Assistant police chief retires after 30 years of service
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POLSON – Assistant Police Chief John Stevens is leaving a legacy in the Polson Police Department. At the Dec. 17 Polson City Commission meeting, Stevens was honored with a plaque and a personal message from Governor Steve Bullock commending his work in law enforcement and celebrating his retirement.
Mayor Paul Briney presented Stevens with the plaque. The award included a flag that was flown over the state capital in Helena on Veterans Day this year. The announcement from the governor’s office acknowledged his work as a “commendable dedication to protect and serve.” Bullock stated, “Throughout your 30 years of service in the Polson Police Department, you have made a real positive difference in the community.”
Stevens said he dreamed of becoming a police officer as a child and achieved his dream first as a cadet with the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office. He went on to spend more than seven years in law enforcement in the military. After his service in the military, Stevens was hired as an officer in Polson.
Stevens said throughout his time with the department he focused on building the staff and equipment to make the department effective and well respected. He said he didn’t expect recognition upon his retirement.
“It feels great that they took time to recognize me,” Stevens said. “I’m glad I did something worthwhile.”
Commissioner Bob Martin credited Stevens with the stellar reputation of today’s police department. Polson Police Chief Wade Nash praised the length of Stevens’ service. “Thirty years in law enforcement with the way society’s changed; that’s quite an accomplishment,” Nash said.
Stevens plans to spend the first few months of his retirement relaxing. He said he is considering moving to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to family.
In other commission business, Interim City Manager Wade Nash announced that he had approved a work change order for a $105,000 drainage addition to the wastewater facility. At the previous commission meeting, DOWL engineer Kevin Johnson said the unanticipated addition would cost $119,000. According to Nash, the city negotiated with the engineering firm, and DOWL agreed to cover any costs associated with the project above $105,000.
“I think this is the best solution to solve that problem,” Nash said.
At the previous commission meeting, commissioners expressed frustration over the last-minute addition, which was not accounted for in initial plans for the project.
The commission also voted to appoint Jim Simpson as the City of Polson representative to the Lake County Conservation District Board of Supervisors.
