HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 5, 2026) – The Holland Department of Public Safety is honoring its own by announcing on Wednesday its annual Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year winners.
Sergeant Adam Israels took the top policeman accolades, in part for resurrecting and organizing the annual “Battle of the Badges” Police versus Fire charity softball game, which has raised over $40,000 for various non-profits in the past. Since being hired full-time in 2013, he has been an Honor Guard member, a Field Training Officer and Supervisor, a member of the Special Enforcement Team, and K-9 Unit Supervisor.
Meanwhile, Firefighter/Paramedic Jacob Johnson was named Firefighter of the Year for his ongoing efforts in various aspects of his duties, including emergency medical service, apparatus maintenance, and training. Since being hired seven years ago, he was been an EMS Instructor Coordinator, a lead instructor for the Ottawa County Fire Academy, and has earned nine lifesaving awards.
Both Israels and Johnson were nominated for these department honors by their peers, and chosen by the HDPS Command Staff. They will represent the department at various public events over the next year.
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