Grand Rapids Names Interim Police Chief

Deputy Chief Joseph Trigg to lead department during transition

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan has named Deputy Police Chief Joseph Trigg as the interim police chief, effective March 2nd. Trigg will take over the role from current Chief Eric Winstrom, who is leaving to become the head of the Pensacola, Florida police department.

Why it matters

The appointment of an interim police chief is an important transition for the Grand Rapids Police Department as it searches for a permanent replacement. Trigg's experience and leadership within the department will help provide stability and continuity during this change in leadership.

The details

Joseph Trigg, a 25-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Police Department, will step into the role of interim police chief when current Chief Eric Winstrom resigns on March 2nd to take a job leading the Pensacola, Florida police department. Trigg currently serves as the Deputy Police Chief of Field Operations and has held various roles within the department over his career, including patrol officer, community policing specialist, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain.

  • Trigg will assume the role of interim police chief on March 2, 2026.
  • Winstrom announced his resignation last week and will begin his new job in Pensacola, Florida on March 2, 2026.

The players

Joseph Trigg

A 25-year veteran of the Grand Rapids Police Department who currently serves as the Deputy Police Chief of Field Operations. Trigg will take over as interim police chief on March 2nd.

Eric Winstrom

The current police chief of the Grand Rapids Police Department, who is resigning to take a job leading the police department in Pensacola, Florida.

Mark Washington

The City Manager of Grand Rapids, who announced Trigg's appointment as interim police chief.

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What they’re saying

“I am honored to serve as interim chief and continue working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Grand Rapids Police Department. Our focus will remain on ensuring safety for everyone in the community, strengthening relationships and maintaining the highest level of professional policing standards here in Grand Rapids.”

— Joseph Trigg, Interim Police Chief (woodtv.com)

“Deputy Chief Trigg has demonstrated strong leadership and a deep commitment to public safety, and this community, throughout his career. His experience and knowledge of our city make him well-suited to lead the department during this transition.”

— Mark Washington, City Manager (woodtv.com)

What’s next

Grand Rapids will soon begin a search for a permanent police chief, partnering with a professional search firm to evaluate qualified candidates from within the department as well as across the country.

The takeaway

The appointment of an experienced and respected veteran like Joseph Trigg as interim police chief will help provide stability and continuity for the Grand Rapids Police Department as it navigates this leadership transition. Trigg's deep roots in the community and commitment to public safety make him well-suited to lead the department in the coming months.