Our Department

The Village of Lake Odessa employs a Chief of Police, three full-time police officers, and four reserve officers. 

Chief Kendra Backing
Chief Kendra Backing began leading the Lake Odessa Police Department in August 2018. Chief Backing holds Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University and a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Administration, also from Ferris State University. Backing worked for the City of Evart, Michigan and the City of Hastings, Michigan prior to accepting the position of Chief of Police in Lake Odessa. Chief Backing may be contacted at (616) 374-8845.

Officer Eric Tollefson
Officer Eric Tollefson began working for the Village of Lake Odessa in April of 2019. Officer Tollefson holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Grand Valley State University in Public Relations and is also a graduate of Grand Valley State University's Police Academy. Before working for the Village of Lake Odessa, Tollefson worked for the City of Otsego, Michigan and for the Allegan County Sheriff's Department. Tollefson is a certified firearms instructor by the State of Michigan. 

Officer Bryan Rader
Officer Bryan Rader began working for the Village of Lake Odessa in October of 2016. Officer Rader holds an Associates Degree in Applied Science and Arts from Grand Rapids Community College. Officer Rader is a graduate of the Police Academy at Grand Rapids Community College. Before working for the Village of Lake Odessa, Officer Rader worked for the Village of Lakeview and the City of Grand Ledge. Officer Rader is a certified taser instructor for the Village of Lake Odessa.

Officer Olivia Boot
Officer Olivia Boot began working for the Village of Lake Odessa in October 2019. Officer Boot holds an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Rapids Community College and is currently working towards a Bachelors Degree in Information Security from Ferris State University. Prior to working for the Lake Odessa Police Department, Officer Boot was employed by the Kent County Sheriff's Department and by the Village of Sparta, Michigan.