LAKEPORT, Calif. — Lakeport’s longtime police chief was celebrated by the Lakeport City Council, colleagues and community members on Tuesday night before formally handing over the reins to his successor.

After 35 years with the Lakeport Police Department — 14 of them as chief — Brad Rasmussen officially stepped into retirement on Tuesday during the Lakeport City Council meeting.

His successor will be department veteran Dale Stoebe, selected by City Manager Kevin Ingram this spring.

The standing room-only crowd that assembled for the meeting included dignitaries Sheriff Rob Howe, Undersheriff Luke Bingham — who also is Lake County’s sheriff-elect — along with Clearlake City Manager Alan Flora, Lt. Ryan Peterson and Lt. Martin Snyder of the Clearlake Police Department, retired Lake County Chief Deputy District Attorney Rich Hinchcliff, much of the Lakeport Police staff and Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall.

While he’s ending his law enforcement career, Rasmussen isn’t leaving public service. Rather, he’s about to embark on a new career: That of the District 4 representative on the Lake County Board of Supervisors. He’ll take that seat in January.

At the supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday morning, Rasmussen also was lauded for his service by his near-future colleagues with the presentation of a proclamation.

During the Tuesday night meeting, Councilwoman Stacey Mattina read a proclamation outlining Rasmussen’s decades of service, and recognizing his leadership that extended beyond law enforcement to address issues such as homelessness and mental health issues, and advocating for community-oriented policing.

He also led the department in securing its new police department facility on South Main Street, he established the city’s National Night Out event and has been active in service organizations.

Rasmussen said he was proud to have been part of a team promoting positive change. He found both challenges and rewards in the many roles he filled over the years.

He added that it was an incredible honor to serve the community, and was proud to contribute to safety and improvements in Lakeport.

Council members offered their thanks, with Mattina noting that, while she would like to say she would miss him, “I think we’re going to be working together a lot.”

Councilwoman Kim Costa highlighted Rasmussen’s gentle spirit and kindness, and his responsiveness.

Mayor Michael Froio said Rasmussen is a visible presence in the community, a great listener and always willing to step up.

Froio said Rasmussen was the best candidate for the District 4 supervisor seat and he expects Rasmussen to excel in that position.

During public comment, Rasmussen was praised by fellow Kiwanis Club member Dennis Rollins, who said Rasmussen brought the club good ideas for service that made both the club and the community better.

Hinchcliff recounted working with Rasmussen for nearly 30 years, noting his hard work, common sense and diligence.

Sheriff Kendall — who had attended the police academy with Rasmussen and Sheriff Howe — joked that Rasmussen’s body doesn’t produce adrenaline. As a result, he said Rasmussen is a good listener and problem solver who remains calm.

Rasmussen’s wife of 32 years, Karyn, showed two badges he had just given her as a gift to commemorate being both a chief’s wife and an officer’s wife.

The city has been their family, she said. Karyn Rasmussen’s family moved to the city in 1978 and her father, Arlin Pischke, was elected to the Lakeport City Council and served as mayor.

She recalled how she had worked at Sprouse-Reitz along with his mother. He came in a lot, and she thought he was visiting his mother, but it was really to see her.

In recounting their lives together, she said, “I cannot believe we are at retirement stage.”

She added, “Happy retirement, husband,” before he rose to give her a hug.

As his last official act, Rasmussen had the opportunity to administer the oath of office to Stoebe, who has been his second in command. As Rasmussen explained, it’s an unusual situation for the outgoing chief to be able to swear in his successor, because there is usually an interval of time between retirements and new hires.

He said he’s confident in Stoebe’s ability to move the department forward, and said the community is in good hands.

In his comments after taking the oath, Stoebe noted, “It’s an interesting turn of events to find myself here.”

He credited Rasmussen with being one of the biggest reasons he is now in the job. He thanked Rasmussen for his patience, wisdom and tough love. “You endured a lot in your time as chief.”

As part of the ceremony, Stoebe’s partner of nearly nine years, Kati Galvani, pinned on his new chief’s badge.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.