Benkula takes Bonners' police chief helm

Twin Falls  Idaho native, father of eight and new Bonners Ferry Chief of Police Steve Benkula is on the job.

Benkula has been in law enforcement for 27 years. He was with the Twin Falls Police Department for 22 of those years.

His law enforcement background is extensive with supervisory positions for the SWAT team. He worked in narcotics, with a community unit, as a taser instructor for the police department and field training supervisor, and patrol squad officer.  

He also was involved with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program in Twin Falls, which he feels is valuable to communities.

Benkula and his wife Carole have moved to Bonners Ferry with their two adopted boys, who are two and three-years-old. They also have six adult children who live in the Magic and Treasure valleys.

Carole Benkula has her work cut out for her as she raises her boys and the family is looking forward to making a home in Bonners Ferry.

The Benkulas have been foster parents as well.  

In fact, their older son was once a foster child. They chose to adopt he and his young brother, who was a surprise, soon after so the boys could stay together.

“Our boys are very, very busy, and we are starting over again,” said Benkula.

So far Benkula feels welcome in Bonners Ferry and is meeting local law enforcement and getting to know his staff of officers.

“Man they are a very dedicated group of individuals and they are set on keeping this community safe and I am just so amazed at their dedication,” saidBenkula.

He said he will be wading through the process and wants to get to know the community.

He said he isn’t coming in to turn the department upside down or make major changes.

“The police department is here for the community, we will make sure if they have an issue we will address it immediately and we are not here for ourselves, we are here for them,” said Benkula.

The Benkulas came through Bonners Ferry last spring and loved the area. They visited a few businesses and were so impressed with the people of the community. It was a bonus and an opportunity that a law enforcement position was open and the Benkulas took the chance.

They toured the northern Idaho before they even knew about the job opening. They love the outdoors and with two growing boys the Benkulas thought this was a perfect place to raise them.