The Grand Rapids Chief of Police officially announced his retirement Thursday.
David Rahinsky has been a police officer for more than 30 years, and has been chief in Grand Rapids since July 2014.
Rahinsky says he is retiring to Florida to be closer to his family.
“I’ve got a granddaughter who is eight years old who still thinks it’s cool to hang out with me. I want to enjoy those years before I become not so cool. So I’m looking forward to family time,” Rahinsky said.
The department has been under scrutiny for the past two years over its treatment of some black residents. But Rahinsky says that had nothing to do with his decision to retire.
Mark Washington, City Manager of Grand Rapids, says a national search will be done to find Rahinsky's replacement, but people within the department are encouraged to apply. Washington says he expects Rahinsky’s replacement to be hired by summer 2019.
Rahinsky says the city’s future is bright, even if he won’t be here to see it.
“There’s a lot of talented people within this department, from deputy chiefs to captains, right down the rank and file. So I’m leaving it in good hands,” he said.
Washington says he has not yet decided who will be the interim chief.
