KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The former head of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety been hired as the Grand Rapids Police Department’s first chief of staff.
Karianne Thomas was terminated last year without cause. Kalamazoo City Manager Jim Ritsema later apologized to the community for how his office withheld key information about Thomas’s separation from the city
She and others had come under fire last summer for police response to demonstrations in Kalamazoo by Black Lives Matter and Proud Boys protesters.
At an event Thursday afternoon, Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Payne was asked if he had any concerns related to Thomas’ departure in Kalamazoo.
Payne said she was vetted and the best candidate for the job.
Her position was created under the Grand Rapids Police Department’s strategic plan, he said. Her primary responsibility will be the police budget.
Hahaha! What a joke. She was really the best qualified candidate?? Give me a break. Proud Boys and other racists now know they’ll be safe from cops in GR.