COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – It was an emotional retirement ceremony Wednesday afternoon for Coldwater Police Department Sergeant Jerry Vandenhout. There was a City Hall reception for Vandenhout, who was recognized for his 30 years of law enforcement service with the city.
Coldwater Department of Public Safety Director Mark Bartell presented Vandenhout a special plaque, his badge, and other mementos and told the gathering of family and friends and fellow officers that in his own words he could not fully express how his close friend and fellow officer for nearly 3 decades has impacted his life.
Bartell added that Vandenhout made each day working him with a good day, and the entire department will miss his very special contributions to the city, his time and expertise, but most of all, miss his friendship.
Vandenhout said he’s enjoyed serving the community and everyone that he’s worked with throughout the years. He called on all of the members of the police force to be safe and thanked Bartell and Deputy Director of Public Safety Joe Scheid, as well as the City of Coldwater for his employment with the city.
Vandenhout will very soon be attending another retirement ceremony in the family. His wife Dianne is retiring this month from her job in the Coldwater School District as assistant Legg Middle School principal and Coldwater High School Athletic Director.
