Ketchum Police Chief Kassner Retires

KETCHUM, Idaho – Ketchum Police Chief Dave Kassner is retiring after 34 years on the job. His retirement will go into effect on August 31.

Kassner began his law enforcement career with the Ketchum Police Department in 1986. He became a member of the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office in 2009, when the City of Ketchum contracted with Blaine County for law enforcement services. Kassner was promoted to Chief of Police in 2014 and is a member of the Ketchum Traffic Authority.

As a police officer, Kassner served as a patrol sergeant, and completed a program on working with people with mental health issues with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. He also holds a supervisory certificate with the Idaho Peace Officer’s Standard and Training Academy.

Kassner is a certified cycling instructor for the League of American Cyclists. He has had special training on pedestrian and bicycle safety issues and created the mountain bike patrol program for the city. He also formed a bike safety program for the Wood River Trail.

In partnership with the Blaine County Sheriff and Higher Ground, Kassner further enhanced the department by introducing the annual Bike Rodeo for children, offering safety instruction, bike safety checks and helmets.

“Dave has built trusted relationships with Ketchum residents and visitors,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “His demeanor and approach to difficult situations has earned him a great deal of respect in the community. I’m happy I’ve had the opportunity to work with him.”

Sheriff Steve Harkins added, “I want to thank Dave for his service to our community and we wish him a long and happy retirement.”

In reflecting on his career, Kassner said that “it has been a tremendous honor to work alongside the dedicated men and women in the Ketchum Police Department and to serve the city of Ketchum community. I will miss working with the staff, but will see them around town or on the hill.”

Kassner’s future will include more time with family, traveling, skiing and volunteering for the Hunger Coalition.

The city of Ketchum invites the community to Ketchum Town Square at noon on Thursday, July 30, to wish him well.