Late in December of 1980, Grand Island, Nebraska Police Chief Howard Bacon interviewed me in his office after I had spent a day of written tests and physical fitness testing to be considered for a job as a police officer with GIPD. He asked me if I could work in a community with a diverse population. He asked me if I could sacrifice working days other people had off and he asked me if I could make a commitment to serve the citizens of Grand Island. He was very serious about the questions because Chief Bacon truly believed in serving the community.
Chief Bacon passed away last weekend. Chief Bacon was the most honest, ethical man I have ever known. What you saw was who he was. He never expected his officers to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. He brought a level of professionalism and integrity to our department that wasn’t found elsewhere at the time.
Chief Bacon gave me a chance when I started working for him on January 5, 1981. He told me to be honest, treat people with respect and honor those who came before me. Simple words with a powerful meaning.
He was a good police chief.
He will be missed.