Contact:        Sgt. Joy Matthews
PH:                (616) 632-6106
EM:                joy.matthews@kentcountymi.gov

The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Appoints New Emergency Manager

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Sept. 24, 2020) – The Kent County Sheriff’s Office has appointed Matt Groesser to serve as the new Kent County Emergency Manager.

Groesser has served in Kent County emergency communications for 22 years.

“We are very fortunate to have someone who brings with him a dynamic skillset in emergency communications that is informed by the institutional knowledge that comes with over 20 years with the County,” said Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young. “The combination is what sets Matt apart from the field and positions him to be an outstanding emergency manager.”

Groesser was initially hired by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office in 1998 as an emergency communications operator II. He was promoted to emergency communications supervisor in 2006, emergency communications supervisor II in 2010, and emergency communications center manager in 2013. He was appointed to the position of emergency manager after Lt. Lou Hunt announced his retirement from the job in August. Hunt’s last day was September 18, and Groesser’s appointment was effective this week.

“This year has presented us all with some serious challenges. It is both exciting and humbling to be given the trust to help navigate each of these issues going forward,” Groesser said. “I had a terrific mentor in Lt. Lou Hunt and have enjoyed tremendous support from this team. With their help, I’m looking forward to a smooth transition.”

“On behalf of everyone in my office, I would like to thank retiring Emergency Manager, Lt. Lou Hunt, for his tremendous service and humble leadership throughout his 26-year career,” said LaJoye-Young. “We wish him the very best in his next endeavor.”

Groesser currently serves on the Kent County Dispatch Authority Technical Advisory Committee, the State of Michigan Next Generation 9-1-1 Technical Advisory Committee and the Emerging Technology Sub-Committee. He also works as a mental health facilitator and peer group facilitator for the Mid-West Michigan Critical Incident Stress Management Team and previously served as a firefighter/EMT for 17 years with the Cascade Township Fire Department.