Director's Welcome

Welcome to the Big Rapids Department of Public Safety. Our mission is to make the city of Big Rapids the best place to raise a family, receive an education, and to live and enjoy all of mid-Michigan’s wonders and recreation. The men and women of both divisions are highly trained and motivated to accomplish this goal.

As the Director of Public Safety, I have been tasked with providing the residents and visitors the highest level of public safety for our diverse community. On the Police side we use our equestrian officer, a motorcycle traffic unit, bicycle patrol, and we’ve assigned a downtown officer and a school liaison officer to address the needs of our community. We also have officers assigned to a multi-jurisdictional drug enforcement team to combat drug trafficking and use on a regional level. Our Fire division is very active with the Mecosta County Dive Rescue team, Medical First Responder program, a city wide rental inspection program to safeguard our tenant population, a very aggressive training program, and some of the most dedicated, professional, and community minded part paid fire fighters to be found anywhere.

Big Rapids is the home of Ferris State University, and we work very closely with Ferris State University Police and the Mecosta County Sheriffs Office. We also work hand in hand with all our local Fire Chiefs and Departments to help protect our county wide citizens from fire, accident and natural disaster. Our Fire and Police divisions have developed programs and commitments within our professions to address unique community wide concerns that affect quality of life issues for all of our residents and visitors.

It is truly my honor and privilege to work with such fine staff to bring to life our motto “Dedicated to Service, Committed to Excellence”.

Frank West - Director of Big Rapids Public Safety