Two candidates declare for Ottawa County Sheriff — take a peek

OTTAWA COUNTY — Two candidates have entered the race for Ottawa County Sheriff, just days after Steve Kempker announced his impending retirement.

Eric DeBoer, a current sergeant and soon-to-be undersheriff at the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, and Michael Maycroft, a captain in the Grand Rapids Police Department, have each filed to run as Republicans. They're set to face each other in the Aug. 6 primary election.

More: Ottawa County Sheriff Steve Kempker to retire after 44 years in law enforcement

Kempker announced Monday, Jan. 29, he will not seek re-election and intends to retire after 35 years with OCSO.

DeBoer was recently named the next undersheriff for Ottawa County, following the retirement of Valerie Weiss on Feb. 28.

“Sheriff Steve Kempker and former Sheriff Gary Rosema have worked to develop the most professional sheriff’s department in Michigan," DeBoer wrote in a release. "If Ottawa County voters choose me as their next sheriff, I will work tirelessly to continue that excellent legacy."

DeBoer began his career with OCSO as a reserve deputy in 1999. He became a road patrol deputy in 2001 and was promoted to detective in 2014 before his current role of road patrol sergeant in 2022.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Calvin University and a master’s from Grand Valley State University.

Throughout his career, DeBoer has investigated homicides, criminal sexual conduct, fraud and robbery cases. He’s also worked with the Children’s Advocacy Center to investigate and help prosecute crimes against children. At one point, he was assigned to the West Michigan Enforcement Team, an interagency drug and gun sale investigative unit.

DeBoer said his priorities as sheriff would include building strong relationships with other entities, victim advocacy and using “modern tools” to keep the community safe.

“As a community policing officer, I see it as vital that our department continue to develop strong relationships with local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to ensure awareness of challenges to public safety in our county,” he wrote.

Maycroft, meanwhile, is a captain and bomb squad commander of the Grand Rapids Police Department. According to his LinkedIn page, he’s been with the department since 1997 in various roles, including sergeant and lieutenant. He’s been in his current role since 2015.

In a social media post announcing his candidacy Jan. 30, Maycroft noted a “vacuum of leadership” with Kempker and Weiss retiring.

“I filed my paperwork today after very careful consideration and an enormous outpouring of support from my family, friends and colleagues," he wrote.

“After 29 years in law enforcement, I still have the fire to lead,” he added. “The outstanding men and women of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office want to see their department continue to move in a positive direction, and I am all in to help.”

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Maycroft holds a bachelor’s degree from Lake Superior State University and a master’s degree from Ferris State University, both in criminal justice. He’s also attended the FBI National Academy. According to a post from GRPD, Maycroft is part of less than 1% of law enforcement executives nationwide to attend the academy.

In August 2016, Maycroft was appointed to the Allendale Public Schools Board of Education. He sought election that November, but finished third, among six candidates, in a race for two seats.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Two candidates declare for Ottawa County Sheriff — take a peek