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Holland Appoints New Police Chief with Water Safety Expertise

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ew-police-chief-with-water-safety-expertise.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, February 14th 2026 at 15:55 GMT by MLive
      Locales: Michigan, UNITED STATES

Holland, Mich. - February 14th, 2026 - The City of Holland has officially appointed David Edwin as its new Police Chief, a move lauded by city officials as a strategic step towards bolstering public safety, particularly given the city's unique geographical location on the shores of Lake Michigan. Edwin, who previously served as Police Chief in Grand Haven, brings with him a wealth of experience in water safety and emergency response, skills deemed crucial for a community heavily influenced by its proximity to the Great Lake.

The announcement, made earlier this week, comes at a pivotal time for the Holland Police Department (HPD). While the department has been consistently dedicated to serving the community, recent years have seen a growing need to adapt to evolving safety concerns, including increased recreational activity on Lake Michigan and the associated risks. These risks range from swimming accidents and boating incidents to ice-related emergencies during the colder months. Edwin's background suggests a proactive approach to mitigating these dangers will be central to his leadership.

City Manager Amanda Brooks expressed her enthusiasm regarding Edwin's appointment. "We're thrilled to have David join our team," she stated in a press release. "His leadership and experience will be a great asset to the Holland Police Department. He understands the challenges and opportunities that come with policing a lakeside community, and we are confident he will be a strong advocate for the safety of our residents and visitors."

Edwin's experience in Grand Haven, another city situated on Lake Michigan, is particularly noteworthy. During his tenure there, he implemented several successful water safety initiatives, including enhanced training for officers in swift water rescue techniques, increased patrols during peak beach season, and collaborative programs with local fire departments and the Coast Guard. These programs focused not only on emergency response but also on preventative measures, such as public awareness campaigns regarding rip currents and safe boating practices. Sources indicate that during Edwin's leadership in Grand Haven, water-related incidents saw a measurable decrease.

The Holland Police Department, the primary law enforcement agency for the city, is responsible for a diverse range of duties, including patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and community policing. The department currently employs approximately [Insert Current Number of Officers - requires research], and serves a population of around [Insert Current Population - requires research]. Addressing the needs of a growing and increasingly diverse community presents ongoing challenges, and Edwin's leadership will be instrumental in ensuring the department can effectively respond to these demands.

Beyond water safety, Edwin is expected to focus on other key areas of public safety, including crime prevention, community engagement, and officer wellness. He has spoken previously about the importance of building strong relationships with residents and fostering a culture of trust and transparency within the police department. He is known for his commitment to data-driven policing, utilizing crime statistics and analysis to identify trends and deploy resources effectively.

"I'm honored to have been selected as the police chief for the City of Holland," Edwin said in a statement. "I look forward to working with the officers, staff, and community to keep Holland safe. I believe in a collaborative approach to policing, and I'm eager to build partnerships with all stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

The Holland City Council is expected to formally approve Edwin's appointment at its next meeting on February 28th. Following the approval, Edwin will begin a transition period, working closely with outgoing leadership to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities. Residents can expect to see a continued emphasis on community policing initiatives and a renewed focus on ensuring the safety of everyone who enjoys Holland's beautiful lakeside setting. The appointment signals not just a change in leadership, but a strategic shift towards a proactive and comprehensive approach to public safety in this vibrant Michigan city.