Bonners Ferry police chief retiring

Bonners Ferry Police Chief Dave Kramer will retire Aug. 1.

Deputy Chief Rick Alonzo is interested in the position.

A 30-year veteran of the police force, Kramer submitted his resignation to city council on Tuesday night. It was a tough decision for the 49-year-old North Idaho native.

“I looked at the benefits and considered it for several months,” said Kramer, who has served as chief for 20 years. “I still love my work and enjoy it. The city has given me a lot of support. But I'm looking forward to some other opportunities.”

A combination of his age and years of service allowed him to retire with full benefits from the state.

“This has truly been a great career,” Kramer wrote in his retirement letter to council. “And I appreciate all the opportunities and support that I received from the mayors and council during my career.”

Kramer will, however, stay involved with Boundary Search and Dive Rescue and continue his part-time job as director of Boundary County Emergency Management Services, which is an agency that responds to local disasters.

Kramer and his wife, Andrea, also plan to reopen their photography business, Stampede Lake Studio.

“Photography has always been a passion,” he said.

Kramer said he also plans to do private contract work.

He said he supports promoting Alonzo to chief.

“That would be the smoothest transition,” Kramer said. “He's been with the city a lot of years and knows the needs of the community.”

Kramer began his law enforcement career at age 16 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the Boundary County Sheriff's Office until age 18, when he became a reserve with the sheriff's office.

Kramer attended the criminal justice program at North Idaho College and joined Bonners Ferry Police Department in 1978. He has been chief since 1988. 

He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and served as president of the Montana & Idaho Chapter of FBINAA in 2006. He is the current president of Idaho Chiefs of Police Association.

Kramer also has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run and participated as a runner in 1993, carrying the Torch through Italy, Austria and Germany.

He has also served as a deputy for the Attorney General's Office major crimes task force and was an intern at the former North Idaho Regional Crime Lab. Kramer has taught side-handle baton classes at several North Idaho agencies.