KDPS Chief Hadley Resigns; Thomas to Be Named Successor

Kalamazoo Police Chief Jeff Hadley has submitted his resignation, to take over as police chief of Chatham County, Georgia, which includes Savannah. His successor in Kalamazoo will beDeputy Chief Karianne Thomas, according to City Manager Jim Ritsema.

“Deputy Chief Thomas is a distinguished leader with experience in all aspects of law enforcement,” said Ritsema. “She has consistently been recognized throughout her career for her professionalism, effectiveness, and dedication to service, and earns the confidence and admiration of all of her colleagues.”

In a press release issued this morning, "Deputy Chief Thomas is a 23-year veteran of the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and fills integral roles at both KDPS and the administration of the City of Kalamazoo. Her career at KDPS has included serving as a Public Safety Officer, Crime Lab Technician, Detective Bureau Sergeant, Drug Enforcement Officer, and Inspector in the Office of Professional Standards. She has also been personally involved in hiring over half of the Department’s current sworn officers and served as Interim Human Resources Director for the City administration.

Hadley had been police chief since 2008, and just last week, reports had Hadley and Grand Rapids chief David Rahinsky under consideration for a similar position in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Hadley led the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety during two devastating tragedies, the murder of Off. Eric Zapata, and the 2016 shooting spree that saw six people murdered and two critically injured. Jason Dalton has been charged with the crimes, but his trail has been delayed.

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