On May 19, 2017, at approximately 2:40 A.M., the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 200 block of E. Michigan regarding a person lying in the roadway. A passing motorist found him, stopped to render aid, and called 911. Officers located a 34 year old Kalamazoo man with severe head trauma who appeared to have been hit by a car. He was transported to Bronson Hospital where he is listed in critical condition.

The incident is currently under investigation. Officers are attempting to find witnesses and video from businesses in the area are being checked for suspect information. No arrests have been made at this time.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100.

Authority: Lt. Lance Handlogten

Date: May 19, 2017

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigation Division, 337-8139

On May 19, 2017, at approximately 2:15 A.M., the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety responded to the 1300 block of Beacon regarding a fire in an unattached garage. The fire was quickly extinguished but the building was heavily damaged. There were no injuries.

The cause of the fire is unknown and currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100

Authority: Lt. Lance Handlogten

Date: May 19, 2017

Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy. Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001

Contact: Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8142

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will be hiring additional Public Safety Officers beginning in January 2018. Applications may be submitted from June 7 through June 25, 2017 online ONLY at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kalamazoomi.

To be considered, applicants must be a U.S. citizen and have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and be 21 years old at time of appointment (January 1, 2018). Applicants will also be required to pass a written and physical test and an extensive background investigation. Applicants are not required to be MCOLES (Police) certified to apply.

Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers are cross-trained as police officers, firefighters, and medical first responders. They respond to calls for police, fire, and medical emergencies, along with other duties.

Advancement/additional opportunities include Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT Team, Bomb Squad, Honor Guard, Hostage Negotiator, and Command Officer.

Newly hired officers start at $18.95 per hour. Those who have already received their firefighter certifications will start at $20.83 per hour. Applicants do not need to have prior police or fire certifications to be considered; newly hired officers may be sponsored through the police academy and provide fire training if needed. A training wage may apply to those who need to attend the Police Academy. Additional benefits include a Spanish language hiring bonus, veteran on-the-job training education benefits and the federal direct student loan forgiveness program.

Those interested are encouraged to fill out a “Job Interest Card” available at https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/about/employment/ which will send notification when the application process begins. Information about KDPS is available at www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org and questions can be submitted through the “Contact” link at the top of the Home Page.

By authority of: Inspector Matt Elzinga

Date: April 28, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Media Contact: Shannon Bagley, Captain, (269) 337-8123

Kalamazoo, MI:  At approximately 1:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 13, 2017, Kalamazoo Public Safety responded to the 1212 E. Stockbridge regarding smoke coming from the building.  Upon arrival officers found fire in a second floor apartment and in the attic.  Crews quickly extinguished the fire limiting most of the damage to the second floor.

The cause of the fire is unknown and is currently under investigation. There were no injuries during this incident however several adults and approximately 8 children were displaced.  The American Red Cross is assisting them with making temporary living arrangements.

Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.

By authority of:  Lt. Lance Handlogten

Date:  April 13,   2017
Address:  150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact:  Captain Vernon Coakley, Operations Division, 337-8142