BOISE, Idaho — Thursday, Sept. 19, marked the start of a new era for the Boise Police Department.
After 29 years bearing the badge, Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar capped off his career in law enforcement, retiring for the second time.
"It's been an honor and a privilege to wear this badge for the last three decades or so," Chief Winegar said.
The department held a ceremony Thursday to honor Winegar and usher in their new chief, Chris Dennison, who previously served as Tucson's assistant police chief.
Dennison outlined some of his priorities for the department, including decreasing traffic accidents, utilizing new technologies and highlighting officer wellness.
"Law enforcement itself is a tough job, and we need to ensure that our employees are being taken care of - both physically and emotionally," Dennison said. "I like to tell people that healthy people help people, and hurt people hurt people. We want to make sure we have a healthy and active police department that can go out. If we're taking care of our people here, they're going to be in a better place to take care of the community."
During the retirement ceremony, a number of city and law enforcement leaders spoke and highlighted Winegar's calm demeanor, dedication to law enforcement and commitment to his community.
"One thing is certain, this community is filled with good people," Winegar said. "And sometimes they make mistakes, sometimes bad things happen, sometimes there is some evil in the community. But by and large, it is filled with good people."
The day was about Winegar - but the date honors Officer Mark Stall, the only Boise Police officer to lose his life in the line of duty. Stall was shot during a traffic stop on Sept. 20, 1997. Winegar also responded to that traffic stop and was shot.
Winegar chose his retirement date to honor Stall. Every year, he and other officers go to the spot where Stall was fatally wounded to pay their respects and honor his sacrifice.
"It's a tough time because we do relive and think about and and rehearse those memories from that night," Winegar said. "There's not very many left that were there that night, as far as us old people - but there are several. There's an entire new generation that has come to appreciate the sacrifice of Mark, what he did, what he gave - and how he laid down his life in defense of this community,"
Winegar said he has no doubt their tradition of honoring Mark Stall will continue for years into the future.
Dennison will officially become the Boise Police Chief on Friday, Sept. 20.