Jim Valentine has been the Director of Ionia County 9-1-1 since January, 2009. Jim came to Ionia County after retiring from a 34 year law enforcement career. Jim began his police career with the Lake Odessa Police Department where he served for over eight years as a patrol officer and sergeant. Jim was hired by the Lowell Police Department where he served 26 years as a patrol officer, detective, and his last 14 years as Chief of Police.
Jim holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Studies from Siena Heights University. He has additional management training as a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, the FBI National Academy; and the Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Institute at Central MI University.