Bokchito police officers Dakota Reese and Ryan Walker were promoted to sergeant last week during a ceremony at city hall.
Shane Guhl, Bokchito police chief, said the town is growing and calls have increased.
“As our department continues to grow and adapt to the needs of Bokchito, having strong leadership on the front lines is critical,” Guhl said. “These promotions are wellearned. Both officers have proven their skills, calm demeanor under pressure, and commitment to justice. They represent the very best of law enforcement and I look forward to seeing their continued impact in these new roles.”
Guhl said both officers are experienced and that they went through a rigorous selection process, taking a national first line supervisor written examination, completed an oral interview board and testing on policy.
Walker has been with Bokchito Police since 2022 and has law enforcement experience prior to that and Reese has been with the department just this year, but he also has prior law enforcement experience, according S10
to Guhl.
Guhl said the police department has seven full-time and two part-time officers. One full-time officer is a school resource officer (SRO) and one of the parttime officers is an SRO.
Speaking during the ceremony, Guhl said the promotions represent a milestone for the department and the community by promoting two of the department’s finest patrol officers to sergeant.
“In a close-knit town like ours, serving as a police officer isn’t just about patrolling the streets, it’s about protecting our friends, protecting our neighbors and our families,” Guhl said. “Our department is small, which means we rely heavily on dedication, integrity and judgment of every single person wearing this badge.
“As patrol officers, Ryan Walker and Dakota Reese have proven exactly what it means to show up for this community day in and day out. They have demonstrated the kind of bravery, empathy, and levelheadedness that this profession demands. They’ve earned the respect of their fellow officers but more importantly, they’ve earned the respect and trust of the people of Bokchito.”
Guhl said stepping into the rank of sergeant means a shift in responsibilities.
“You’re stepping up to guide, to mentor and to protect the officers working under your command,” Guhl said. “Leadership isn’t about wearing the extra stripes or giving orders. It’s about being the first to step in the line of fire, making tough decisions in split seconds and always leading by example. I chose both of you for this promotion because I know you have a heart, the grit and the character to handle the weight of this responsibility.
“I have full faith that you will lead our patrol shifts with honor and that you will always hold yourselves and our department to the highest standard. To the families here today, I want to thank you. We know that police work takes a toll on your loved ones, and your unwavering support is what allows them to do this job effectively. We couldn’t do this without you.”
