Ronan Police Chief prepares for retirement, thanks community
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RONAN – Ronan Police Chief Ken Weaver is moving forward with his retirement plans and looking for his replacement.
“I told the mayor that I would give five years and it has been almost six and a half, so I think it’s time,” he said.
Weaver said a song by John Muir with the line “the mountains are call and I must go” captures the reason for his decision. He said he looks forward to spending time with his wife hiking, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors, but the chief won’t be too far away when he finishes up his service.
“I’ve purchased a house in Frenchtown with land along the Clark Fork River with room for the horses, so I’ll only be an hour away if the department needs anything,” he said.
Weaver plans to stay with the department until his position is filled, which could be a long process. “We don’t have an exact date at this time,” he said. “Once the applications are in, the interviews will be done. We are still seeking applications that need to be in by May 7. I plan to stay on board until the new chief is hired, show them the ropes, and be around for consultation.”
When the chief signed on with the department, he had a list of projects he hoped to accomplish with emphasis on ongoing training for Ronan officers as well as creating a connection to the community. He developed a program called Coffee with the Chief in an effort to hear from people in the community.
During his service, the chief also updated the design of the department’s uniform patch. He created the reserve program to allow trained volunteers to support the town’s five officers. He developed the K9 unit and welcomed Sandor, a K9 officer, to the department in 2018.
Most recently, Weaver approved the Explorer program, which allows teens aged 14-19 to ride with an officer and learn about police work to see if the career would be something they are interested in doing in the future. If a teen is interested in signing up, call the department.
A chaplain program was also on the chief’s list of accomplishments. The idea with this volunteer program is to allow people who have experienced trauma the opportunity to talk with someone who is not a police officer for support.
“This was the first chaplain program we’ve had where someone responds to critical incidents in the community when someone spiritual is needed,” he said.
Weaver thought for a moment about his proudest accomplishment. “For me, it’s about the people,” he said. “I was able to hire the right people. It took a lot of time to get the right team together, and I think we have a great team.”
After announcing his retirement plans, Weaver wrote a letter thanking a long list of people, including Ronan Mayor Kim Aipperspach for giving him the opportunity to serve the community. He thanked the city council and staff as well.
“I wish to thank the citizens of this community for their partnership with Ronan Police Department, which did result in the City of Ronan becoming a better place to live, work, visit and conduct business,” he said.
He also thanked fellow law enforcement officers. “I would be remiss if I did not also thank the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Tribal Law and Order, Montana Highway Patrol, all the other police chiefs in Lake County, Lake County Dispatch, and the entire law enforcement community, which works together daily in providing Lake County with professional law enforcement.
Most of all, I would like to commend the officers of the Ronan Police Department for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to duty. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect the citizens of Ronan.”
He continued: “I tried to always put the citizens and members of the Ronan Police Department first, even at the expense of my wife and family. I recognize that some of you may not have agreed with every decision that I made, but I did what I felt was in the best interests of the city and the officers of the Ronan Police Department.”
“I always attempted to keep the department up to date, with relevant training, the latest technology and the best equipment, while always keeping in mind this had to be done with fiscal prudence. I am extremely proud to have led the present and former police officers of the city. The police department is in good shape and it’s time to find the next chief of police to continue to carry this department forward.”
“In conclusion, I would also like to extend my sincerest thanks to the community of Ronan. The support that I have received as a member of the Ronan Police Department will never be forgotten.”
