Grand Rapids Police Department

09/11/2026

25 years, Never Forget, We Remember, We Honor

Today, we honor the lives lost and the countless heroes who stepped forward on September 11, 2001. 🇺🇸

Twenty‑five years later, the impact of that day continues to shape how we prepare, respond, and strengthen our communities. 🏘

As we reflect on 9/11, we renew our commitment to supporting first responders, emergency managers, volunteers, and every neighbor who helps keep our city safe. 🕊️

We remember. We honor. We prepare. 💪

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

🎉 25 YEARS AT 1 MONROE CENTER NW! 🎉
The Grand Rapids Emergency Communications Center is celebrating 25 years at our home at 1 Monroe Center NW!
Over the past 25 years, this space has given our team more room to work, windows to bring in a little natural light, and additional space for training and development. It has also provided something just as important—a place for our team to step away, decompress, and reset after a particularly difficult or taxing call.
Behind these walls, our team has answered over 250,000 calls, supported our police and fire partners, trained the next generation of Emergency Communications Operators, and served our community 24/7/365.
#911

09/04/2026

We’re hiring! We are looking for a new Sponsored Police Recruits to join our team. If you have a heart to serve and want to help us protect our community, we want to hear from you. Check out JoinGRPD.com and Click Apply!

09/04/2026

We Will Never Forget
Patrolman Henry Slater
End of Watch: September 4, 1907

Slater died of injuries he received when struck by a rail car sitting on post at Bridge St/Canal St (modern-day Monroe Ave). Slater was struck by a rail car that had not switched tracks properly. Slater was dragged into the wheels of the rail car where he was trapped. He was instrumental in his own rescue as he directed the men that freed him. After his rescue, he was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Slater served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for 12 years.

Slater's brother, a Detective with the Grand Rapids Police Department, was shot and killed in the line of duty 14 years later.

08/31/2026

📞 50 YEARS OF 9-1-1 IN GRAND RAPIDS!
The first-ever 9-1-1 call in the United States was made on February 16, 1968, in Haleyville, Alabama. The call was placed from the Haleyville Mayor’s Office to a bright red telephone at the local police station.
Then, on Monday, May 3, 1976, Grand Rapids launched its own 9-1-1 service. 🚨
That means 2026 marks 50 years of 9-1-1 service in Grand Rapids! 🎉
For five decades, 9-1-1 has been a vital connection between our community and the police, fire and emergency services who respond when help is needed most.
50 years. Countless calls. One important number.
📞 9-1-1 — Call if you can. Text if you can’t.

08/25/2026

We Will Never Forget
Patrolman Millard Davis
End of Watch: August 25, 1916

Davis died from injuries he received the previous day when he was struck by a car while directing traffic at the intersection of Cherry St/Diamond Ave SE.

Davis served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for 24 years.

08/24/2026

When you call 9-1-1, the most important information you can provide is your location.

Dispatchers need to know where help is needed before anything else. If the call disconnects or you're unable to continue speaking, having your location can make all the difference.

When calling 9-1-1: Know your address if possible Provide cross streets or landmarks if you're traveling Be as specific as you can about where help is needed

Remember: We can’t send help if we don’t know where to send it.

08/22/2026

We Will Never Forget
Detective George Powers
End of Watch: August 22, 1895

Powers was shot and killed while attempting to arrest two suspected train robbers.

Powers and two other detectives had gone to the Union Train Depot on Bridge St to find two suspected train robbers. Powers located the men in a train preparing to leave. When Powers went to pull the bell cord on the train to alert the others he had located the suspects, one of them drew a concealed gun and shot Powers, killing him.

Powers was a U.S. Union Army veteran of the Civil war and served with the Grand Rapids Police Department for 18 years.

08/19/2026

Congratulations to Officer Philip Porter, who retired today, from his last assignment as a member of the Detective Unit’s Digital Intelligence and Technology Team. We thank Officer Porter for his 31 years of service to the department and to the Grand Rapids community from December 27, 1994 – August 19, 2026.