Grand Valley’s Police Department welcomed two new patrol officers to its ranks this week.
Grand Valley President Philomena V. Mantella swore in officers Thomas Burns and Marco Rojas-Garcia in her office on February 7.
“Swearing in officers Rojas-Garcia and Burns was truly an honor,” Mantella said. “Our police and public safety officers’ commitment to integrity, community, inclusiveness and excellence are vital as we work to maintain a safe, welcoming learning environment for our students, faculty, staff and visitors.”
Rojas-Garcia, a Grand Rapids native and first-generation graduate of Ferris State University, previously spent five years working for Grand Rapids Public Schools.
Burns, also from West Michigan, began his career in law enforcement working in Nashville, Tenn., before joining the Grand Rapids Police Department three years ago.
“Both of these officers will be great for our department and will really be able to interact with our community very well,” said Brandon DeHaan, chief of police and director of public safety. “We look to hire people who meet the mission, vision and values of our department and the university.”
Burns and Rojas-Garcia will undergo extensive training for 12 to 16 weeks with a field training officer and other GVPD officers to learn about the university and policies of the department, DeHaan said.
Grand Valley employs 22 police officers serving its campuses and facilities in Allendale, Grand Rapids, Holland, Battle Creek, Muskegon and Detroit.
