home invasion involving the theft of three laptop computers, a gaming system,

and other miscellaneous items. Investigation resulted in a full confession from two of the identified

suspects. One of the suspects was charged with home invasion and the other receiving & concealing.

Both warrants were authorized by the Prosecutor’s Office.

Patrol had responded to a report of a possible CSC/UDAA that allegedly initiated at the I-96 rest area.

The “victim” reported that she had stopped at the rest area while enroute back from Grand Haven, then

“blacked-out” and ultimately woke up on the SW side of G.R. with her car missing and some of her

clothes that she was wearing, also missing. After investigating and interviewing the victim and suspect, a

full admission by the victim revealed that she falsified the report. The “victim” was ultimately charged

with false information to police.

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Patrol responded to a report of a residential B&E involving the theft of a safe containing a large amount

of currency, which included old currency. After several months of investigation, two suspects were

identified and warrants were ultimately authorized for receiving and concealing on both of them. The

investigation also contributed to UDAA charges on the suspects, which originated out of Grandville P.D.

Patrol responded to assist GRPD with a curfew violation in their city which revealed stolen property from

Walker. Two suspects were detained by GRPD and a stolen Kindle from a larceny from auto in Walker

was recovered. After interviewing the two suspects, two additional suspects were identified and

interviewed. All four suspects confessed to stealing bicycles in Walker and breaking into approximately

15 vehicles in Walker and GR. As a result of the investigation, one adult and one juvenile were charged

with larceny. The two additional suspects were not charged due to unsuccessful attempts to identify

victims of their crimes.

Patrol had responded to a report of a B&E of coin operated device at a local laundromat. The suspect,

who was also responsible for previous B&Es of coin operated devices, was arrested on scene. A

subsequent interview of the suspect by the detective unit resulted in the confession of multiple similar

B&Es of coin operated devices in Walker and the West Michigan Area. The information was shared with

the respective agencies where the other crimes occurred.

Patrol responded to a retail fraud involving several subjects. The suspects, who were initially believed to

be part of a ring breaking into cell phone stores throughout the area, were taken into custody for

questioning by the detective unit. It was determined that the suspects were not involved with the cell

phone store B&Es. The suspects were charged with retail fraud. Additional charges were authorized at a

later date for one of the two suspects who fled the scene.

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Family Services

There were 279 cases assigned to the Family Services Division in 2013.

Information was given to the detective unit that a male was falsely identifying himself as a Walker

Firefighter. The person reporting this said that he was approaching people in need of medical attention,

claiming to be employed by the Walker Fire dept and being an EMT. Detectives from Walker, and

Wyoming PD obtained a felony warrant based on the suspect being a registered sex offender in violation.

The suspect was interviewed by Walker Detectives and later arrested on the felony warrant.

An armed robbery occurred at the Cash Advance store on Lake Michigan Dr. The suspect entered the

business armed with a handgun and demanded money from the employee. The suspect was unable to be

identified at the time due to wearing a ski mask and gloves. A large amount of cash was taken. This store

was robbed again later in 2013, and the suspect was wearing the same clothing. A task force of detectives

from the Kent County area was formed and the suspects responsible were apprehended without incident.

One of the suspects confessed to both armed robberies at the Cash Advance in Walker.

An indecent exposure was reported at a hotel in the North Service Area. The female employee reported

that a male guest exposed himself to her while she was working. An investigation continued by

detectives with a subsequent interview of the suspect. The suspect, who initially denied the allegations,

admitted that he did expose himself. The suspect was charged with Aggravated Indecent Exposure and

plead guilty.

Child Protective Services sent a referral regarding a subject who recently overdosed on drugs for a second

time in a week. The subject was reported as taking care of two small children while using heavy drugs.

An investigation involving CPS and Walker PD led to finding the subject had 5 warrants, 2 of them

felony drug charges. A quick response by Walker PD, CPS, US Marshals, and KNET led to the arrest of

the subject before any harm or further neglect could be done to the children.

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Financial Services

There were 535 cases assigned or reviewed by the Financial Services Division in 2013.

A warrant was obtained on an individual for home invasion, assault with a dangerous weapon and

aggravated stalking. This incident involved an ex-boyfriend who violated a personal protection order and

showed up at a residence in Walker where the victim was staying. The suspect physically assaulted the

victim then attempted to stab her. The victim was able to get away from the suspect who then fled the

scene. Responding officers located the suspect a short distance away and arrested him.

There was a death investigation at a motel in the North District. The investigation determined that the

death was a suicide. Several firearms as well as a great deal of ammunition were found in the motel room

and vehicle of the deceased. The ATF assisted in this investigation.

Two suspects involved in several armed robberies at check cashing businesses and credit unions were

identified and arrested. Two of the robberies were at a check cashing business in Standale. Detectives

from the metro area departments formed a task force and worked together to solve these cases. Search

warrants were executed at three residences to locate the suspects and evidence of the crimes. These

investigations consumed a great deal of resources and investigative time.

A suspect who defrauded at least twenty one businesses out of more than thirty thousand dollars was

identified and arrested. The suspect would solicit a business to do asphalt work, obtain money for the job,

and then never perform any of the work. The Kent County Prosecutor’s Office authorized a multi count

warrant charging the suspect with False Pretenses.

A suspect responsible for stealing more that fifteen thousand dollars of merchandise from area stores was

identified and arrested. The suspect in this case would go into the storage rooms of area retailers and steal

high end merchandise. A suspect was identified and surveillance was conducted. Detectives from Walker,

Wyoming and Grand Rapids worked in collaboration to successfully arrest and charge the suspect.

Investigation of a case in which a senior citizen was defrauded of his vehicle was closed with an arrest.

The suspect was identified as being responsible for several fraud related incidents in the metro area. Due

to a combined effort with Grand Rapids Police, detectives were able to identify and charge the person

responsible with False Pretenses. The victim’s vehicle was located and returned to him.

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VICE

The collaborative efforts of the Kent County Sheriff, Grandville Police Department, East Grand Rapids

Police Department and the Walker Police Department continued in 2013 as demonstrated by the Kent

Area Narcotics Enforcement Team (KANET). An overview of the team’s activity is detailed below.

Search Warrants: 167

Consent Searches: 51

Buy Busts: 11

Traffic Stops: 22

Call Outs: 90

VCSA Buys: 180

Canine Searches: 40

MLCC Investigations: 38

Arrests: 335

Number of Investigations: 1,378

Highlights of the team’s work: Numbers of Seizures and Forfeitures: 346

Overall seizures and forfeitures for 2012: $ 505,858.90

Approximate value of drugs seized: $ 8,463,773.00

Marijuana Plants: 3131

Marijuana: 2,776.88 ounces

Crack: 55.59 grams

Cocaine: 447.2 grams

Meth: 23.9 grams

Heroin: 198.7 grams

Misc. RX: 478 du

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Case Highlights:

KANET detectives executed a search warrant within the City of Grand Rapids for the distribution of

marijuana. Detectives, upon searching the residence, seized 14 grams of crack cocaine, 15 grams of

powder cocaine, 1/2 pound of processed marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and 2 handguns. Forfeited

were several electronics and $5,000.00 cash. One suspect was charged and sentenced for several felony

narcotic delivery charges.

KANET detectives executed a search warrant within the City of Walker for the distribution of marijuana.

Detectives upon searching the residence seized several unknown pills, 2 ounces of marijuana and

evidence of a continuing criminal drug enterprise. Three more consent searches along with a controlled

traffic stop were performed during this investigation. What was uncovered was large scale marijuana

grow operation that has been assigned for federal prosecution. Seized during this investigation were 127

high grade marijuana plants, 3 pounds of processed marijuana, 22 marijuana clones, 3 handguns and

several more unknown pills. Forfeited were 3 vehicles, electronics, numerous grow equipment and

$34,000.00 cash. The DEA Federally Indicted 35 suspects on Marijuana manufacture and Delivery

charges. The cases are still active in Federal court.

KANET detectives working in conjunction with DEA initiated a controlled traffic stop for the sales of

heroin within Kent County and Detroit. Several search warrants and consent searches were executed.

Detectives seized over 700 grams of heroin, 2 pounds of processed marijuana and five handguns.

Detectives also seized over $20,000 cash, eleven vehicles, and several electronic devices. Three suspects

were Federally Indicted. Two of the three suspects were sentenced to 20 years in the Federal system for

Heroin distribution. The third suspect was sentenced to Federal probation.

KANET detectives executed a search warrant in the City of Grand Rapids after an investigation into the

sale of marijuana. Detectives seized LSD, cocaine, marijuana, adderall pills, mushrooms, methadone,

ecstasy, and 29 kilos of Rice Krispies laced with marijuana. Detectives also seized a vehicle and $600.00

US currency. Detectives lodged one suspect for several drug charges.

KANET detectives and the DEA completed a month long investigation into a large scale marijuana

manufacture and distribution operation. Detectives completed surveillance of 10 individuals over several

cities and counties. DEA and KANET detectives then executed 28 search warrants in the City of Walker,

Grand Haven, Muskegon, Rothbury and Traverse City. Detectives arrested 26 subjects on federal

marijuana conspiracy charges. Detectives seized 29 vehicles and $78,000.00 cash. The DEA has filed for

seizure on five houses owned by the suspects. Detectives and road patrol from several different agencies

assisted.

KANET detectives assisted by DEA executed three search warrants in Algoma Township, and Allegan

Township after an investigation into the manufacture and sales of marijuana. Detectives seized the

following at the Algoma search warrant; one vehicle, 30 marijuana plants, and two pounds of marijuana.

Detectives seized the following from the first Allegan County search warrant; 80 marijuana plants, 5

pounds of marijuana, a zero turn lawn mower and ATV. Detectives seized the following from the second

Allegan County search warrant; $13,000.00 and three vehicles. Detectives learned that all three houses

belonged to two individuals. The DEA adopted the cases and filed for Federal seizure on the three homes

of the suspects. The DEA and attorneys for the suspects are currently in negotiations for buying back the

homes.

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KANET detectives executed a search warrant in the City of Kentwood after an investigation into the

manufacture and sales of marijuana. This suspect was working in cooperation with several other suspects

and a medical doctor to provide fraudulent medical marijuana cards. Detectives seized 17 pounds of

marijuana, $3000.00 cash, 156 marijuana plants, electronics and one vehicle. Charges are pending. The

investigation at this location led KANET detectives to several other illegal marijuana grow operations.

KANET executed search warrants at two apartment buildings in Gaines Township. Detectives seized 10

pounds of marijuana, 250 marijuana plants, three motorcycles, one vehicle, electronics, and drug and

financial records. Agents from the DEA then federally seized bank accounts from one suspect totaling

approximately $55,000.00 cash. The DEA Federally indicted 12 suspects on manufacture and delivery of

marijuana. The cases are still active in Federal court.

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DEPARTMENT TRAINING

The department is extremely fortunate as we continue to establish and grow our in-house training cadre,

made up of Walker personnel that have advanced knowledge and skill sets in their particular curriculum.

With this advantage we are able to offer trainings that are specific and relevant for our staff in assuring

they are prepared to perform the duties required. We continue to participate with the West Michigan

Criminal Justice Training Consortium, which offers opportunities to attend trainings that would be cost

prohibitive if not for the collaborative arrangements of this consortium. Below are listings of trainings

attended and conducted by our staff:

Medical First Responder practical exercises

Physical Control and Defensive Tactics

Basic and Advanced Interview & Interrogation Techniques

Officer Survival Seminars

Firearm qualification in low-light environments

Legal Update

Tactical Emergency Medical Support

Tire Deflation/Spike deployment techniques

School Threat Assessment training

Precision/Defensive Driving

Places of Worship Threat Assessment training

Forensic Interviewing certification

Honor Guard (Metro Team)

Small Team Tactics/Physical Control Tactics

Strike Team Tactics

LEIN TAC certification/updates

Child Abuse Investigation techniques

School Educators Police Liaison Association (SEPLA) seminar

Taser Instructor recertification

Basic Radar/Lidar certification

Basic Medical First Responder certification

Data master (Breathalyzer) certification

Active Shooter Response for Police Executives

Ultimate Survival Instincts for Police Officers

Class IIIa Data master Instructor Certification (Portable Breath Test)

Firearms Qualifications (handgun, shotgun, rifle, taser, less-lethal/x2)

Active Shooter

Leadership and Ethics training

Field Training Officer (FTO) Supervisor update

Leadership Institute

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Department Training Photos

Active Shooter Training Small Team/Physical Control Tactics

Felony Vehicle Traffic Stops

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TECHNICAL SUPPORT

The primary effort was maintaining mobile computer equipment and NetMotion, IyeTek, TIMS and CAD

software. Much work was also performed by Capt. Howe and Drew Wireless. Technical Support was

involved as necessary. Backup printers were installed for all mobile users. Interfaces to Kent County and

Michigan DOIT were updated as required for Automated Fingerprint Information Systems, Sex Offender

Registry and Firearm Registration Systems.

Several meetings and construction conferences were held concerning the new fiber optic system. The

system now connects all City of Walker facilities on a high speed network. The interface to Kent County

IT is being installed by CPR at this time. The fiber network prepares the City of Walker for a new

telephone system necessitated by aging equipment. Fire Station #3 is connected to the network for the

first time. Now employees can access their systems and files from any city building.

Mapping, manuals, worksheets and several small helper files were updated in 15 police and fire mobile

computers to assist users in operational issues.

Repairs were made to numerous radios, computers, cameras, monitors, network items, console equipment,

telephones, alarms and security hardware keeping systems functional. Incidental improvements were also

made to many systems when cost effective. The video surveillance system was upgraded this year and

assistance was given to the vendor as needed.

New mobile computer bids were solicited in 2013. Planning for these new machines required intensive

work with Kent County IT and the Fire Department as the best police machines will trickle down to fire

users. Installation should be complete during the first quarter of 2014.

The above effort required 101 hours of labor throughout the year. Approximately 80% of these hours

were exclusively for the police department. Work also impacted Fire, DPW and the citywide network.

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RECORDS BUREAU

Gun Permits

The Records Bureau issued 170 gun purchase permits (48 to Non-Residents) in 2013, compared to 354 in

2012. The significant reduction in gun permits issued is a result of changes in gun laws where individuals

can now purchase directly from a federal firearms dealer without first getting a permit from a local law

enforcement agency.

We registered a total of 643 guns, (which included 182 to individuals with concealed weapons permits),

compared to 529 registered in 2012. This increase here was also a result of the changes in gun laws.

Freedom of Information

There were 254 Freedom of Information requests processed in 2012 for various incident reports, photos,

audio transmissions with dispatch, and other Police Department records, compared to 288 in 2012.

False Alarm Billing

In 2012 the Police Department began tracking false alarm incidents and enforcing the city ordinance for

excessive false alarm trips. The majority of false alarms are caused by user error so we are encouraging

businesses to better train personnel on their alarm system and to have their alarm companies notify

Dispatch to cancel the call when it is determined to be a false trip. Storm related power outages and

exigent circumstances will not be assessed charges. Users are also given a 30 day grace period when a

new system is installed so that they can work out any issues they may have.

In 2013 the Police Department mailed out 152 notices, 101 warnings, and 186 invoices for false alarms.

Last year we collected $14,700.00 in false alarm fees, with $3,900.00 currently outstanding. If businesses

fail to respond to outstanding invoices, fees will be collected appropriately either through the tax rolls or

through the court process as provided for under the ordinance.

On the positive side, false alarm calls have continued to decrease significantly since we began enforcing

the ordinance in June of 2012. We expect that trend to continue as businesses better train their employees

and work more closely with their alarm companies.

2013 441 false alarm calls

2012 526 false alarm calls

2011 678 false alarm calls

Monica, Kim, Barb, Julie

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Assist Other Agency Burglary

Medical

Disorderly

Larceny

Retail Fraud

Traffic Accidents

Traffic StopsMotorist Assists

Vandalism

OWI

Civil

False Alarms

Assaults

All Other

Sex Offender Registration

We currently have 62 sex offenders registered in the City of Walker. Records staff continues to work with

the Detective Bureau to ensure that offenders are in complete compliance with state law, and that they are

prosecuted if they are not. Sex Offenders are required to verify their address annually, semi-annually, and

quarterly depending on their Tier placement. In 2013, enforcement action was taken on four offenders

who failed to comply with their registration duties.

Training Attended by Records Staff

Freedom of Information Updates

Juvenile Information Not Released

LEIN Audit Training

Gun Law Updates

Monies Taken In by Records Bureau in 2013

Report Fees $3,561

Accident Reports (State of Michigan web site) 1,012

Accident Reports (IyeTek web site) 1,632

Fingerprint Fees 3,003

Court Ordered PBT Tests 360

$9,568

CALLS FOR SERVICE

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PART I / PART II CRIME

5 YEAR COMPARISON

PART I

INDEX CRIMES 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

MURDER 0 1 1 1 0

RAPE / CSC 14 17 21 15 26

ROBBERY 4 7 10 6 8

ASSAULT AGGRAVATED 13 17 13 14 14

ASSAULT DOMESTIC AGGRAVATED 5 7 2 2 3

KIDNAPPING/ABDUCTION 1 0 0 2 1

INTIMIDATION/STALKING 86 68 85 92 93

BURGLARY 77 91 106 118 109

LARCENY 250 384 344 306 389

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 30 30 24 24 30

ARSON 3 3 4 0 9

INDEX CRIMES TOTALS 483 625 610 580 682

PART II

NON-INDEX CRIMES 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 FORGERY / COUNTERFEIT 7 8 11 16 16

EMBEZZLEMENT 18 13 9 16 22

FRAUD 115 90 75 65 80

RETAIL FRAUD 351 382 315 390 355

WEAPONS OFFENSES 4 11 4 3 4

FAMILY AND CHILDREN 19 11 22 14 51

NARCOTIC LAW VIOLATIONS 82 61 52 81 42

LIQUOR LAW VIOLATIONS 33 46 66 58 33

DISORDERLY CONDUCT 274 288 287 349 358

GAMBLING 1 0 0 0 0

ASSAULT NON AGGRAVATED 62 56 63 60 70

ASSAULT DOMESTIC NON AGGR 63 62 77 70 64

OUIL 77 93 92 100 145

MANSLAUGHTER 0 0 0 0 0

STOLEN PROPERTY 2 5 7 8 1

TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS 395 392 352 383 381

VANDALISM 99 145 138 159 166

NON-INDEX CRIMES TOTALS 1,602 1,663 1,570 1,772 1,788

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Walker Fire Department

Annual Report

2013

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Administration and Operations

2013 showed that the economic situation in the City of Walker was another challenging year but we

seemed to have turned the corner. Because of lessons learned in the leaner years we continue to run the

Fire Department on a leaner budget. The Walker Fire Department continues to strive to do its best to

maintain the highest level of services the citizens and businesses of Walker deserve.

We operate the Administrative Offices Monday thru Thursday, 07:30 AM to 5:30 PM. and from

07:30AM to 11:30 AM on Fridays. Our fire response crew works from 07:00 AM to 6:00PM Monday

through Friday.

Daily Operations Summary

We responded to 531 calls for service in 2013. This is a 2% decrease over 2012. Of the five hundred and

thirty one (531) alarms we responded to, the majority were of a priority nature. Three hundred eighty one

(381) of our alarm calls for service required an emergency response, one hundred fifty (150) required a non-

emergency response; 13 of these we were canceled while en-route to the call.

We strive to respond to our calls in less than 5 minutes whenever we receive an emergency call for

service. During this past year we responded to between 15% and 18% of all emergency calls in less than

5 minutes. The variation is a result of the number of calls that occur when our engine is staffed.

During 2013 our fulltime fire suppression crew responded to 228 calls for service compared to 232 calls

in 2012. They responded to 178 calls for service where they were the only crew needed to handle the

situation.

Examples (but not an all-inclusive list) are:

Investigations of wires down

Burning complaints

General assists for services

Medicals including lift assists

Assist PD (i.e., for traffic, crash extraction or for MFR assistance)

In addition to their regular routine, the full-time suppression crew performed weekly checks and cleaned

our emergency vehicles and did routine maintenance on all the fire stations. They assisted DPW

personnel by performing minor repairs on our fire trucks (such as replaced wipers and replaced

headlights, etc.) along with shuttling the fire trucks to the garage when routine service and major repairs

were required. The DPW garage has expressed their appreciation for the assistance our full-time crew

gave them because it gave the garage personnel more time to concentrate on larger more complex

maintenance and repair projects for the City’s fleet. Our full-time suppression crew was responsible for

flushing 40% of all the hydrants in the spring and pumping 40% of the hydrants in the fall. They also kept

the hydrants free of high weeds during the summer and they shovel the snow from around the hydrants in

the winter.

The fulltime suppression crew assisted our DPW with snow removal at Station #2 and at Station #3

during the winter of 2013-2014, along with keeping the sidewalks salted for the community rooms at both

stations. The fulltime crew assisted in setting up training and also delivering the training to the paid on

call firefighters.

45

As part of their assignment the fulltime suppression crew were responsible for entering all of the data

required by the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) as required by state law, and updating

the agency’s fire hydrant data and hose testing data.

Grants

Our Department received a grant in 2012 for smoke alarms to which our friends at Meijer Inc., matched

the number of smoke alarms that we received from the FEMA - AFG Grant. The City matched was no

cost. We received almost 500 smoke alarms of which our fulltime staff has installed over 200 in our

targeted areas within the City in 2013. We continue to reach out to other areas with the remaining smoke

alarms.

Fire Records

The Fire Department has one individual, Sue Kuklewski, who is responsible for performing a wide range

of administrative duties to facilitate the effective operations of the agency. A not-all-inclusive list of her

specific duties is as follows:

Maintain and update the State of Michigan Log and Summary of Occupational Illnesses and

Injuries listing all injuries and illness for City employees and prepares the year end summary for

Department of Labor

Work with the State of Michigan and Kent County EMS on our continuing education program for

our Medical First Responder licensing of vehicles and Fire Department personnel

Enter all payroll for the entire Fire Department and maintains several payroll spread sheets every

month

Assist insurance companies inquiring about property loss and damage and classification of

property for fire hydrant location

Assist with training preparations and maintains all training records

Help coordinate corporate sponsorships for public fire safety educational materials to be

distributed to area schools and businesses. She also schedules Fire Department personnel to

participate in yearly Fire Prevention Week activities at area schools and businesses

Handle all of the environmental requests for all businesses within the City

Schedule siren maintenance, ladder testing, pump testing, air pack testing

Compile articles for the City Newsletter

Order fire truck equipment and firefighter gear

Responsible for the processing and accuracy of all Fire Department invoices

Assist with transporting vehicles for off premise service work

Compile information for our Monthly and Annual Reports

Coordinate the Alternate Staffing program for the Fire Department

Assist residents on a daily basis with room rentals, grand opening events for area businesses, fire

extinguisher training, car seat installation, open burning for residential and agricultural, and many

additional questions regarding the services that the City offers

Staffing Changes

As a combination full-time and paid-on-call fire agency we have to routinely deal with attrition on an

annual basis. This year we have maintained our staffing levels commensurate with a safe staffing level by

adding additional firefighters to the Walker Fire Department. As a result, in 2013 we did conduct a paid-

on-call hiring program that normally commences in June and continues until October

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Retirements in 2013:

We had five Firefighters leave/retire in 2013. Firefighter Brandon Cramer from Station 1 left to join the

Wright-Tallmadge Fire Department to run more medical calls. Firefighter Ryan Ondersma left the

department due to a medical condition. Firefighter Justin Jenema left Station 3 due to moving out of the

area. Firefighter Luke Stewart, (not pictured), left Station 3 to join the military. Firefighter Jason Waters

left Station 3 to pursue “his dream of owning his own business.” We appreciate their years of service and

their dedication to the Walker Fire Department.

Brandon Cramer Ryan Ondersma Justin Jenema Jason Waters

Hirings in 2013:

In 2013 we hired four new recruits for the Fire Department—Stephen Kamp and Ben Walsh for Station 2

and Tommy Declercq and Enrique Gallegos for Station 3. We also were fortunate to have Ben Jachim

return to Station 3 after leaving the department for one year.

Ben Jachim Ben Walsh Enrique Gallegos Steve Kamp

Leaves of Absence:

We had three members of our department on Leaves of Absence during 2013, two of the three have

returned to duty.

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Participation with Outside Organizations

Throughout 2013 Director Garcia-Lindstrom and Deputy Chief Walker have participated in numerous

trainings, meetings, and activities with the Michigan Association of Fire Chiefs, the Joint Fire Chiefs

Executive Board, Western Michigan Fire Chiefs Association, and the Kent County Fire Chiefs

Association in order to keep the department members current on all possible grant, training, and regional

networking opportunities.

Fire Prevention Bureau Annual Report 2013

2013 started out with Fire Inspector being off on medical leave for January. He returned on a part time

basis in February, returning full time on February 25. Kevin DeGroot filled in conducting inspections

during that time. We experienced another year with no fire related deaths or injuries. We continue to

provide as much information regarding fire safety in a variety of ways to our citizens.

Fire Prevention Week’s theme for 2013 was “Prevent Kitchen Fires”. All of our activities centered on

this theme. Our annual Fire Prevention Week open house was well attended. Our paid-on-call

firefighters participated in the open house, helping out with the many activities that we have.

We increased our inspections in 2013. Many businesses that we provide fire extinguisher training to

annually decided to take a year off, so we had a decrease in our trainings. We expect that number will

increase in 2014 as many businesses have decided to provide the training on an every other year basis.

Our relationship with our area businesses remains strong. Many businesses are very comfortable with

calling us with questions concerning fire safety or code issues, knowing that we are there to help them

provide a safe working environment for their employees. Our Fire Inspector responded to 40 daytime

alarms, and three open burn complaints, as well as conducting two significant fire investigations.

Our paid-on-call firefighters continue to be an important part of our program for providing fire prevention

to our constituents. They participate in a variety of fire safety demonstrations, and programs.

We again hosted and participated in Life EMS’s Camp 911 in the summer. This day long camp provides

a variety of safety topics for kids, presented by a number of different speakers. We are proud to be a part

of this important endeavor.

Inspection volumes and most frequent violations are included in this report.

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Breakdown of Activities 2013

Daytime alarm response 40

Open Burn Complaints 3

Fire Extinguisher Trainings 10

Significant Fire Investigations 2

Statistics for 2013

Number of calls for service/incidents 531, down 2% from 2012

Of the 531 calls for service/incidents 382 were emergency calls, 150 were non-emergency calls.

Station % of calls for 2013 Station #1= 27%, Station #2= 27%, Station #3=46% = 100%

Types of calls for service:

Some type of fire 67 15%

Rescues / Medicals 53 9.9%

Hazardous Conditions (no fire) 91 17%

Service calls (Assists) 58 10.8%

Good Intent calls 150 26.9%

False Alarm calls 109 20%

Weather calls 2 .03%

Specials Incidents 1 .01%

Average # of firefighters per incidents 9 for 531 incidents

Value of property subject to loss = $ 2,587,927

Value of property lost = $ 226,554

Value of property saved = $ 2,361,373

Percent of property saved = 91.25% Total of property Loss = 8.75%

Busiest time of day between 8:00 hours and 18:00 hours (8AM -6PM)

Busiest days of week Wednesday 16.82% of calls followed by Friday with 15.51% and then Thursday

with 15.14%

Mutual Aid / Given = 4 times Auto Aid / Given = 18 times

Mutual Aid / Received = 12 times Auto Aid / Received = 28 times

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Incident Type Summary

Alarm Summary - Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Response

52

Fire Loss Analysis by Type of Loss

Alarm Count by Hour

53

Training Division

Training continues to be the backbone of the department’s activities, preparing and rehearsing for a wide

variety of emergencies. Each member commits more time to training than just about any other activity.

Did you know that each firefighter spends at least 80 hours a year in training, and some commit to even

more? That’s the equivalent to most people’s entire annual vacation.

For several years now the fire department has made hands-on training a priority, with a focus on working

in small groups. This replicates the way we operate at actual emergencies. This is not the easiest way to

conduct training. It requires multiple instructors, numerous lesson plans and creates some scheduling

challenges; but the results are worth the effort. Of course we still train in a large group setting,

particularly during the winter months. This year we had the opportunity to learn from a variety of training

specialists that shared their expertise in the areas of forcible entry, hazardous materials and emergency

medicine.

While the subject areas are almost endless, the focus in 2013 was on firefighting skills including water

supply, ventilation, search, forcible entry and ladders. We conducted training on extrication and rescue

from vehicles, elevators and confined spaces. Training was held on the new CAD/MDT equipment as

well as the new portable radios.

We were fortunate to be able to conduct live fire training using a house slated for demolition but were

unable to utilize a second structure. Unfortunately, due to increasing regulations it appears that this was

the last time the department will be able to conduct live fire training. Live fire training is the most

realistic training we can provide and not being able to hold this training will create a gap in our program

that will be difficult to fill.

Our cadre of instructors has a remarkable commitment to the department. We are seeing them grow and

improve as they gain more experience. Many of them are attending outside training to further their

education.

Special Operations

Monthly training, over and above the regular department training, is held

for the Technical Rescue Team. We are still training 5-6 times a year with

Grand Rapids FD as part of our Automatic Aid Agreement. This year two

of the newer team members received basic training in trench rescue while

six others attend advanced trench rescue training.

The Technical Rescue Team continues to work with other area fire

departments and organizations. Members from Plainfield and Wyoming

attend our sessions, as do area paramedics and Dr. Rick Hodgson. This

partnership keeps the level of technical rescue service high without placing a

burden on any one entity.

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Instructor Development

The continued development of our team of instructors is of

vital importance to the department. Four members to the

team attended the Fire Department Instructors Conference

and took advantage of the opportunities to learn not only the

latest fire and rescue related techniques but also how to

become better teachers. We are exploring ways to allow

more of our staff to participate in this valuable program.