Kalamazoo, MI: On Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 at 6:30 p.m., Kalamazoo Public Safety Officers will take thirty Kalamazoo area children Christmas shopping. They will be purchasing gifts for their families and well as themselves. This event will take place at Meijer’s on Gull Road.

Meijer’s Corporation has again partnered with the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety in sponsoring the 2015 “Shop with a Public Safety Officer” holiday event by donating $3,500. Meijer’s Corporation has been a proud sponsor for the past six years.

“Shop with a Public Safety Officer” was developed to help Kalamazoo area families during this holiday season. We sincerely hope this program will continue to help bring the spirit of Christmas into their homes with holiday gifts. The program also allows area children a chance to interact with police officers from Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, and Western Michigan University Police Department in a positive setting.

This is truly an example of a corporation taking part and making a difference in its community. Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety would like to thank the Meijer’s Corporation of Kalamazoo for making this event possible.

By authority of: Sergeant Matt Elzinga
C.O.P.S. Division “Community Outreach and Problem Solving”

Date: December 7, 2015
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Capt David Boysen (269) 337-8880

Kalamazoo, MI: On Saturday, December 5th, 2015, at approximately 2:45a.m, Kalamazoo Public Safety officers Nick Deleeuw and Brian Veltman conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Ford Taurus for a traffic violation in the 800 block of Woodbury Ave. During contact with the three occupants, marijuana was found in the vehicle. After this discovery, the front and rear seat passenger from the vehicle fled on foot. PSO Veltman gave chase and apprehended the rear seat passenger in the 500 block of Florence Street. After a search incident to arrest, cocaine was found on the suspect. PSO Marc Rifenberg and his canine Titan responded and conducted a track for the front seat passenger. The canine track led to the 700 block of Florence Street where the suspect was found hiding behind a house. Public Safety officers searched the vehicle that the passengers fled from and located a loaded .40 caliber handgun under the front passenger seat.

The 20 year-old rear seat passenger was arrested on the charges of resisting and obstructing arrest and possession of cocaine. The 20 year-old front seat passenger was arrested on the charges of resisting and obstructing arrest, carrying a concealed weapon and possession of marijuana. Both suspects were lodged at the Kalamazoo County jail pending review by the prosecutor’s office. A case will be submitted against the driver who remained on scene for driving on a suspended license and possession of marijuana.

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. Matt Huber

Date: December 5th, 2015
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139

The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety is deeply saddened by the passing of Sgt. Lisa Zuk as she courageously battled breast cancer over the last several years. Her infectious attitude and fighting spirit was her hallmark and everlasting gift to those that worked with and around her!

Sgt. Zuk was a 14 ½ year veteran of Public Safety who served as a Public Safety Officer, K-9 Handler, Field Training Officer, Recruiter, and a Sergeant in her beloved Edison Neighborhood. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Funeral arrangements will be handled by Langeland Family Funeral Homes – Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.

Hours for visitation will be Sunday, December 6, 2015 from 1-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Visitation is open to the public.

The Funeral service will be held on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. The funeral will be open to family, friends, and law enforcement.

By authority of: Chief Jeff Hadley

Date: November 30, 2015
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Chief Jeff Hadley, 337-8123