Grand Island Police Department’s Chief Falldorf “flying” into retirement

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - It’s the end of an era at the Grand Island Police Department as Chief Robert Falldorf ends a decades-long career with GIPD.

The department came together earlier on Friday for the chief’s last day on the job.

About 36 and a half years ago, Chief Falldorf started with the department as a patrol officer, and the last six years of his time has been spent as the chief of police. During that time the outgoing chief made his officers and their well-being his priority.

“We have to really be concerned about the mental health of our officers as well,” Chief Falldorf said. “Make sure we are taking care of them, if there is issues in their lives we’re a big family , we need to take care of our own and make sure their mental health is just as stable as their physical health.”

GIPD Captain Dean Elliott talked Local4 News Friday, about what he will miss most about working with Falldorf.

“The face-to-face conversations, learned a lot from him so being able to have that as a resource whether it be an advice type of thing or just bouncing questions off he was always one willing to listen, take on new ideas,” Captain Elliott said.

Chief Falldorf said he prepared a 12-page document for the new chief and administration staff to guide them through the transitionary period. He also said going into the future juvenile crime and mental health needs to be a big focus in the future.

Captain Jim Duering says it’s because of chief falldorf’s guidance he is prepared for what’s to come.

“He’s been a supervisor here since I started and his leadership has really been paramount to the department,” Captain Duering said. “One of the things that always shown through was he is Grand Island born and raised and so the fact that he grew up here and was so invested in the community always showed through in everything he did in the office.”

As for Chief Falldorf, his retirement journey now takes him to Central Nebraska Regional Airport where he will be a part-time member of the security team.

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