John Wittkowski is a seasoned public safety professional with nearly three decades of law enforcement experience and a deep commitment to community well-being. After earning degrees from Western Michigan University, Aquinas College, and Michigan State University, he joined the Grand Rapids Police Department in 1995, where he served for 28 years before retiring as a Police Sergeant in 2023.

Throughout his career, Wittkowski held a wide range of specialized roles, including Public Information Officer, Crisis Negotiator and Mobile Crisis Response Coordinator. He became a recognized leader in mental health and law enforcement, serving as a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trainer and Behavioral Health Liaison for more than two decades. His work coordinating Grand Rapids' Homeless Outreach Team and Mobile Mental Health Response program reflected his belief that effective policing requires compassion as much as authority.

Parallel to his police career, Wittkowski served as an adjunct professor at Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, and Grand Rapids Community College, teaching courses in criminal justice, public policy, and sociology.

Since leaving law enforcement, Wittkowski has been employed by the Kent Intermediate School District as their Safety and Security Coordinator. He works with member school districts in the area of emergency preparedness and response. He also provide training in the areas of acute mental health crisis response and verbal de-escalation.

Recognized with multiple departmental awards and commendations, Wittkowski has served on numerous task forces and advisory boards addressing mental health, homelessness, elder abuse, human trafficking, and opioid abuse.