GVSU Police Academy

🚔 Answer the Call. Serve with Purpose. Build Your Future.

The Big Rapids Department of Public Safety is looking for dedicated men and women who are ready to make a difference in the lives of others.

This isn't just another job—it's an opportunity to serve a community that values its public safety professionals while building a rewarding career alongside an outstanding team.

As a Big Rapids Police Officer, you'll find:
✅ Competitive pay and excellent benefits
✅ Lateral transfer opportunities
✅ Paid training and professional development
✅ Specialized assignments and career advancement
✅ Modern equipment and supportive leadership
✅ A department committed to teamwork, integrity, and community partnerships

Whether you're an experienced officer, MCOLES licensed or license-able, or someone ready to begin a career in law enforcement, we want to hear from you.

Every shift is an opportunity to protect, serve, and make a lasting impact.

Apply online today at www.cityofbr.org and discover how you can answer the call. For more information, call or email Officer William Sell at 231-527-0005 or [email protected].

Congratulations Deputy Garza (2024 Basic Police Academy graduate)

Congratulations Sgt. Omar Dieppa (2011 Basic Police Academy graduate), Sgt. Craig Holbrook (2017 Basic Police Academy graduate), and Sgt. Christopher Brannen (2011 Basic Police Academy graduate).

Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young and Undersheriff Bryan Muir are proud to announce the promotions of Omar Dieppa, Craig Holbrook, and Christopher Brannen to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Dieppa joined the Kent County Sheriff’s Office in 2014 after serving with the Grand Valley Police Department. Throughout his career, he has served as a Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Drug Recognition Expert Instructor, and Community Services Deputy. He has also trained hundreds of civilians through the Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) program and serves as an adjunct instructor at the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy.

Sergeant Holbrook joined the Kent County Sheriff’s Office in 2017 after serving as a K-9 Handler in the United States Army. During his career, he has served as a Field Training Officer, TAC Team member, Mobile Field Force Team member, Fi****ms Instructor, Community Policing Deputy, and Detective. He has also received a Lifesaving Award, a Detective Bureau Unit Citation, and multiple letters of commendation.

Sergeant Brannen joined the Kent County Sheriff’s Office in 2014 after previously serving with the Kentwood Police Department. He has served as a Field Training Officer and Mobile Field Force Team member and received an FTO Unit Citation in recognition of his contributions to training and mentoring new deputies.

First-line supervisors play one of the most important roles in a law enforcement agency. They mentor deputies, many of whom are early in their careers, helping shape their decision-making, professionalism, and leadership. By investing in strong sergeants, we are investing in the future of our agency and continuing to develop exceptional community guardians and tomorrow’s leaders.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeants Dieppa, Holbrook, and Brannen on these well-earned promotions!

Congratulations Sgt. Matt Belk (2013 Basic Police Academy graduate)

Deputy Kauffman (2023 Basic Police Academy graduate)

Congratulations Lt. Brandon Berens (2012 Basic Police Academy graduate)

Congratulations to Captain John Damveld, Lt. Nate Suszek, and Lt. Brandon Berens on successfully completing the Eastern Michigan University School of Police Staff and Command Executive Leadership Program.

This program was comprised of 340 hours of instruction and higher education in topics such as Management and Leadership, Planning and Decision management, Management for Critical Incidents, to name a few, which ran from January thru June, with a graduation ceremony on Friday, June 26. They did all of this, while also continuing their duties at the Sheriff’s Office.

Congratulations to each of them and the others who also graduated, this is a great achievement!

We’re hiring! Must be MCOLES licensed (lateral) or licensing eligible (recent academy graduate or prior experience).