Ottawa County is set to usher in new leadership in its Sheriff's Office with the appointment of David Kok as the new undersheriff. Sheriff-elect Eric DeBoer, who is currently serving as undersheriff, announced the decision today, stating that Kok will assume his new duties effective Jan. 6, 2025. According to a release cited by Holland Sentinel, Kok brings over two decades of law enforcement experience from neighboring Kent County to Ottawa County's Sheriff's Office.
In his role as Police and Corrections Academy Director for Grand Rapids Community College, Kok has been responsible for overseeing the training programs of corrections and law enforcement. DeBoer, in his announcement, said in a statement obtained by WZZM 13, "I am very excited to bring his thoughts and ideas into our conversations about what the future holds."
With a background that includes significant roles such as Chief Deputy of the Kent County Sheriff's Corrections Division and Captain of Road Patrol, Kok's expertise covers a broad range of operational areas within law enforcement. His educational qualifications include a bachelor's degree in criminal justice/police science from Grand Valley State University and advanced leadership training at institutions such as the FBI National Academy and the School of Staff and Command at Michigan State University, as detailed by Wood TV.
Eric DeBoer will begin his role as sheriff at the start of the new year, following his victory in the November elections after current Sheriff Steve Kempker announced his retirement. In his announcement, DeBoer expressed confidence in Kok’s alignment with the department’s values and growth. "Director Kok’s long history of leadership in the areas of patrol and corrections, his dedication to mentoring new recruits through both the corrections and police academies, and his experience leading an agency with similar values through times of agency growth make him a perfect choice for the position of Undersheriff here at the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office,” DeBoer said in a statement obtained by Wood TV.
