WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

EGR appoints Ric Buikema as Acting Public Safety Director

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The East Grand Rapids City Commission has approved the appointment of a 27-year member of the East Grand Rapids police department as its Acting Public Safety Director.

It says the appointment of Ric Buikema follows the March 6th retirement of Public Safety Director Mark Herald. He had been the chief for 18 years.

Here is more information from the public announcement on the East Grand Rapids website.

In his new role, Buikema will oversee the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department’s operations and personnel while the City conducts a national search for a permanent director. 

 A 27-year member of the department, Buikema has served as captain for the past 10 years. Before that, he was a sergeant for 14 years and a public safety officer for four years after joining the department in 1996. He has served at every level within the department, including field training officer, detective and staff sergeant. 

“Acting Director Buikema was appointed to this role because of his demonstrated leadership and extensive experience in our Public Safety Department, as well as his dedication to serving and building relationships with community members,” City Manager Shea Charles said. “I am confident he will continue to build upon the department’s commitment to providing exemplary service to our community and maintaining East Grand Rapids’ rating as one of the safest cities in Michigan.”

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Buikema has served as an instructor in emergency vehicle operations, fire apparatus driving, defensive tactics and officer safety tactics within the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department. He also supervises all of the department’s criminal investigations and conducts and oversees its internal affairs investigations. 

Buikema has received the department’s Distinguished Service Award for his actions in disarming an armed robbery suspect and freeing several hostages. He has also received unit citations for arresting a home invasion suspect and freeing a driver who was pinned in a vehicle that was on fire.

“I am honored to be appointed acting director of the East Grand Rapids Public Safety Department and lead our team of exemplary and dedicated professionals,” Buikema said. “Using my decades of experience within the department, I am committed to carrying on the great work EGR Public Safety provides the community during this transitional period, ensuring all operations continue with the same level of professionalism and transparency our residents have come to expect.”

Buikema holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Lake Superior State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Central Michigan University. 

The City is soliciting executive search firm proposals to assist with a national search for Herald’s replacement. The search is expected to begin in April.

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