City manager Mark Washington named Deputy Chief Joe Trigg as interim police chief, following the departure of Chief Eric Winstrom who is taking a position in Pensacola, Florida.
Trigg is a 25-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Police Department, currently serving as field operations deputy chief.
Trigg worked in neighborhoods across the city as a community policing specialist, watch commander, leader of the Internal Affairs Unit, a field training officer and on the Peer Support Team.
He views the role of interim chief as an honor and responsibility.
He is focused on a smooth transition with safety at the forefront for officers and the public, and a goal to continue building staff.
“We don't want anyone to be discouraged by the by the chief leaving. Obviously, he was a very popular, well-liked guy, so we want them to know that this agency has been a great agency for a long time and it's going to continue to be that, so we want the best men and women to come here. We want to retain the ones we have.”
The city will partner with a professional firm conducting a nationwide search for a permanent police chief. Internal candidates will also be considered.
The process will include community and law enforcement input.
Trigg will begin serving as interim chief March 2.
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