South Haven, Mich. — For the third time this year, South Haven has appointed an interim police chief, as the city navigates ongoing leadership changes within its police department. Adam DeBoer, a longtime member of the South Haven Police Department, was announced as the new interim chief on Tuesday, following the resignation of Dennis Honholt.
DeBoer, who has served with the department since 2004, most recently held the position of sergeant, a role he had maintained since 2017. His appointment comes at a time when the city is looking to stabilize its police leadership after a series of short-term tenures. Honholt, who had assumed the role of police chief earlier this year, resigned unexpectedly after maintaining dual commitments with his previous police chief position in Tennessee.
In a press release, City Manager Kate Hosier expressed disappointment over the brief tenures of the department’s previous two chiefs, emphasizing the decision to pause the search for a permanent chief. “We are disappointed by the short tenure of our previous two police chiefs and have decided to pause our search for the time being so we can prepare for what’s sure to be a busy summer in our community,” Hosier said.
The city also reaffirmed its commitment to the community, with Hosier expressing confidence in DeBoer’s ability to lead the department during the transition. “The department remains focused on serving the needs of our community,” Hosier stated. “We have full confidence in our officers under the leadership of our new interim chief.”
DeBoer is expected to remain in the role at least through the summer, a period that the city anticipates will be particularly demanding. The city has indicated that it will announce a new timeline for the search for a permanent police chief at a later date.
The situation has raised questions about the department’s stability, but city officials are hopeful that DeBoer’s extensive experience and familiarity with the department will provide the leadership needed to navigate this challenging time. The announcement comes as the South Haven Police Department continues its operations, focusing on the safety and needs of the local community.
