Kalamazoo County's Undersheriff, Jim VanDyken, is set to retire by the end of 2024 after more than three decades of service, as announced by the Sheriff's Office today. VanDyken has been an anchor in the Sheriff's Office since 1992 and took on the role of undersheriff in 2016, acting as the second in command to the sheriff. In a move preceding his retirement, he is transitioning back to his original union command, shifting roles within the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Supervisors Association (KCSSA) from Sept. 28.
In a news release obtained by WOODTV, the Sheriff's Office expressed its gratitude towards VanDyken: "With over 32 years of dedicated service, we are grateful and appreciative of his commitment to Kalamazoo's citizens and the Sheriff’s Office." VanDyken's decision to transfer has been approved by Sheriff Richard Fuller, whereby VanDyken intends to serve as chief deputy.
Chief Deputy Michelle Greenlee is set to quickly step into the undersheriff role, bringing with her 23 years of experience from within the very department she will now help to lead. As reported by WWMT, Greenlee's diverse portfolio includes starting as an intern and scaling every rank available in the Sheriff's Office, showcasing her capability in jail, operations, and support divisions. Greenlee holds degrees from Western Michigan University and has also completed programs at Northwestern University Center for Public Safety and the FBI National Academy.
VanDyken, who is to turn 55, the minimum retirement age at the Sheriff's Office, by Sept. 26, has also shared his plans post-retirement, which include spending more time with his family. "There’s no medical insurance for my spouse if I retire as the undersheriff," VanDyken mentioned to MLive, citing personal reasons for his decision. He also noted his intention to assist Greenlee in her transition into the new leadership role.
The office prepares for a leadership shift, as Fuller, a Democrat, is up against Republican James Charon in the upcoming sheriff's reelection.
