DOWAGIAC — Years ago, Eric Payne exited the doors of Dowagiac Union High School for one last time with a diploma in hand. At the time, his heart was not set on being in law enforcement. However, on Monday, at an oath ceremony, Payne was sworn in as the new Grand Rapids police chief after 32 years with the department.

Born and raised in Dowagiac, Payne went through the public school system and had childhood memories of playing little league baseball games on Russom Field and fishing at  Mill Pond with his dad.

“I really enjoyed everything about Dowagiac as a kid,” Payne said. 

In high school, Payne, who to this day considers himself a proud Chieftain, played football, wrestled and ran track for Dowagiac. His athletic interests played a role in him deciding to attend Grand Valley State University, where he could continue participating in sports. When it came to picking an area of study, Payne was still unsure.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Payne said. “I ended up going there thinking education. But, [during] my sophomore year, I took introduction to criminal justice. I guess you could say I was hooked at that point.”

Payne went through the GVSU Police Academy, eventually getting involved with the GVSU campus police. A year later, the Grand Rapids Police Department was hiring Payne applied and was attracted to the opportunities the department offered to work in many different areas. He started with the department as a patrol officer. In the 32 years since, he has been involved in a number of divisions.

Payne has worked in the vice unit and also as a member of the detective unit, on the crisis negotiation team. Through a path of promotions, which began in 1998, Payne was promoted to the ranks of sergeant and then in 2004 to lieutenant, serving in the roles of watch commander and as the administrative lieutenant for the south service area. In 2008, he was promoted to captain and became the commander of the south service area.

In 2014, Payne returned to the investigation division, and served as its commander, where he oversaw the detective unit, vice unit and forensic services unit. Payne has also served as the commander of the crisis negotiation team since 2010. For the past two years, Payne has served as the deputy police chief prior to his new position.

“I have been honored to have been appointed chief of police effective [Monday]. It’s just another milestone in my career,” Payne said.

Payne said he is already experiencing the busy schedule of his new role, but nothing is a surprise.

“We have a great department,” Payne said. “A lot of men and women work here, and I am proud of the city. I know there are going to be challenges down the road, but we are ready to meet those challenges.”

Payne said he is most looking forward to being even more involved in the Grand Rapids community and building more relationships. Payne believes trust will ultimately help make Grand Rapids a safer city, he said.

“I think that’s one of the things we can do better as an entire organization,” Payne said. “From the last person we’ve hired, all the way up to my position is building relationships. From there, I think trust comes.”