ZEELAND, MI (WHTC) – Last year, it was Bill Gruppen. This year, it’s Bill Olney.
For the second time in as many years, the city of Zeeland will need to replace a long-time first responder leader. In the work-study session prior to this evening’s business meeting, the City Council will huddle with City Manager Tim Klunder to discuss the process for replacing Olney, who is retiring as the city’s Police Chief on July 14th after more than 16 years of service.
In a memorandum ahead of tonight’s session, Klunder said that this “is an opportunity to have some discussion if we want to proceed forward with the same service delivery method moving forward. These are decisions that are hopefully in place for a long period of time, so we want to get them right … it is okay to take a little more time, if needed, rather than rushing the process … while Chief Olney provided a retirement date of July 14, he is open to the idea working in some fashion beyond that date to help with the transition.”
Gruppen retired as Zeeland’s Fire Chief in 2016 after more than 50 years in the department, with Nick Bonstell taking over that position last November.
