Sheldon, Iowa — City officials, Sheldon residents and law enforcement personnel from around northwest Iowa were on hand Monday night to wish Sheldon Police Chief Lyle Bolkema good luck as he heads into retirement.
The reception was held at the Crossroads Pavilion Event Center, and featured something of a roast of the Chief by people with whom he has worked over the past 30-years.
Former Sheldon Police Officer Eric Tigges gave the Chief some good-natured ribbing, as did several of those who spoke during the program.
Rock Valley Police Chief Monte Warburton shared a story that happened during the severe flooding Rock Valley experienced a few years ago. He told how Bolkema had volunteered to go to Rock Valley and help a department that was stretched very thin, and work patrol in that City. Warburton related that at the end of the 12-hour shift, he was handing out paychecks to the officers from other jurisdictions who had come to work in Rock Valley. He said when he got to handing Bolkema a paycheck, Sheldon’s chief replied, “Take that money and donate it to flood relief. Those people need it worse than I do.”
Others who spoke during the program include Juvenile Probation Officer Ron Jansen, who has his office in the Sheldon Police Station, former Mayor Tricia Meendering, Officer Dave Dykstra, and City Manager Sam Kooiker. Kooiker, Dykstra and City Councilman Brad Hindt presented Bolkema with his 30-year plaque, as well as a shadow box that will hold the Chief’s police memorabilia once he retires.
Bolkema’s retirement becomes official at 4:30 pm Wednesday afternoon. Earlier that day Officer Dave Dykstra will be sworn in as Interim Chief until a permanent replacement can be found.
Below are a few images from Chief Bolkema’s Retirement Open House……….Photos by KIWA Staff
Chief Bolkema and his wife, Brenda
Former Sheldon Police Officer Eric Tigges roasts Chief Bolkema
Rock Valley Police Chief Monte Warburton sharing stories about Bolkema
Juvenile Probation Officer Ron Jansen with Chief Bolkema
Former Sheldon Mayor Tricia Meendering with Chief Bolkema
Left to RIght: Sheldon Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Brad Hindt, Officer David Dykstra and City Manager Sam Kooiker make a presentation to Chief Bolkema
A somewhat emotional Police Chief Lyle Bolkema, with wife Brenda, thanking his department, the city, and the public for the past 30 years that he has been a Sheldon Police Officer.
