Jun 27, 2007 - 04:09:12 CDT
Deb Ness has it totally right in saying that whoever takes over from her as chief of the Bismarck Police Department will be walking into a good situation.She was being modest, meaning the job is a good situation.
But the fact is that the Capital City’s police department is first rate, and much of the credit is hers. Her legacy after 10 years as chief and, in all, 33 years in law enforcement, is one of consummate professionalism.
Bismarck nearly didn’t earn her, offering the position first to a man, back in 1996. When he refused, the city came close to blowing it by suggesting that Ness, if she’d take the job, should accept less money than the man would have made.
She negotiated.
At the time, Ness was a captain in the Minot Police Department, heading the detective division. The Edgeley native got the ambition to do police work when she was in high school and went against the advice of a guidance counselor by enrolling in the criminal justice degree program at Minot State University. The Minot department hired her when she was only 20 years old.
In the journey since, she’s acquired a master’s degree in business administration, had training at the FBI Academy and has earned the respect and admiration of colleagues. Among her honors was being named in 1998 the Bismarck-Mandan manager of the year by the Dakota West Management Association.
Ness has announced her intention to retire as Bismarck police chief as soon as a replacement is found. The truth is, she will have a successor, but there may not be a replacement to be found. She comes close to being one of a kind. It’s much more than that she’s a female peace officer and police chief. It’s the quality of human being she is that stands out.
Bismarck Mayor John Warford had perceptive remarks to offer last week when asked about Ness. After acknowledging her aura of authority, he spoke of her gentle nature. “She kind of overwhelms you with her kindness.”
There will be no joy in seeing Ness leave her position. Truly, she has brought her department into the 21st century, not only in technology but more crucially in the attitude she taught about police work — that it is service to the community and requires compassion as well as toughness, cultural sensitivity as much as courage. Ness modeled courage and opened her life for the community to witness in 1999 when she spoke candidly about her breast cancer, returned to work eight days after surgery and womaned her post tenaciously throughout treatment.
Though news of her retirement at age 53 is less than welcome, learning that Ness and her husband, Ken, plan to stay put here is fine. People will continue to enjoy her company at a quilting shop they plan to open.
A laudatory fact is that in following Deb Ness, the next person to become Bismarck police chief can again be the best candidate.
Woman or man.
RS wrote on Jun 27, 2007 11:29 PM:
Stan Stelter wrote on Jun 27, 2007 1:27 PM:
BP wrote on Jun 27, 2007 12:19 PM:
Thank You, Deb! wrote on Jun 27, 2007 9:07 AM:
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