Retired police officer dies after lengthy battle with cancer

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KENTWOOD, MI — A 20-year veteran of the Kentwood Police Department has died following a lengthy battle with cancer. Kelly Baldwin died Friday, Feb. 28, the police department announced Monday, March 2. She retired from the force two months earlier. “Her true character was evident by her daily display of thoughtfulness and generosity to everyone she came in contact with,” according to a statement by the department. “Her engaging smile and energetic laugh were well known throughout the local law enforcement community and Kelly’s difficult fight inspired many. She will truly be missed.” Baldwin worked both as a patrol officer and detective during her law enforcement career. She was known by her colleagues as having an “incredible drive to solve cases,” and a desire to seek justice for victims of crimes. As an officer, she once bought a memorial headstone for the family of a dog that was killed during a home invasion. She also hired an exterminator to treat for beg bugs at a sexual assault victim’s home, and she once collected money to purchase gifts for two young boys whose mother was murdered by their father just before Christmas, according to the department. In a Facebook post, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Kent County said Baldwin’s “devotion to the children and community of Kentwood was truly inspiring, as was her courageous fight with cancer.” In addition to her law enforcement career, Balwdin was a married mother of four children. Visitations will be held 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 at Cook Funeral Home, 4235 Prairie St. SW in Grandville. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at Grand Rapids First, 2100 44th Street SW in Wyoming, following a one-hour visitation that morning. Read the full story The post Retired police officer dies after lengthy battle with cancer appeared first on American Police Beat Magazine.