“Discharge the duties of the office of public safety director of the city of east Grand Rapids to the best of my ability I will.”
After serving as acting public safety director since the March retirement of Mark Herald, Ric Buikema now has the job permanently. Commissioner Chris Wessely says Buikema has shown he is qualified.
“Seeing how much he was capable of doing in the short amount of time that he was interim director, I’m excited to see what he will be able to do for the community.”
Since taking over as interim director, Buikema has made enforcement of traffic laws a priority.
“Traffic enforcement measures are up in some quarters over 400 percent that’s in response to a lot of pedestrian safety concerns and overall traffic concerns in general.”
Under his leadership he also promises more police contact with city schools.
“Making a larger presence there not only during the school day but after hours a sporting event or other type of school event getting to know the kids a whole lot better.”
Buikema joined the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department 27 years ago, Mayor Katie Favale say she is just what the city needs
“It is rare to find a candidate so perfectly suited to lead our public safety department as you Ric.”
