Lockwood says it's time to retire

SANDPOINT — After 12 years as the head of the Sandpoint Police Department, Mark Lockwood has turned in his resignation papers.

Officially, Lockwood ends his work with the city on Sept. 1. However, Friday was his last full day in the office. For the remaining weeks of the month, he will use his vacation time to situate himself and his family before embarking into retirement.

“I’m definitely looking forward to having six Saturdays and a Sunday,” Lockwood said.

Lockwood’s time in Sandpoint began when the city offered him the job of police chief in April of 2000 to replace his predecessor, Bill Kice. At the time, Lockwood was a lieutenant with the Sun Valley Police Force, where he served as second-in-command. Prior to his Sun Valley days, he worked as patrolman in Burley, Filer and Jerome and a trooper for Idaho State Police. He began his career in 1979 as a law enforcement officer in Kimberly. Combined with his time in Sandpoint, it all adds up to a 33-year career.

“We are all sorry to see Mark go, but wish him and his family all the best,” Mayor Marsha Ogilvie said. “He has been a valuable asset through his years of service to our community and his leadership has developed a professional full-service department that provides a safe and secure environment for businesses and residents.”

Lockwood recalled several programs and initiatives put in place over his tenure of which he was particularly proud. The Citizen’s Academy and Sandpoint High School criminology class were two initiatives that introduced police business to a new audience.

“I taught a few of those classes myself, and it was great to interact with the students,” Lockwood said.

Other endeavors, like the police department’s collaboration with Idaho Conservation League to set up a drug take-back program, gave community members a new service and helped protect the local environment.

According to Lockwood, the possibility of retirement had been on his mind since the city staff retreat earlier in the year. A combination of the stresses of law enforcement and a weariness of the political aspects of the job reinforced the notion. With the city looking for ways to compensate for a budget shortfall, he decided it was the right time to move forward. He denied that anything other than his own decision-making contributed to his choice.

“When you put all of those factors together, it all adds up to this decision,” he said.

While he’s looking forward to a few more chances to tee off at the golf course, Lockwood said he’ll still miss coming into work. He’s seen some big changes in the department during his time, and observing the department from the outside will take some acclimation.

“I’m really going to miss seeing the growth of the personnel and being involved in some of these great local groups,” he said.