(Le Mars) — After 38 years of being involved with law enforcement, Le Mars Police Chief Stuart Dekkenga is going to hang up the badge, handcuffs, and gun as he will retire on June 30th. Dekkenga has been the chief of the Le Mars Police Department for the last 22 years. Dekkenga started his law enforcement career as a police officer in Onawa.
Dekkenga talks about what had intrigued him to apply as a police officer with the Le Mars Police Department.
Thousands of cases have crossed the desk of Stuart Dekkenga from parking violations to murder cases. Dekkenga says a family friend influenced him to become a police officer.
Dekkenga has high praise for the community of Le Mars, saying it is home.
City officials have indicated plans are in the works to have a new police station. Chief Dekkenga says it is important for everyone involved, to proceed with those plans for a new police headquarters.
Chief Dekkenga says the existing police station has served the department well over the years, but they have also learned the limitations of the building.
Dekkenga talks about the men who also served as the chief of police for Le Mars, and how those individuals helped shape Dekkenga’s method of running a community police department.
Dekkenga says he is very proud of the men and women that comprise of the Le Mars Police Department.
Dekkenga says he appreciates the support and respect shown by the Le Mars community towards the Le Mars Police Department.
The retiring police chief says he has enjoyed his time with the Le Mars Police Department, but adds he will miss the people and the relationships, but will not miss the paperwork.
