Rotary Club of Mercer Island members and guests lauded fellow member and retiring local police chief Ed Holmes at their June 4 meeting, acknowledging his lengthy service to the community and wishing him well in the forthcoming steps of his life’s journey.

Holmes, who will hang up his badge this month, served the Mercer Island Police Department for more than 30 years, including the last 18 as chief.

Incoming Rotary president Benson Wong led the celebration at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center and noted that the event featured some toasts and a few good-natured roasts sent Holmes’ way.

“We know that the chief knows that he will be missed and he knows that we all wish his family and him the very best in the years ahead. We salute you, chief,” said Wong.

While Holmes sat in on his final city council meeting on June 4, councilmembers took turns speaking highly of the chief as he flashed a continuous smile.

Mayor Salim Nice stepped up first and said that Holmes makes the Island great and he will be deeply missed. Nice reflected on his time spent with the chief over the years while Nice served as councilmember, deputy mayor and now mayor.

“I just can’t thank you enough for the support, the mentoring, the tutelage that you’ve provided me and other councilmembers,” Nice said.

Deputy Mayor David Rosenbaum feels that Holmes is a role model to copious citizens and he’s received advice from the chief as the two discussed the stress that people in public positions face and more.

“I think one thing that makes you unique is that you have that ability to see different people’s perspectives — and that’s hard,” Rosenbaum said.

A city message posted at the meeting reads: “The impact chief Holmes has made in our community cannot be overstated and we wish him all the best on the next chapter of his life.”

Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. Courtesy photo