Retiring Hamilton police officer will be greatly missed

by John Dowd

“He cares about this community and it’s evident in the way he patrols,” said Hamilton Police Chief Steve Snavely about Police Lieutenant Bob Liercke.

Chief Snavely is not alone in his feelings toward Liercke.

“He has field trained and mentored everybody in this department since 2011,” said Sergeant Don Niemer.

Liercke has been with the Hamilton Police Department since 2007, and according to the chief, has held nearly every position in the department except for chief and school resource officer. Sorely to be missed, Liercke will be retiring in October for health reasons.

Liercke has been struggling with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for much of his life. Having had to work through this, among other adversities, Liercke has inspired his patrol mates and fellow officers. According to Niemer, Liercke generally posts the best time in physical assessments, even given what he has to work through to do so. Liercke says that one way he has been fighting his MS has been to stay as healthy and active as possible.

Liercke joined the military at 17 out of high school in California. He explained that he became a father at 16 and needed a good job. He wanted to join the United States Marine Corps, but was turned down. Having been in United States Air Force ROTC, one of his leaders there fought for him to be accepted into that branch. He was taken in as an optometry tech and stationed in California. It was some time after this that he was diagnosed with MS. After meeting his wife, and discharging, he joined the California Highway Patrol. 

After working for CHP for seven years, they eventually moved to Hamilton, where his wife was from. Moving away from the stress of highway patrol in California, Liercke began to eat better and made fitness a priority. Living his life like this he has been able to fight MS back, but says that it is now catching up, leading him to stand down as an officer. 

During his tenure in Hamilton, Liercke set up a scholarship fund for local youth through the Hamilton Police Association. To raise money for that scholarship, he has helped organize both several softball tournaments and a CrossFit competition, among other things. He is also a foster parent and has organized bike rodeos for local youth. 

Liercke cites his rough upbringing as the impetus for his passion for youth. “I don’t make a conscious effort, but that’s why it’s on my heart,” said Liercke. His parents were into drugs and he ran away from home when he was young. Being fostered himself by a friend’s parents, Liercke has retained a soft spot for youth, even stating that after he is fully retired he will run for the local school board. He also volunteers at local establishments for the elderly. 

Along with youth and the elderly, Liercke has enjoyed helping new officers get their bearings on the job. Liercke says, “I’ve always enjoyed mentoring officers. It’s a hard job to learn, so when they start getting it and there were things you could do to help them get it, I really enjoyed that.” According to Niemer, he is a fantastic mentor, not just for officers on the job, but for cops off the beat. “It’s just those little things he’d throw out there that just stick with you,” said Niemer. He told a story of how Liercke built him a kitchen at home, because his was in disrepair. All this for only the cost of materials. “He is excellent at mentoring young officers by giving them the tools rather than just telling them what to do,” said Niemer. “Everything I know about being a patrol sergeant I learned from watching Bob.” 

“Bob is not a yes man. He’s not afraid to say what’s on his mind. He’s a great asset. I’m sorry to see him go,” said Chief Snavely. The chief explained that Liercke has been his right hand man, and has gone above and beyond in everything he has done. Niemer added “He’s involved in every aspect of this department.” 

     According to Liercke, “I just work. I just try to do my job,” and “I just tried to be proactive because the community deserves it.” Retiring at age 45, Liercke also wanted to recognize his wife. “My wife has been very solid in all of it,” finished Liercke.