By Rapids City Times staff

GRAND RAPIDS – The town of Grand Rapids has been named as one of the “20 Safest Cities in Wisconsin,” according to a March 1, 2019, SafeWise Report. This is the second consecutive year that Grand Rapids has made the report, moving from No. 7 to No. 1 this year, with zero violent crimes per 1,000 residents and 42 property crimes.

To identify the safest cities of 2019, SafeWise reviewed 2017 FBI crime report statistics – the most recent complete report available at the time of ranking – as well as population data.

The rankings reflect the town’s continuous efforts to provide a safe community and keep crime rates down including: increased training opportunities for all sworn police officers, increased home and business checks, and active participation in Wisconsin Department of Transportation traffic safety initiatives.

“We take the safety and security of all our residents very seriously,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Melvin K. Pedersen. “With community support and cooperation, our department is better able to serve everyone, residents and visitors alike.”

“As the town chairman and a board member for over 20 years I am proud to see that our efforts to provide great police, fire and EMS services have been recognized,” said Grand Rapids Chairman Arne Nystrom.