Injury forces NPD lieutenant to retire

State Representative and Newton Police Lt. Wes Breckenridge is retiring law enforcement and his post as head of the NPD’s patrol division due to a recurring shoulder injury, Breckenridge confirmed in an interview Monday.

The 48-year-old, first-term democratic state representative has been a law enforcement officer for 27 years, and served 24 years with NPD.

“The law enforcement community has been my family for all these years, and it was sad that I have to go out this way,” Breckenridge said. “It’s unfortunate, but I still feel a strong tie to our law enforcement community and still feel like I’m a part of that family. I will miss it terribly, but I still will be involved, stay in touch and work for the citizens of Newton and Jasper County.”

The NPD lieutenant has had six shoulder dislocations and three corrective surgeries over a several-year period. He has pain associated with three metal pins and three composite clamps installed in his right shoulder.

Breckenridge’s most recent surgery was in June. He’s been on restrictive duty at NPD while in rehabilitation. Breckenridge said he received the news last week that he would not be able to return to patrol duty, and his injury-related retirement was effective March 31.

“This being the third surgery and all the trauma the shoulder has endured — I would not want to retire, I love what I do and want to continue doing it — but I don’t want to put my fellow co-workers and citizens at risk trying to do a job with an injured shoulder.”

Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said in a situation like Breckenridge’s, fitness for physical duties is ultimately up to the doctor.

“It’s a very demanding job, mentally and physically,” Burdess said. “We need officers on the street who can chase suspects, be physically prepared and various other things. We have annually physical fitness tests (which every officer must pass).”

Burdess has served on the NPD with Breckenridge since 1999, and said the lieutenant’s service has been valued.

“(Breckenridge) has been a longtime public servant, and I’m sure that his absence in law enforcement will be missed throughout the community,” Burdess said.

Although retiring from law enforcement, Breckenridge said he will remain an active member of Jasper County Crime Stoppers and Newton Says No to Human Trafficking. He also plans to volunteer in other areas and “try to do positive things for our community.”

Due to the City of Newton’s recent budget shortfalls and resulting hiring delays, Burdess said there is no immediate timeline to replace Breckenridge. The chief said they will wait for direction from the newly-appointed city administrator Matt Muckler on hiring a replacement officer. Burdess will at that time make a decision on a patrol division leader.

A police officer is unique from other city positions, Burdess said. It can take up to nine months after an officer is hired to get him/her trained, on the street and active on their own. All officers in Iowa are required to go through the academy and 12 weeks of field training.

“We want the best people on the street and at a high level,” Burdess said.

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@newtondailynews.com