Assistant Chief Stevens patrols for the last time

Looking back on his career, newly retired Polson Police Assistant Chief John Stevens said the entire experience was memorable.

“It’s been a long and good career. I can’t pinpoint one or two things,” he said just after Christmas.

Stevens’ last official day was Dec. 31, clocking out for the last time after 30 years with the department.

On Dec. 17, he was recognized for his service during a Polson City Commissioners’ meeting, receiving a plaque.

In 1979, Stevens began his service career as a cadet for the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office while he was in high school.

Following high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was a law enforcement specialist.

Over the next 7 1/2 years, Stevens, now 57, was stationed in Germany, Las Vegas and Southern California before settling in Polson in September 1988.

He had family in the Bitterroot and Kalispell areas, so Polson seemed like a good place to call home.

“Polson had an opening. Fortunately for me, they hired me,” Stevens said.

It was there that Stevens raised his three daughters — Shannon Bennet, Stephanie Rodda and Amanda Johnson — as a single father.

Throughout his career, Stevens said that he was able to help shape the department by assisting to hire in some of the best candidates.

“I helped get the department where it’s at as far as a good bunch of people, hard-working people,” he said.

His knowledge of cars also helped, as Stevens was able to work on vehicles so that the work wasn’t hired out, which would have cost the company and taxpayers money.

Besides retiring from his position with the police department, Stevens also closed a chapter by resigning as the deputy coordinator for the Lake County Office of Emergency Management (OEM).

Stevens’ public service doesn’t end with the police department and OEM.

He also served on the Polson Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years, and worked with Polson Ambulance for a decade on the side.

While women surrounded Stevens as he raised his daughters, he now has six grandsons, all in the Coeur d’Alene area. He’s not in a rush to move there, but said the move will come in time.

For now, when the weather breaks Stevens will be spotted riding ATVs and boating on Flathead Lake.

He won’t be whizzing by on a speed boat, but rather just “staying put,” letting the current take him wherever.

“I don’t do anything but float and watch the world go by,” Stevens said, chuckling.

Following years of constant work, the serene atmosphere found in the middle of the lake keeps him centered.

“I’ve been on call for so many years, I don’t have to go anywhere. I just sit and listen ... I guess that’s my sanity.” Stevens said.