Tim Kozal is the new chief of the Ontwa Township-Edwardsburg Police Department.

Kozal was introduced and sworn in by clerk Teri McNaughton at the Ontwa Township Board meeting Monday night.

Kozal replaces Kenneth Wray, who retires Friday after 17 years as police chief.

“We would like to thank Chief Wray for his long and loyal dedication and commitment to our community,” Edwardsburg Village President Jaque Tighe said. “We wish him the very best.”

Kozal was selected from 25 candidates.

He has spent more than 23 years in law enforcement. He recently retired from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) and most recently worked with the Spectrum Health Security Police Department and was the adjunct professor for the Grand Rapids Community College Police Academy.

While with the KDPS, Kozal received a Distinguished Service Medal, two Professional Excellence Awards and four Chief’s Awards.

Kozal’s experience includes undercover narcotics, SWAT Team leadership, detective bureau, medical first responder, firefighter, road sergeant and supervising sergeant.

He has also been a board member for the Kalamazoo County Mental Health Recipient Rights Advisory Committee for the past 12 years.

“This is going to be a process,” Kozal said. “Like I said when I first walked into the meeting, this is something we have to do together. I cannot do this alone. I need everybody to buy in. I think we can make this one of the best police departments in Cass County. Right up there with the Sheriff’s Department.”

Kozal encouraged the residents o contact him if there is a problem. He said once he had an email address he would share that with the community so that they may contact him that way as well.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented individual such as Mr. Kozal lead our police department,” new Ontwa Township Supervisor John Bossler said. “He brings decades of experience to his new role and has a solid reputation throughout the region. We are excited about how Chief Kozal will further improve our community.”