Kalamazoo Public Safety (KDPS)

𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧: The 1100 block of Woodward Avenue is currently closed due to an active police investigation. Community members should expect an increased police presence and are asked to avoid the immediate area until further notice. At this time, there is no known connection between this incident and nearby polling locations or election activities. We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as officers continue their investigation. #KDPS #Incident #Alert

Our Emergency Operations Center is up and running, and our team is here to support a safe and smooth election experience for everyone in the City of Kalamazoo. Let's make it a great Election Day together! #KDPS #EOC #ElectionDay

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Wilder, a valued member of our KDPS family and a dedicated advocate for the Kalamazoo community. For more than 15 years, Michael worked alongside our department with a shared mission of reducing gun violence and saving lives. Through his work with Group Violence Intervention (GVI), Michael reached individuals, particularly young people, in ways that law enforcement often could not. He built relationships, earned trust, and helped create opportunities for those who needed someone to believe in them. Michael's impact extended far beyond violence prevention. He brought compassion and understanding to families grieving the loss of loved ones and reminded us that behind every tragedy are real people, real families, and a community in need of healing. Michael was more than a community partner. He was a trusted friend, a valued member of our KDPS family, and someone who truly cared about making Kalamazoo a better place. Our hearts are with Michael's family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. Michael, thank you for your friendship, your compassion, and your unwavering commitment to our community. You will be greatly missed, and your impact will never be forgotten. Portrait Photo Credit: Devin Anderson-Torrez of MLive

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀! On National First Responders Day, we're celebrating not only those who serve our communities today, but also those who may answer the call tomorrow! Our KDPS team recently had an incredible time participating in MiCareerQuest Southwest, a two-day career exploration event hosted by Kalamazoo RESA (KRESA) that welcomed more than 4,800 eighth-grade students from Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties. Through hands-on exhibits and interactive experiences, students had the opportunity to explore a variety of career paths, including the many rewarding opportunities available in public safety. For us, events like these are about more than showcasing what we do. They're about making connections, sparking curiosity, and hopefully inspiring a few future police officers, firefighters, and first responders along the way! A big thank you to KRESA for inviting us to be part of this fantastic event, and to all the first responders who dedicate themselves to serving others each and every day. Happy National First Responders Day! #KDPS #NationalFirstRespondersDay #PublicSafety #CommunityEvents

𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲! This Saturday, October 24, KDPS is partnering with the DEA for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, giving residents a free, safe, and anonymous way to dispose of unused or expired prescription medications. Date: Saturday, October 24 Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Location: KDPS Headquarters, 150 E. Crosstown Parkway (Main Lobby) Properly disposing of unwanted medications helps prevent misuse, accidental poisonings, and environmental harm. No questions asked! Take a few minutes to check your medicine cabinet and help us make Kalamazoo a safer community. Learn more at DEATakeBack.com. #TakeBackDay #Kalamazoo #KDPS #CommunitySafety #DEATakeBack

A little teamwork and a ladder made for one happy ending Friday afternoon! On October 16, KDPS Squad 6 responded to the 800 block of Oak Street after a concerned neighbor spotted a small dog stuck halfway out of a second-story window near an air conditioning unit. Upon arrival, crews discovered the curious pup had chewed its way into a tight spot and was stranded on the windowsill. EO Tech Roddie climbed a ladder, safely helped the dog back inside, and used a large pillow to block the opening and prevent another escape attempt. Thankfully, the pup was unharmed! Just another day on the job for Squad 6! #KDPS #AnimalRescue #Squad6 #Kalamazoo

𝗞𝗩𝗘𝗧 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗥𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗶𝘇𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 During the week of October 5th, 2026, members of the Kalamazoo Valley Enforcement Team (KVET) and Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed search warrants at the following locations regarding investigations into drug sales and illegal possession of firearms: 700 block of N Church St in the City of Kalamazoo, 1700 block of E G Ave in the City of Parchment During the investigation in the 700 block of N Church St, the suspect attempted to flee on foot, however was quickly apprehended. The search yielded approximately ½ ounce of fentanyl, ½ ounce of methamphetamine, ¼ ounce of crack cocaine and evidence of drug sales. Additionally, the suspect was in possession of a firearm that had been reported stolen out of the City of Portage and possessed a device to make a firearm fully automatic. The suspect, a 26-year-old male, was arrested and lodged at the Kalamazoo County Jail on the following charges: • Possession with Intent to Deliver - Heroin / Fentanyl • Possession with Intent to Deliver – Cocaine • Possession with Intent to Deliver – Methamphetamine • Weapons – Carrying Concealed • Weapons - Firearms – Devices to Convert Semiautomatic to Automatic • Felony Firearm • Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm • Prohibited Person in Possession of Ammunition During the investigation in the 1700 block of E G Ave, the suspect was initially detained without incident in the City of Kalamazoo. The search yielded a ½ ounce of fentanyl and a firearm that had been reported stolen out of the Township of Kalamazoo. The suspect, a 28-year-old male, was not arrested. He will be facing multiple felony weapon and drug related charges. Neither suspect’s names will be released at this time. If you have information about this case, please call KVET at 269-337-8880. You can also submit an anonymous tip through the Kalamazoo Silent Observer tip line at 269-343-2100, the “P3Tips” app, or online at KalamazooSilentObserver.com. By authority of: Sergeant Ryan Perez #KDPS #KVET #CRT #Drugs #Arrest #NewsRelease

Today, members of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety joined YWCA Kalamazoo and community partners for Let’s Chalk About DV, an event recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month. KDPS Victim Advocate Caressa Bryant and Pastors on Patrol's Pastor Greg Jennings Sr. were in attendance, helping raise awareness, share resources, and remind survivors that they are not alone. Domestic violence affects far too many lives, and events like these remind us of the power of compassion, community, and standing together for those who need support. Thank you to @YWCAKalamazoo for bringing our community together and continuing to advocate for survivors. Your work makes a difference. #KDPS #DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth #EndDomesticViolence #CommunityEvents

𝗞𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗼 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 On Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at approximately 10:44 a.m., the Kalamazoo Metro Technical Rescue Team was requested to assist with a complex rescue in the 14000 block of Portage Road in Vicksburg. A man in his 20s was working on top of a grain bin when an approximately 300-pound electric motor fell onto his arm, pinning it against his leg. The location of the injured man, combined with the weight of the equipment and hazards associated with working at that height, required specialized technical rescue resources to safely reach and free him. Members of the Kalamazoo Metro Technical Rescue Team, including personnel from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, responded with specialized equipment and training in high-angle and technical rescue operations. Upon arrival, team members coordinated with personnel already at the scene and developed a rescue plan designed to safely stabilize the equipment, free the man's arm and remove him from the top of the grain bin. The operation presented responders with a combination of agricultural machine and high-angle rescue hazards, requiring close coordination among personnel throughout the incident. Technical rescue incidents are relatively uncommon but often involve complex and rapidly changing hazards requiring specialized training, equipment and coordination. Members of the Kalamazoo Metro Technical Rescue Team regularly train together to maintain readiness for these high-risk, low-frequency incidents. The successful operation was the result of a coordinated response involving the Kalamazoo Metro Technical Rescue Team, Portage Department of Public Safety and South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority. The response highlights the importance of regional partnerships, continued training and maintaining specialized rescue capabilities for agricultural, industrial and other complex emergencies throughout Kalamazoo County and the surrounding region. By authority of: Fire Marshal Scott Brooks and Fire Lt. Tim Loso #KDPS #TechnicalRescue #FireRescue #FirstResponders #KalamazooCounty

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽. Whether you’re looking for a new career or ready to start your first one, Kalamazoo Public Safety can help you build a future centered on service, purpose, and community. Our current hiring window closes tomorrow, October 7, at 11:59 p.m. ET. governmentjobs.com/careers/k… If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time. Apply today and see where a career with KDPS can take you. #NowHiring #JoinKDPS #PublicSafety #Kalamazoo #ServeYourCommunity

Every award tells a story of service, courage and commitment to others. At our recent award ceremony, we recognized 24 recipients of the Life Saving Award, 19 recipients of the Professional Excellence Award, 11 recipients of the Chief’s Award of Excellence and two recipients of the Award of Merit. We also honored six members with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor presented by KDPS: Sgt. Reidenbach, Sgt. Daly, PSO II Barnhart, PSO II Arnett, PSO II Vorick and PSO Romano. We are incredibly proud of each of our award recipients, but these recognitions are also a reflection of the entire KDPS team. Every day, our members serve this community from patrol cars, fire apparatus, ambulances, investigative units, communications, support roles and everywhere in between. To those recognized, congratulations. And to every member of KDPS who continues to show up, serve and support one another, thank you. You are what makes this department and this community stronger. #KDPS #Awards #PublicSafety #CommunityService #ServiceBeforeSelf

A heartfelt thank you to The Bridge and Bob Goldston for helping deliver more than 250 thank-you letters from kids and community members to our officers. The kind words, encouragement and support truly mean the world to the men and women of KDPS, especially on the difficult days. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write. Your messages were deeply appreciated. #KDPS #Community #StrongerTogether #ThankYou

Officers are investigating a shooting in the 1400 block of Fox Ridge Dr. There is a large police presence in the area at this time.

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗼, 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗼! WMU alum Detective Anderson was one of several KDPS officers helping with security during the recent Broncos game against Boise State, and she even got a chance to grab a photo with Buster Bronco. From Western Michigan University to serving the Kalamazoo community, there are plenty of paths that can lead to a career at KDPS. If you’re looking for a career that keeps you connected to the community you call home, we’re hiring now. Apply today at joinKDPS.org #KDPS #NowHiring #WMU #GoBroncos #Kalamazoo

During National Forensic Science Week, we want to recognize the incredible professionals who serve in the Kalamazoo County Crime Lab. Their work often happens quietly and behind the scenes, but the impact is felt across every investigation they support. Through skill, patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to the truth, they help provide answers to victims, families, investigators, prosecutors, and our community. We are incredibly grateful for the expertise and dedication of the men and women who make up this team. Thank you for the work you do every day and for the important role you play in the pursuit of justice. #KDPS #NationalForensicScienceWeek #CrimeLab

KDPS was proud to host the Forensic Association of West Michigan for its latest meeting and regional training. FBI Detroit Special Agent Williams led an educational presentation on the FBI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction program, covering threat assessment, hazardous evidence response, available federal resources and how local, state and federal agencies coordinate during complex incidents. The meeting also gave forensic professionals from across West Michigan an opportunity to share resources, training opportunities and technical knowledge, all with the goal of strengthening forensic response across the region. Thank you to Special Agent Williams, the FBI Detroit Field Office and everyone who joined us for another valuable FAWM meeting. #KDPS #CrimeLab #ForensicScience #FBI

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Recruitment Open House, and to the family and friends who came along to support them! If you’re interested in joining the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, now is the time to apply. Applications are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. on October 7. Click the link below to learn more about the role and apply today! #KDPS #Recruitment #PublicSafety #Careers

Thank you to Michigan Operation Lifesaver, the Michigan Railroads Association, and the Michigan Department of Transportation for inviting KDPS to take part in today’s See Tracks? Think Train Week kickoff in Kalamazoo. CPO Brouwer joined fellow law enforcement agencies, state representatives, railroad safety partners, and community members at the Kalamazoo Amtrak Station to help reinforce an important message: railroad tracks are never a safe place to walk, play, or take shortcuts. Rail safety takes all of us. A few extra seconds of awareness around tracks and crossings can prevent a tragedy and save a life. We appreciate the opportunity to be part of the conversation and help share this important message with our community. For more safety information visit: oli.org/about-us/public-awar… #SeeTracksThinkTrainWeek #StopTrackTragedies #RailSafetyEducation

It’s easy to notice when someone is missing. It can be much harder to notice when someone is struggling. Check on your people. Ask the question and stay for the answer. And if you need someone to check on you, call or text 988. You matter. Your seat matters. #KDPS #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealth #WellnessWednesday #PublicSafety

Some contributions are easy to see. Others are found in the conversations that calm a situation, the trust built one call at a time, and the example set for the next person who puts on the uniform. On National Women in Law Enforcement Day, we recognize the women of KDPS who bring their own experience, perspective and strength to this profession. Our department and our community are better because you chose to serve. Thank you for answering the call, and for everything you bring to it. #KDPS #NationalPoliceWomanDay #Police