Hans Bonhof from Zwinderen received the Silver Star of Coevorden this afternoon during his farewell reception. He received this award because of his years of service as a community police officer in Sleen. He is retiring after a career spanning almost 50 years.
“Someone like Hans who has been so helpful to our society for such a long time certainly deserves an exceptional token of appreciation. We at Coevorden are very proud of such special residents,” said Mayor Renze Bergsma.
Bonhof has been with the police since he was eighteen. About forty years ago he moved to Drenthe. Here he became district commander of the Nieuwlande and Geesbrug post. In recent years he has been active as a community police officer in the former municipalities of Zweeloo and Sleen.
In addition to his work on the street, Bonhof also published monthly police reports on the local website Sleen.nu. In this way he shared the news about what is happening in the area. He also regularly visited associations and the village hall to provide information about the work of the police.
Bonhof’s motivation has remained the same over the years: helping people. “A judgment is quickly given and then people are labeled. I always say: wait and see first. There is always something good in people.”
Bonhof also gave information annually at nine schools in the municipality of Coevorden. Here he informed the youth, among other things, about the use of alcohol. Dressed in uniform and equipped with handcuffs and pepper spray, he impressed the students with his story and explanation.
Bonhof turns 69 this year. Due to physical complaints, he will put on his uniform for the last time next Tuesday. He is just not able to complete the fifty years of service, but is at peace with that: “My involvement is great and it is therefore difficult to let go of police work. Acceptance has now really come. It has been great.”
Bonhof is the sixth resident of the municipality of Coevorden to receive the Silver Star. The award was previously presented to Folkert Sinnema (2017), Jan Zwiers (2020), Tom Egberink (2021), Joop Brink (2022) and the board of Stichting de Swaneburg (2023).