43-Year Veteran Says Goodbye to Glendale PD

The following article was provided by the Glendale Police Department.

After more than 43 years of service to the City of Glendale, Captain Gary Woepke has announced his retirement effective May 1. Woepke is the longest serving employee the City of Glendale has had in its 100-year history.

Woepke joined the Glendale Police Department on March 16, 1969, after serving his country in the U.S. Army. He was promoted to Sergeant on September 15, 1971, to Lieutenant on December 31, 1990, and to Assistant Chief on July 1, 2000.

During his 43 years of service, Woepke has distinguished himself in the law enforcement community as a dedicated law enforcement professional committed to the highest ideals of the profession.

He has shown a special commitment in the areas of traffic safety, code enforcement, and community policing in general and has, for many years, provided key leadership in day-to-day operations of the Department. His extraordinary work ethic, cooperative approach to problem solving and multi-faceted service to the community are a model to young police officers who have looked to Woepke for guidance and mentoring. He has received numerous internal city awards and recognitions, and was recognized as the Police Department Employee of the Year by the Kirkwood American Legion on April 5, 2012. 

Captain Woepke holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Justice from Maryville University and a Masters’ Degrees in Criminal Justice Administration and Public Administration from Webster University.  He is also a graduate of the 183^rd Session of the FBI National Academy. 

Captain Gary Woepke and his wife, Beth, have made Glendale their home for the past 42 years, where they raised their children, Chris, Steven, Jeff and Nick and now enjoy their grandchildren. He is known throughout the community as a devoted family man, public servant and avid golfer.

Woepke was recognized with a formal Resolution by the City’s Board of Aldermen at its meeting on April 16, for his dedication and years of service.

The City of Glendale is grateful to Captain Woepke for his many years of loyal service to his fellow citizens of Glendale and wish him the very best in his retirement.