By John Hamer
Special to the Reporter
About 300 people filled the Mercer Island Community and Event Center on June 14 for a retirement celebration of longtime Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) Chief Ed Holmes.
Holmes spent 30 years with the MIPD, including 18 years as chief.
In a humorous poem he wrote for his parting remarks, Holmes said: “Now it is time to pass the torch; To sit on my rocker on my front porch.”
The crowded room included elected officials, law-enforcement officers and many citizens of Mercer Island who knew and worked with Holmes over the years.
Seattle Police Department Interim Chief Sue Rahr was there as was former King County Sheriff John Urquhart, who served as emcee. Mercer Island chaplain Greg Asimakoupoulos delivered an opening prayer.
Speakers included Rep. Tana Senn, who said, “Chief Holmes has been my muse on public safety.” She read a letter from Gov. Jay Inslee praising Holmes for his service.
Mercer Island Mayor Salim Nice said Holmes was a “champion of community-focused policing.” Nice introduced members of the city council, including Lisa Anderl, Jake Jacobson, Craig Reynolds, Dave Rosenbaum, Wendy Weiker and Ted Weinberg, who presented Holmes with a Nambe metal tray engraved with the city logo and Holmes’ name on it for his exemplary public service.
Darrell Lowe, police chief of Redmond, said of Holmes: “We respectfully refer to him as ‘The Godfather.’”
Former Mercer Island fire chief Chris Tubbs, who worked with Holmes for many years, recalled Holmes’ sense of humor: “Who can forget the time when he accidentally handcuffed himself during a demonstration?”
Revend Wayne Perryman read a poem he had written about Holmes, adding: “You fought a good fight, you kept the faith, and you finished the course.”
MIPD lead detective (ret.) Pete Erickson and commander Jeff Magnan gave Holmes a wooden carving with all the badges he wore during his career.
In his final remarks, Holmes said: “If I were in my 20s and had it to do all over again, I would. And I’d stay right here on Mercer Island.”
Holmes and his wife Becky live in North Bend and plan to travel and relax now that he has retired. His successor has not yet been chosen, but a national search is underway.
A lunch buffet was served, paid for by individual donations, followed by cake and conversation.
From left to right, Rep. Tana Senn, retired Mercer Island police chief Ed Holmes and retired Mercer Island fire chief Chris Tubbs. Photo courtesy of Greg Asimakoupoulos
Retired Mercer Island police chief Ed Holmes, right, listening to one of the many tributes. Photo courtesy of Greg Asimakoupoulos
