This time, it's for keeps

COEUR d’ALENE — Sharron Barkley retired from the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office in 2008. Three months later, she was back.

“I wasn’t ready to retire,” she said.

Ed Jacobs retired from the KCSO in 2012. He, too, was gone for three months when he returned.

“The captain called and asked if I could come back,” Jacobs said.

The second retirements for both were celebrated Monday, and this time, it’s for keeps.

“I’m old enough now. I’m not going to come back,” Barkley said.

“I’m done this time,” Jacobs said.

Between them, they had 75 years with the KCSO, which is invaluable experience, said Sheriff Bob Norris.

“How can that be when you’re only 35?” he asked Barkley with a laugh.

“Would you do it all over again?” he asked Jacobs.

“Yes, I would,” Jacobs responded.

Norris described both as positive and energetic, the kind of people who never say no and will get any job done.

“We are honored to have them,” Norris said.

Deputy Nick Franssen, KCSO Employees Association president, thanked them for their leadership and service.

“The mentoring I got from you is well appreciated,” he said.

Jacobs was 20 years old when he started with the KCSO in 1982 after working for the Rathdrum Police Department. Over the next four decades, he would take on roles in communications, patrol and jail.

Jacobs said he most enjoyed meeting people, whether on the KCSO staff or behind bars.

“One thing you have to remember is inmates are people too,” the 61-year-old said. “They did something wrong but treat them like people and you won’t have any issues.”

Jacobs said he will miss the camaraderie, but when asked by Norris if he might change his mind about retirement, he laughed and said, “That would be up to my wife.”

Barkley served 33 years with KCSO, working as a control room operator, clerk, deputy and in other areas.

“Just about everything,” the 79-year-old said.

She signed on with the KCSO after moving to North Idaho from California and seeing an advertisement in the newspaper. 

“I thought I’d give it a try,” Barkley said.

She’s glad she did, calling it a fulfilling, fun career.

“I loved being a deputy,” Barkley said “Not only did you deal with inmates, but you could help them as well. That gave me great satisfaction.”

Kootenai County Prosecuting Attorney Stanley Mortensen said many, including himself, called Jacobs for advice over the years.

“We’re losing a lot of institutional knowledge,” he said.

He told a story of one inmate he described as skinny and squirrelly who would chant in his cell. 

“I swear he would summon power from somewhere because he had superhuman strength,” Mortensen said.

Many deputies tried to deal with the inmate to no avail, so Jacobs always got the call. 

“Give Ed the shield and let him go in first,” Mortensen said as he recounted the situation.

Jacobs would pin the inmate to the wall while others then grabbed his wrists and ankles so he could be shackled.

“We’re going to have to find somebody new to give the shield to send in first,” Mortensen said.

Jacobs smiled and shook his head.

“Now it’s the young ones that get to do that job,” he said. “Not us old-timers.”

Barkley assured the crowd of about 50 people at their party that they would stay retired this time.

“We’re done,” she said.

    Kootenai County Sheriff's Office retirees Ed Jacobs and Sharron Barkley cut the cake during their retirement celebration Monday.
  

    Ed Jacobs gives Sharron Barkley a hug during their retirement celebration Monday at the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.