Sheldon, Iowa — Sheldon Police Chief Lyle Bolkema will be retiring next week, capping a thirty year career with the Sheldon Police Department. The City has begun the process of filling the post Bolkema is vacating, and have hired a search firm to help them find the right candidate for the job.
City Manager Sam Kooiker tells us more.
We asked Kooiker what Cayler will do to aid the City in its search.
Kooiker says the City’s use of a search firm doesn’t necessarily mean the next Police Chief won’t come from INSIDE the Sheldon Police Department.
He says Bolkema’s departure leaves big shoes to fill.
Kooiker says the next chief will have great opportunities, but will also face some challenges.
Chief Bolkema’s departure next week will leave, at least for a few weeks, the Sheldon Police Department down two officers from full-strength, since Officer Eric Meineke, who was hired to replace former Officer Scott DeGoei, is still attending the State Law Enforcement Academy.
Kooiker tells KIWA the search process for the new Sheldon Police Chief is predicted to take at least four months.
