Chief Chase bids fond farewell to Polson
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This is a note to you that I have turned in my resignation after nine-plus years with the Polson Police Department. I promised five years to the city when I was hired, so you can see how my officers, my police clerk, city hall workers, all my fellow law enforcement officers from our neighboring agencies and departments in Lake County, plus our wonderful community members made me want to stay. There is a reason for every season in our lives, and Mrs. Chase and I need to have some quality time with our children and grandchildren both here and abroad, and as importantly, each other. She has given and given in our 45-plus years of marriage.
I have always ascribed that one needs to, “know when to hold them; know when to fold them.” My last day is Sept. 28, a Thursday.
Much has been accomplished, and there is much to be accomplished. Fresh blood, new ideas and untapped energies will lead this department forward during the decade we’re in.
I could not have accomplished it without the community’s support and especially my people. Words cannot express how appreciative I am for those that supported my people. You have, I believe, the finest small police agency in the state. The officers are professional, dedicated and educated, and my senior staff, along with patrol officers who have been on for some time, have trained your newer officers as you would want them trained.
We provided face-to-face service on almost every call. You deserve that. After all, you are our bosses. We involved ourselves in our community beyond my original (when starting) expectations.
I have been blessed by all the friendships these past many years. I have been blessed by what my people have delivered in the way of professional police work.
And most importantly, I have been blessed by Mrs. Chase, who I have led on a merry chase as I pursued my passion.
What person can say that maybe just 10 days in a long career they found them selves not excited to come to work? I can. My wife, family and you, no matter what field of endeavor or reason made our paths cross, are precious memories I will hold dear.
To all of you thanks for being there and the support you have given me and our department members — some for decades, some for several years, some for just a few months.
Remember me, if you wish, by these statements, “It’s greater to serve than to rule” — this from my supreme master; plus, “It’s nice to be important, but so much more important to be nice” — author unknown.
I won’t say, “Goodbye.” I will say, “‘Til we meet again.”
