Thanks, Chief!

Former Pinehurst Police Chief Rocky Wilson was honored Friday afternoon for his many years of service to the community.

Gathering at the Pinehurst City Hall, friends, family, and, colleges of Wilson had nothing but kind things to say about the former chief.

At the ceremony, former Pinehurst mayor and current County Commissioner, Jay Huber, thanked Wilson for his time with the city and wished him the best in his retirement.

“He’s the best Chief I ever had,” Huber said, “I’m glad we hired him.”

Shoshone County Sheriff, Mike Gunderson, who severed as interim PPD Chief after Wilson fell ill last year, also spoke highly of him.

“I has the pleasure of working with Rocky for several years here in the city of Pinehurst as well,” Gunderson said.

“I will always be indebted to Rocky and the city of Pinehurst for believing in me.”

As a memento of his service, Wilson was presented a shadowbox containing a PPD uniform with his shoulder patch and badge in it.

At the bottom of the shadowbox, it says “Thank you for your years of service and dedication to the citizens of Pinehurst.”

In accordance with standard law enforcement tradition, Gunderson also gave Wilson the side arm that he carried when he was on the job.

Hired on by Huber in 2005, Wilson held the position of Police Chief for 11 years; retiring in 2016 due to medical issues.

Wilson was incredibly thankful to everyone who attended, and said that he is enjoying his retirement.

He said that being the Pinehurst Police Chief was “one of my favorite jobs” that he has ever had and what he enjoyed most about the job was working with the people of the city.

Returning the complement from earlier, Wilson also said that Huber “has to be the best boss I’ve ever had.”

Fellow Silver Valley police chiefs David Wuolle (Kellogg) and Darell Braaten, (Osburn) both wish Wilson the best in his retirement as well.