DeHaan announces retirement as GVPD chief

February 24, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 12)

portrait of Brandon DeHaan in a police uniform

Brandon DeHaan, GVPD chief of police

Chief Brandon DeHaan has informed the Grand Valley Department of Public Safety of his plan to retire effective June 1.

DeHaan was hired as a part-time officer by the Grand Valley Police Department in 1983 and became a full-time officer in 1987. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997 and in 2004 was promoted to assistant director of public safety services and then captain. In 2018 he was named director of public safety and chief of police after serving as acting director and acting chief for five months.

“My congratulations to Chief DeHaan on his 42 years of service to the entire Grand Valley community. His dedication to our students and the GVSU community were at the forefront of everything he did,” said Greg Sanial, vice president for Finance and Administration. “During his time as chief, the department achieved national accreditation, greatly improved incident management preparedness and notably enhanced overall safety and security on our campuses through the important security camera project he led.”

While the university conducts a national search for a new chief of police, Grand Valley Police Captain Leah Heaton will serve as interim director of Public Safety beginning March 2. DeHaan will spend his final few months at Grand Valley supporting Heaton and on transition readiness. Plans for a celebration for DeHaan are expected to be announced at a later date.