More than 200 people joined retired Clearlake Police Chief Robert “Bob” Chalk in celebrating his accomplishments during a dinner held Saturday, Jan. 20, in his honor. Guests from near and far packed the Clearlake Senior/Community Center where they helped Chalk celebrate 32 years in law enforcement.
Memories of Chalk”s career were highlighted throughout the event by comrades of the industry and others. Dignitaries, past and present, joined in recognizing Chalk for his service to the community.
Chalk”s guest list hosted an impressive cast of characters including past administrators, county and city officials, fellow law enforcers and supportive citizens. Congressman Mike Thompson was also represented by Brad Onorato, who delivered a Congressional Proclamation commemorating Chalk”s dedication to law enforcement.
While guests sipped on cocktails hosted by the Lakeshore Lions Club, they enjoyed a pictorial view of Chalk”s career. A slide show presentation followed Chalk from a young lad to a young officer being sworn in by a young Sharon Goode, former city clerk of Clearlake. The slide show also included some of Chalk”s favorite things such as his Harley Davidson motorcycle and time spent in the great outdoors as well as pictures of his family including those of his wedding and his wonderful wife, Marsha, whom he once again thanked first and foremost for the support she”s given throughout his career.
Many in attendance shared memories from the podium with Lake County Judge Stephen Hedstrom serving as master of ceremonies.
Among those who commended Chalk for his service to the community was Lake County Sheriff Rod Mitchell who also presented a proclamation.
Counselors of the Lake County District Attorney”s Office, including former DA Gary Luck and current DA Jon Hopkins, also attended with proclamation in hand as did Clearlake City Council member Joyce Overton.
Former Clearlake Police Chief Roger Scuitto, who had served immediately prior to Chalk, also made a presentation. Following a humorous account of Chalk”s accomplishments, Scuitto presented the man of the hour with a golden key to the men”s room.
Other dignitaries in attendance included California Highway Patrol Clear Lake area Commander Dane Hayward, former Clearlake city administrators Dan Obermeyer and Dave Lane; former Clearlake director of finance Barbara Lysher; Lake County Chief Deputy Sheriff Russ Perdock; Clearlake Police officers Mike Hermann, Craig Clausen, Martin Snyder, Brett Rhodes, Mike Ray and Tim Celli; and former officers Gary Dick, Jim Bell, Ron Larsen and Tom Clements; and former CPD office supervisor Jeanie Larsen; Clearlake Code Enforcement Officer Janine Lowe; Lake County First District Supervisor Ed Robey; former Clearlake City Council members Bob Malley and Bob Mingori; and Interim Clearlake City Administrator Robert Van Nort.
Chalk”s children were also in attendance. They presented him with a picture and a video from all his grandchildren.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
