(KNZA)--After 25 years of service to the community, longtime Hiawatha Police Officer Evans Woehlecke has retired.

Police Chief John Defore says Woehlecke’s retirement was effective August 16th.

During his tenure with the Police Department, Woehlecke wore many hats—including that of Chief of Police for 12 years.  He served his final three years as the city’s code enforcement officer and building inspector.

Defore presented an award to Woehlecke during this week’s City Commission meeting in recognition of his 25 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Hiawatha.

Defore says Officer Woehlecke always made time to speak with anyone in need, and will always be an ambassador of the community.

He says a retirement party is being planned, with the date to be announced later.