Sheldon, Iowa — A long-time Sheldon crime fighter has hung up his badge and gun, and has headed off into retirement.
Sergeant David Dykstra began his tour of duty with the Sheldon Police Department on October 1st, 1988 and completed his final shift Thursday June 30th.
A retirement party was held in Dykstra’s honor Friday afternoon in the basement of the Sheldon Community Services Center, at which time Sergeant Dykstra spoke with KIWA. He talked about the changes in the types of calls police deal with now, compared to when he began, back in 1988.
He says technology has also brought changes in the way cops do their job.
We asked Dykstra what he was looking forward to as he heads into retirement.
He says he does have some special plans for one week later this month.
Upon his retirement, the Sheldon Police Department presented Sergeant Dykstra with his badge, his duty pistol and a plaque thanking him for 33 years of faithful service.
When Dykstra signed off from his final shift before retirement, he received a special radio message. You can watch and listen to that radio message on the police department Facebook page by clicking here.
Below are a few images from Dykstra’s retirement party Friday afternoon……..
Retired Sergeant David Dykstra at his retirement party
Dykstra with his “new boss”, his wife, Jill
Sheldon Police Chief Scott Burtch presents Sergeant Dykstra with a plaque thanking him for his 33 years of service
Some of the officers Dykstra has worked with over the years: (left to right) Chief Scott Burtch, Retired Officer Scott DeGoei, Dykstra, Retired Chief Lyle Bolkema, Sergeant Todd Wood
