Two longtime lieutenants with the Pella Police Department are serving as its leader until the new chief is announced. Lt. Paul Haase is currently serving as Interim Chief of Police until June 5th, filling the vacancy created by the recent resignation of Chief Robert Bokinsky. Haase says Bokinsky’s departure has left a big leadership gap in the department, one he hopes to fill as the search for a new chief is ongoing.

In accordance with State of Iowa Code, an individual’s term as an Interim Chief of Police is limited to 90 days. It is anticipated that the selection process for a permanent Chief of Police will
exceed this span, and accordingly, Lt. David Beukelman has been selected to follow Haase. Beukelman served previously as the Interim Chief prior to Bokinsky’s hire in 2011.

Hear more from Haase and Beukelman about the transition on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.