Officer retires after 33 years

MOSES LAKE - A Moses Lake police officer was surrounded by nearly 50 friends, family and fellow officers Tuesday afternoon as he said good-bye to the department.

Officer Dale Baltzell is retiring this month from the department after nearly 33 years of service.

Mayor Ron Covey presented Baltzell with a plaque honoring him for his commitment to the department's core values of professionalism, integrity, compassion and service.

Sgt. Mike Williams gave Baltzell his gun he used during his career.

Police Chief Dean Mitchell joked when he said he accessed Baltzell's personal file to find some "dirt." What he found instead were numerous commendations reflecting his work on several difficult cases including a homicide case several years ago which led to a conviction. He also assisted with a hostage situation in 1988 on Juniper Drive and catching burglars.

Mitchell said he always made the department proud and added that no one worked at the department as long as Baltzell.

He presented Baltzell with his original police identification card and retired his badge. Mitchell gave him a "words of wisdom" book featuring photographs of fellow officers accompanied by personal messages.

"I'm sorry to be leaving, but it's time to leave," Baltzell said.

He thanked his wife Kim for supporting him throughout his career, especially in the early years, which he called the hardest.

"Without her I don't think I could have done this job," Baltzell said.

The most important part was he came home safe everyday, his wife said.

Baltzell said he plans to stay in Moses Lake and take it easy.

"I've got a motorcycle and I intend to do some motorcycling," he laughed.

When asked what his most memorable moment as an officer was, Baltzell said he had many but is was too hard to choose just one.

He said his proudest moments were when he was hired to the department, graduated from the police academy and as he became an experienced officer.

"I always looked forward and never looked back," Baltzell said.

His favorite part about his career was interacting with the community, even on the negative days, he said.

Baltzell grew up in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and was an administrative specialist with the U.S. Air Force before coming to Moses Lake.