Category Archives: First Responders

Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster announces retirement

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Following a distinguished career with the City of Wyoming spanning three decades, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster has announced her retirement (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Following a distinguished career with the City of Wyoming spanning three decades, Wyoming Public Safety Chief Kimberly Koster has announced her retirement, effective Jan. 2, 2026.

Chief Koster has served in her role since April 25, 2018, leading a team of nearly 167 full-time sworn and civilian personnel from both the police and fire department. During her tenure with the department, she built a strong foundation of community trust and led her team to serve and protect through violent crime incidents, medical emergencies, severe weather, two public safety ballot proposals, an unprecedented global pandemic, among others.

Under her leadership, Chief Koster:

  • Played an integral role in passing a public safety millage proposal – supporting the
    addition of 14 new police officers and 13 new firefighters, opened and renovated all
    four fire stations to provide quick and professional service to all districts in Wyoming,
    purchased a new platform fire truck to respond to multistory building fires and combat
    violent crime with proactive policing.
  • Worked to maintain and secure accreditation for the Department from the Commission
    on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies and was appointed to serve as a
    commissioner with CALEA.
  • Was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Commission on Law
    Enforcement Standards to represent the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police.
  • Developed strong relationships with the business community in Wyoming by
    implementing a second shift community services unit that provides proactive and
    overnight policing in the City’s business districts.
(Courtesy, Wyoming Police Department)

“Chief Koster has been a significant asset and leader not only within our City offices, but especially for our residents, whom she has built countless positive relationships with,” said Wyoming City Manager John Shay. “I’m deeply honored to have served with her and am incredibly proud of her accomplishments and contributions to improve Wyoming.

“I know that I speak for all of us at City Hall and the Department of Public Safety in wishing her
and her family the best as she begins this next chapter.”

Exceptional professionalism and leadership

With three decades of law enforcement experience, Koster began her career with Wyoming as a school resource and community policing officer. In this position, she worked with neighborhood groups and organized community events to bridge gaps and build solidarity among neighbors.

Koster worked her way up through the ranks to detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, a position she had held since 2010. In this role, she assisted with the formation of the Public Safety Department through the administrative consolidation of police and fire services, created a new staffing model, facilitated dispatch operation transitions and led a collaborative effort in the development of the department’s five-year strategic plan.

Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster reads “Valenstiens” by Ethan Long on-camera at WKTV (WKTV, 2021)

Throughout her career, Koster has been recognized with several commendations, including the Life Saving Award, Chief’s Award of Excellence, Outstanding Young Public Safety Officer and Safe Driving Award.

She served as a 911 communications supervisor, during which time she led the consolidation of police and fire operations in multiple communities, including Wyoming’s move to Kent County.

She has also served as lead detective in homicide investigations and as a crisis negotiator, among other critical roles throughout her career.

“The departure of Chief Koster is tremendously bittersweet,” said Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood. “During her tenure, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism and leadership, along with remarkable energy, passion, and commitment to her profession, her city and her department.

“Wyoming City Council wishes her well as she transitions into retirement, and we thank her for her incredible service throughout the years.”

What the future holds

City Manager John Shay has appointed Deputy Director Kip Snyder to the Director role. Snyder has served with the Wyoming Police Department for 33 years as an officer, K9 handler, vice detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and most recently as Chief Koster’s Deputy Director. He will remain in this role until his retirement.

Chief Koster and her wife, Marie, will continue to make their home in Grand Rapids with their family.

In her letter to City Manager John Shay, Koster wrote: “The City of Wyoming is extremely fortunate to have police officers, firefighters, and professional staff who are filled with compassion, capable of heroic action, dedicated to justice and hard work, fair to everyone, and professional beyond measure.

“Being their Chief was one of the greatest gifts I was ever given…”

Unity over division: iCI Nation Gala unites local officials, police and business owners through a lens of value

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150+ people attended the annual iCI Nation Gala to celebrate local protectors while supporting the mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Over 150 local community members recently attended the annual iCI Nation Gala at Venue3Two in Kentwood to celebrate local protectors while supporting the nonprofit’s mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city.

In attendance were police officers from seven local departments, city officials from four cities, pastors, probationary youth and business owners. Jennifer Franson, iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director, personally welcomed Gala attendees, thanking them for choosing to invest in a vision of connection over conflict.

“[iCI Nation is] teaching people to see the world and the community through a lens of value,” said Franson. “We’ve created a greenhouse of relationships. We have these relationships and trust, now we’re trying to feed what we want to see grow, and we’re using value to do it.”

iCI Nation is teaching people to see the world through a lens of value (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Strengthened from the inside out

Clarkston Morgan, Kentwood City Commissioner and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC, delivered opening and closing remarks at the Gala, stating that iCI Nation and the partnerships formed through the nonprofit are “a family of people who are intentionally choosing unity over division, connection over fear, and faith over frustration.”

iCI Nation has worked to build bridges and facilitate relationships within the community for the last decade. Within the past five years alone, iCI Nation has partnered with 79 local nonprofits, churches and businesses; built bridges with 17 police agencies; and served over 600 officers and community leaders each year.

All police officers in attendance were recognized and thanked at the Gala (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“That’s not charity, that’s impact,” said Morgan. “That’s a city being strengthened from the inside out.”

Morgan went on to say that iCI Nation is changing the culture of how we see one another – but that iCI Nation’s work is not done in isolation.

“Everything happens through partnership,” said Morgan. “…when we pull in the same direction, all in our city thrive, everyone wins, no one is forgotten.”

An agenda of unity

Jennifer Franson, Founder of iCI Nation (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Though Franson does not have a personal family connection to law enforcement, she has always been aware of the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.

For years, Franson prayed for police officers whenever she heard sirens. She eventually hosted a “Thank You” event for law enforcement in collaboration with a women’s church group. That church event became an annual occurrence, increasing from the original 13 officers to an average of 65 officers each year.

Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom was the Gala keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Now, iCI Nation hosts monthly events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events such as the national Faith & Blue campaign.

Franson then spreads the good news of these collaborations through a weekly newsletter, social media and videos.

“These are real connections,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. “Jenn’s agenda literally is unity. It’s unifying us for a more peaceful community.”

iCI Nation was not built on a five-point business plan or a grant proposal, Franson told Gala attendees.

“It was built on relationships and trust and the belief that if we keep feeding those relationships and trust, good things will grow.”

Community, unity and purpose in action

The annual iCI Nation Gala is one of Franson’s favorite times of the year because it is a night of purpose in action.

Franson talks to Gala attendees about the mission of iCI Nation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“I spend all year meeting you, hearing your stories, trying to tell your stories,” Franson said. “But tonight we get to hear the stories and meet the faces together – and you are beautiful!”

Two such stories were told through a Gala presentation of the 2025 iCI Nation Protector awards.

Wyoming Police Sergeant Jack Tromp received the iCI Nation Officer Protector Award for “going beyond duty to recognize and call out the value of our youth, proving his commitment goes beyond just law enforcement.”

Wyoming Police Sgt. Jack Tromp (left) talks about what serving the community means to him (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Sgt. Tromp said the award meant a lot to him because of what it represents.

“Building trust and strong relationships between law enforcement and the community has always been a part of what this job is about,” said Tromp. “Over the years, I’ve learned that real change doesn’t come from the badge at all; it comes from showing the person behind it.

“Meeting people where they are, being willing to listen, and seeing things through new perspectives – that’s how we build trust and break down barriers. iCI Nation has done an amazing job helping to build and strengthen those connections.”

Frank Briones, Kent County Juvenile Service Program Director, received the iCI Nation Civilian Protector Award for “his fearless perseverance in bringing healing to our community youth and building stronger police and community collaboration.”

Frank Briones (second from left) and Jenn Franson (third from left) with local youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“I’m on a mission to help our kids, to help our youth, and make sure that I do everything in my power to make sure they succeed,” said Briones. “They are our future.”

The Gala also featured an invocation by 2023 Civilian Protector Award winner Pastor Gregory Amunga of Uptown Assembly of God, a statement honoring Gala police officers, a statement of value to local youth in attendance and a silent auction.

A greenhouse of trust

“Over the years we have grown, and we are building something powerful: relationships rooted in trust that shine a light on the worth of every single person in our city,” said Franson. “Like a greenhouse nurturing life, these connections are growing a culture of belonging and shared resources.

(Courtesy photo)

“This is how we’re rebranding our cities – not with slogans, but with trust and human connection.”

That greenhouse of trust and connection is creating a stronger and healthier city.

“When you invest in iCI Nation, you’re investing in a safer, stronger and more connected Grand Rapids region…a community rooted in trust, service, and love,” said Morgan. “Because that’s what iCI Nation is about.”

Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help in the organizations’ mission to create stronger and more unified communities here.

iCI Nation Gala Sponsors:

CWD Real Estate Investment, Jerry and Linda Lind, Karen and Dwight Strayer, Grand Rapids Police Department, DLS Servicing, Consider: LLC, KeyBank, Siegel Jewelers, Marge’s Donut Den, Acts Gospel Outreach Ministry, Grand Rapids Police Foundation, Boldly Told Video & Photography, Barbara Jean VanStee, Doug Clarke, Tommy Brann and Denis Bennett.

Police arrest bank robber within minutes of incident in Wyoming

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One person is in custody and stolen money has been recovered after a bank robbery the morning of Nov. 3 at PNC Bank in the 200 block of 28th Street SW (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


One person is in custody and stolen money has been recovered after a bank robbery this morning at PNC Bank in the 200 block of 28th Street SW.

Incident details

At approximately 10:53 a.m. on Nov. 3, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to the PNC, located at 220 28th Street SW, on the report of a bank robbery that had just occurred.

A suspect entered the bank, approached a teller, and demanded money. He implied he had a weapon. An undisclosed amount of cash was obtained by the suspect who then left the bank on foot. A few Grand Rapids Police Officers were in the area on an unrelated matter and observed a person matching the suspect’s description near 28th Street and Buchanan Avenue SW.

When Wyoming Police arrived, the 34-year-old suspect was taken into custody, and proceeds of the robbery were located in his possession. He was subsequently lodged at the Kent County Jail. The suspect’s identity is not being released pending arraignment.

Continuing investigation

Wyoming Police are grateful that no one was injured during this incident and appreciate the assistance of the Grand Rapids Police in helping locate the suspect in this robbery within minutes. Wyoming Police Detectives and the FBI will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this robbery.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police Detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.

Wyoming Police Department prepares for CALEA reaccreditation, invites public to submit comments

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The Wyoming Police Department is entering the final stage of its reaccreditation process with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (Courtesy, WKTV)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The Wyoming Police Department is entering the final stage of its reaccreditation process with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).

An assessor from CALEA will arrive on Monday, Oct. 27 to conduct an on-site review over a four-day period. This visit is the final step in a rigorous four-year accreditation cycle and includes a comprehensive examination of the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services.

The gold standard

CALEA Accreditation is considered the gold standard in public safety professionalism. It provides independent verification that a law enforcement agency meets internationally recognized best practices in areas such as accountability, transparency and community partnership.

For the Wyoming community, accreditation ensures:

  • Enhanced public trust, by confirming that department practices are ethical,
    transparent, and consistent with national standards.
  • Improved service delivery, through policies that promote efficiency, fairness,
    and responsiveness to community needs.
  • Reduced risk and liability, by ensuring clear, accountable procedures for
    critical incidents and daily operations.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement, with each accreditation cycle
    driving new opportunities to strengthen public safety services.

The assessment process

(Courtesy Photo)

As part of the assessment process, the department invites members of the community to share feedback through the CALEA Public Comment Portal.

Community members are encouraged to share comments regarding the department’s compliance with CALEA standards, community engagement, quality of service and overall professionalism.

Comments may include commendations or concerns and can be submitted directly to CALEA through the Public Comment Portal. Feedback provided through the portal goes directly to CALEA and will be acknowledged upon receipt.

The purpose of this process is to gather valuable input that helps the Wyoming PD and CALEA continue to strengthen the standards of professional policing.

Contact WPD directly

Individuals who wish to share comments or questions directly with the Wyoming PD may also do so by calling 616-530-7300, visiting the department in person, or submitting an online message through the Police Department Contact Form on the City of Wyoming website.

Wyoming Police seek public assistance to locate missing person

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Tuyen Pham, Wyoming Missing Person (Courtesy, Wyoming PD)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The Wyoming Police Department is asking for assistance in locating 50-year-old Tuyen Pham.

Tuyen has been missing since Aug. 10, 2025, and her disappearance was just recently reported to police. She is considered at risk due to likely not having access to medication prescribed to her.

Tuyen is an Asian female with black hair and brown eyes. She stands approximately 5 feet tall with a slim build.

Tuyen was last seen in the area of Clyde Park Avenue and 32nd Street SW. She does not have access to a vehicle and would likely be walking. No description of her clothing is available, and a recent picture of her is featured at the beginning of this article. Her intended destination is unknown.

Wyoming Police continue to search for Tuyen and are requesting assistance from the public.

Anyone who may have seen Tuyen since Aug. 10 or who might have information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact the Wyoming Police Department at 616-530-7300, Detective Ana Armstrong at 616-530-7332, or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.

“Wyoming’s Gathering Spot”: City of Wyoming celebrates grand opening of Godwin Mercado

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The City of Wyoming celebrated the grand opening of the new Godwin Mercado on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 (Courtesy, Matthew Reed/WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


The City of Wyoming celebrated the grand opening of the new Godwin Mercado on Saturday, Aug. 16 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and free community event.

Senator Hilary Scholten (left) and Wyoming Parks and Recreation Director Krashawn Martin cut the ribbon, officially opening Godwin Mercado (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The warm summer morning began at 10:30 a.m. with statements given by State Representative John Fitzgerald, U.S. Senator Hilary Scholten, City of Wyoming Mayor Kent Vanderwood and Wyoming Parks and Recreation Director Krashawn Martin.

“The Godwin Mercado is a project that embodies the best of what our community can achieve when we come together with purpose and vision,” said Mayor Vanderwood. “It is a true honor to stand here today as we officially open the Godwin Mercado.”

Support from the community helped make Godwin Mercado a reality (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Krashawn Martin echoed Mayor Vanderwood’s remarks, saying the marketplace would not have been possible without broad community support.

“My heart is beyond happy to see so many smiling faces, so many different pieces and pockets that really build the community that is Wyoming,” said Martin. “I’m so honored to be a tiny piece of making this beautiful space come together.”

Placemaking in action

Managed and programmed by the Wyoming Parks and Recreation Department, the 6,000-square-foot, $6.2 million facility community event space will provide year-round usage opportunities to local vendors, seasonal farm and artisan markets, food trucks, community events and private events.

Godwin Mercado is recognized as Wyoming’s new gathering spot for the community (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)

Market days will also help fill key gaps in the area’s food system, helping support the well-being of residents in the Godwin Heights area and the entire Wyoming community.

Representative Fitzgerald expressed the value Godwin Mercado brings for this generation as well as future generations.

“This is placemaking in action for this community,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “It’s going to bring attention, good attention, to this community. I cannot be prouder of the City of Wyoming and its investment in this space.”

After the ribbon cutting, community members gathered for several free activities, including a meal, games, face painting and live music, all provided by Wyoming food and artisan vendors.

  • Local Kona Ice provided refreshing treats (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • Free face painting was enjoyed by both children and adults (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • A free meal was served to all in attendance (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • All participating vendors are local to Wyoming (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • Large garage doors allow for easy access to and from the Mercado indoor event space (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • Wyoming Police let children explore department vehicles (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • Playing with bubbles is a must for all ages (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • Children enjoyed several fun activities (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • All participating vendors are local to Wyoming (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • Wyoming firefighters and police officers chatted with event guests (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
  • Children enjoyed several fun activities (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • Celebration attendees enjoyed live music (Courtesy, Matthew Reed)
  • Rep. John Fitzgerald (left) and Wyoming Parks and Recreation Director Krashawn Martin visit with celebration guests (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The outdoor plaza was filled with fun, family-friendly activity while the main indoor event space allowed seating and shade for those eating or simply needing a break from the sun.

A thread of connection

An unveiling of the colorful mural on Godwin Mercado’s outer south wall also took place.

The Godwin Mercado mural tells the history of the City through “story stacking” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Installed by local nonprofit, Lions & Rabbits Center for the Arts, and painted by Filipina street muralist and visual anthropreneur Venazir, the mural is a testament to Wyoming’s history, resilience and spirit – and was inspired by a game of Jenga.

“I was playing Jenga with my friends, and then I thought of stacking all the bits and pieces of who was Wyoming, who is Wyoming,” Venazir told WKTV Journal.

As Venazir researched the City’s history, she recognized the importance of not only the Godwin Mercado space, but what the significance and impact of revitalizing that space means to the community.

Titled “Stacked Stories” and “Building Balance,” the mural’s stacked images reveal the many facets of Wyoming’s lifespan while giving a poetic nod to the layered narrative of Godwin Heights and Wyoming and emphasizing the balance between past and progress.

Mural artist Venazir continued working on the mural during the celebration (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Another prominent element of the mural is a red thread weaving through the images.

“The red thread is the most symbolic element in my work,” said Venazir. “It’s this unifying element that I use across all of my murals.”

Since 2017 in the Philippines, Venazir’s red thread has been weaving a tapestry of stories internationally as she explores the intricate relationships between human traditions and the ever-changing landscapes that shape them.

“It stitches us [together] in ways that we couldn’t even imagine,” said Venazir. “My journey as an artist is to visualize the process that there is a red thread that guides us. That thread stretches and tangles, but it is never broken.”

Learn more about Venazir and her dynamic art here.

An educational avenue

Godwin Mercado will not only provide fresh food options and space for events, it will also collaborate with local schools and organizations to host educational activities.

(Courtesy, Godwin Heights)

Chad Conklin, Superintendent of Godwin Heights Public Schools, said school staff and students are excited about the opportunities Godwin Mercado offers.

“What this building is going to bring with the agriculture – it’s going to be fantastic,” Conklin told WKTV. “We’re looking at ways to be able to incorporate our own curriculum within it and hopefully support that through our science classes.”

Conklin also appreciates the increased accessibility the Mercado parking lot provides for the adjoining Godwin Heights athletic complex activities.

Helping our city thrive

Sen. Hilary Scholten said Godwin Mercado will play an important role in helping support small businesses and local entrepreneurs in West Michigan.

“Close to 99% of businesses in the State of Michigan are considered small businesses,” said Senator Scholten. “That is what makes our economy so beautiful and so diverse.

“Places like the Mercado are going to continue to support those small businesses and help them to thrive.”

(Courtesy, Matthew Reed)

Resource links

The Godwin Mercado full market grand opening is planned for spring of 2026. For updates, sign up for the Godwin Mercado newsletter here.

The Mercado provides various options for residents to embark upon their own personal entrepreneurial journeys. Interested vendors can sign up to participate weekly or for the entire market season via a vendor application.

For more information about Godwin Mercado, click here.

Watch this short clip to hear what City of Wyoming officials have to say about the opening of Godwin Mercado! (Courtesy, Tom Norton WKTV)

Wyoming Police investigate recent shooting on South Division

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(Courtesy, Deborah Reed/WKTV)



By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


One person is injured following a shooting in the 3700 block of South Division Avenue.

At approximately 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug.4, officers from the Wyoming Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the area. Upon arrival, officers located evidence indicating that multiple shots had been fired; however, no victim was found at the scene.


A short time later, an adult male victim arrived at a nearby hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. He is currently listed in stable condition. At this time, no arrests have been made. Detectives from the Wyoming Police Department, along with members of the Forensic Science Unit, are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300, or to report anonymously through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, 1-866-774-2345, or online at www.silentobserver.org.

City of Wyoming invites community to celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 5

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Entertainment, First Responders, Food, Going Local, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Our Cities, Police and Fire, Recreation, Upcoming Events, , , , , ,



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


The City of Wyoming is inviting community members to participate in National Night Out events throughout the city on Tuesday, Aug. 5.

An annual event celebrated across the country, National Night Out encourages residents to turn on their porch lights and gather with neighbors, community leaders, and police and fire personnel.


The annual National Night Out events help build relationships and trust within the community (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

Celebrating and Strengthening Relationships

Lieutenant Andrew Koeller of the Wyoming Police Department says National Night Out strengthens the vital relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve – and the Wyoming PD is proud to participate in the annual event.

“This evening is more than just a gathering—it is a celebration of trust, safety, and shared commitment to keeping Wyoming safe and connected,” says Lt. Koeller.


Wyoming officers help youth try on tactical vests at a local National Night Out event (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)


While National Night Out formally highlights the Wyoming Police Department’s community partnerships, Lt. Koeller says those relationships are at the core of everything the police department does every day.

“The Wyoming Police Department places great value on building, maintaining, and growing meaningful connections with those we serve,” says Lt. Koeller. “Our dedicated Community Services Unit leads many of these efforts, but every member of our department shares the responsibility of fostering strong community ties.”

Wyoming National Night Out Details

Wyoming police officers, firefighters, and leaders will join residents at multiple gatherings across the city. Most events will take place between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Residents will have opportunities to explore police and fire equipment, including police cruisers, fire trucks and other emergency response vehicles, as well as learn about a variety of safety topics. Community members can also visit with the Wyoming Police Department K9 team.


Officer Willshire, Kentwood PD (left) Officer Klaassen, Wyoming PD (center) Officer Quintard, Wyoming PD (right) welcome community members at Celebration Cinema (Courtesy, Deborah Reed 2023)


Wyoming Police Department officers will be at Celebration Cinema at Rivertown Crossings from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., along with other local agencies. The department will also hold community events at Grace Christian University, Godwin Heights High School, Lifeline Church, Bayberry Farms and Buck Creek Church.

*Locations and event times listed below:

  • Celebration Cinema, 3728 Rivertown Pkwy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Grace Christian University, 1011 Aldon St. SW from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
  • Godwin Heights High School, 59 35th St. SW from 5:30p.m.-7:30 p.m.
  • Lifeline Church, 2929 Rogers Lane Ave. SW from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
  • Bayberry Farms, 2768 56th St. SW from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.
  • Buck Creek Church, 3746 Byron Center Ave. SW from 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

“We are grateful to our residents, local organizations and community leaders for their continued support and involvement,” says Lt. Koeller. “Together, we make Wyoming a safer, stronger place to live, work, and visit.”


WPD Captain Tim Pols hands a sticker to a young resident during a previous Wyoming National Night Out event (Courtesy, Deborah Reed)

Learn More!

National Night Out began in the 1984 with a group of law enforcement agencies, volunteers, neighborhood watch groups, and state and regional crime prevention associations. It grew from porch vigils to neighborhood celebrations to promote safety in communities and build relationships with public safety.

To learn more about National Night Out, visit natw.org.

Kentwood Police investigate stabbing at City Line Apartments July 5

Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, First Responders, Hard News, Kent County, West Michigan, ,
Courtesy, Kentwood Police Department


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

The Kentwood Police Department responded to a stabbing at City Line Apartments near the intersection of S. Division Ave./52nd St. on Saturday, July 5.

A male victim was located nearby with a serious, but non-life-threatening stab wound to the leg. He was treated at a local hospital. The female suspect was later located nearby and was taken into custody without incident. She was lodged at the Kent County Jail.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6600. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

iCI Nation connects police and community members during annual Wyoming Fire Truck Pull event

Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Crime Prevention, Entertainment, First Responders, Going Local, Health, Kent County, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Police and Fire, Recreation, West Michigan, , , , ,
Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


The annual Wyoming Truck Pull took place at ResLife Church on Saturday, June 14. Coordinated by the Wyoming PD, this yearly event was a fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Fun for Special Olympics Michigan.

Among the festivities was the popular fire truck pull competition. iCI Nation, a local non-profit dedicated to connecting police and community in positive ways, took part in the competition with a 10-member team sponsored by Siegel Jewelers.

The iCI Nation team consisted of local police officers, probation officers, surveillance officers, juvenile detention workers and youth. The team won a trophy for Most Money Raised for the fundraiser.

“Making history, not with our time, but our people!” said iCI Executive Director Jennifer Franson.

  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • iCI Nation founder and executive director Jenn Franson introduces the fire truck pull team (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • iCI Nation team won the trophy for Most Money Raised (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Jenn Franson (left) plays tug-of-war with a Wyoming K9 (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

iCI Nation thanks Siegel Jewelers for sponsoring their team, and the Wyoming PD for coordinating the Special Olympics fundraiser.

Kentwood Police respond to shooting in 200 Block of 48th St. Wednesday morning

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(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org

Kentwood Police Officers were dispatched to a potential shooting in the 200 block of 48th St. at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 18.

During the investigation it was determined that an altercation between a 19-year-old male and 17-year-old female subject took place. The male suspect fired one round at the female which did not strike her, and then fled the scene. Several hours later the male suspect contacted and met with Kentwood Police Department Detectives. He has since been lodged at Kent County Correctional Facility on related charges. No injuries were reported and there is not an ongoing threat to the public.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Kentwood Police investigating shooting Wednesday evening in Wingate Apartments

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(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)


By WKTV Staff
greer@wktv.org


The Kentwood Police Department is currently investigating a shooting that occurred Wednesday evening in the 3100 block of Creek Dr. in Wingate Apartments.


At approximately 6 p.m., Officers responded to this location with reports of a shooting after a verbal argument. During the investigation, two victims arrived at a local hospital with gunshot wounds. Both victims arrived with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Kentwood Police are still actively investigating and searching for all involved persons, however, this is not believed to be a random act of violence, and there is no known threat to the public currently.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentwood Police Department Detective Bureau at 616-656-6604.  Anonymous tips can be submitted through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or SilentObserver.org.

Wyoming Fire Department responds to March 20 house fire

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A devastating residential fire in Wyoming resulted in significant property damage and the tragic loss of multiple family pets (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The Wyoming Fire Department responded to a devastating residential fire that occurred last night March 20, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Oak Valley Ct.

The fire resulted in significant property damage and the tragic loss of multiple family pets. Incidents such as this are devastating especially when beloved family pets are involved.

The first arriving fire units encountered significant fire coming from the front of the entire home and also the vehicles in the driveway. The fire had already spread rapidly throughout the house causing significant damage inside. Residents of the home were able to quickly escape before the fire traveled throughout the home.

Residents of the home were able to quickly escape before the fire traveled throughout the home (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

The fire was contained and extinguished preventing it from fully spreading to nearby homes. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours last night conducting overhaul operations and ensuring hotspots were extinguished.

There were minor injuries reported however patients were assessed at the scene and released.

The fire was initially reported within the garage area of the home. An initial investigation as to the cause is currently underway by the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office. Working smoke alarms were noted during the fire investigation. The displaced residents were assisted by the American Red Cross with initial needs soon after the fire.

Local assistance

The Wyoming Fire Department would like to extend our gratitude to local and municipal partners involved with this fire either directly or indirectly, including Wyoming Police Department, Grandville Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), DTE, Consumers Energy, American Red Cross, and John Grace Board Up.

Fire safety

The Wyoming Fire Department reminds the community of the importance of having working smoke alarms, developing an emergency escape plan, and taking precautions to prevent fires.

If you are in need of smoke alarms for your home, please reach out to the Fire Administration Office at 616-530-7250 to discuss available options.

Public assistance

Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.