Date: Monday, March 20, 2023

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

Contact:  PIO Jay Shatara, Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, 269-762-2922

We will be participating in a statewide tornado siren drill Wednesday. (Tomorrow)

We will be testing our sirens at 1:00pm on Wednesday, 3/22/23.  Also, we will begin testing Kalamazoo’s sirens on the first Saturday of the month, starting in April.  We will continue the monthly testing until September.

We will put regular reminders on social media before every testing.

Date: Thursday, February 23, 2023

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

Contact: Jay Shatara, Public Information Officer (269) 337-8945

The Red Cross will open a 24-hour shelter starting Thursday, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. at the Douglass Community Association located on 1000 W Paterson St. in Kalamazoo. 

The Red Cross will provide cots, food, and water. Bringing your own bedding is highly encouraged. Please make sure to bring your necessary medications and toiletries.  Please also bring things to occupy your children. 

As a reminder there are two day warming centers currently operating at The River Church on 517 Walbridge St. and The Salvation Army on 1700 S Burdick St. Salvation Army (Hosted by Kalamazoo Coalition for the Homeless) is open from 12-5 p.m. Tuesday & Friday.

The River Church (Hosted by Integrated Services of Kalamazoo) is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  The Gospel Mission is open for overnight stays.

As ice hits the city, please stay safe in the winter weather.

Accepting Applications Online December 9, 2022 – December 23, 2022

Kalamazoo- The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety will open the application process for the position of “Public Safety Officer” on Friday, December 9, 2022. The application process will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, December 23, 2022.

Application:

Applications may be submitted online between 12/9/2022 and 12/23/22 at the following websites:

1- https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kalamazoomi

2- www.kalamazoopublicsafety.org

KDPS’ hiring process includes an application, a written test, a physical agility test, a background investigation and several interviews throughout the process. If these steps are successfully completed, it is anticipated that an offer of employment will be given in March 2023.

Qualifications:

To be considered for employment, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, possess a valid driver’s license, and be 21 years old at time of appointment (April 2023). Applicants will also be required to pass a written and physical test and undergo an extensive background investigation. KDPS seeks candidates with integrity, a strong work ethic, and a desire to serve our Kalamazoo community.

Benefits:

Public Safety Officers (PSOs) protect and serve the community by responding to calls for service involving police, fire, and medical emergencies in a professional and caring manner, to enhance the quality of life for all people in the City of Kalamazoo. KDPS offers a meaningful career that promotes balance between life and career and has opportunities for professional development and advancement through promotion.

Applicants do not need to have prior police or fire certifications to be considered, as KDPS will sponsor hired applicants through the police academy and provide fire training, if needed. Additional benefits include, but are not limited to, a Spanish language bonus, veteran on-the-job

training education benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a $5,000 annual residency bonus, tuition reimbursement program, the federal direct student loan forgiveness program, and more.

Additionally, KDPS offers lateral transfers for current police officers (MCOLES certified/ certifiable) and full-time firefighter/medical first responders. Police officers or firefighters currently employed full-time and in good standing with another police or fire agency have the opportunity to laterally transfer up to three (3) years of police experience in regard to the current wage scale. This lateral transfer will significantly increase starting wages for eligible new hires.

Advancement Opportunities:

There are multiple career advancement opportunities for PSOs to include the positions of: Detective, Canine Handler, Community Policing Officer, Narcotics Investigator, Crime Lab Technician, SWAT Technician, Bomb Squad Technician, Recruiter, Fire Marshal, Honor Guard Member, Peer Fitness Trainer, Training Officer, Technical Rescue Team Member, Command Officer and more.

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.

To speak to a recruiter about a career with KDPS please call (269) 337.8238 or email: · Sgt. Fidel Mireles (mirelesf@kalamazoocity.org) · Lt. Lakisha McMillon (mcmillonl@kalamazoocity.org)

By authority of: Lieutenant Lakisha McMillon