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Early in its meeting Tuesday, in front of a room packed with family, friends and co-workers, the Mower County Board of Commissioners recognized Mower County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Bruce Hemann.

Hemann is retiring after 23 years with the Sheriff’s Office and 32 years total of law enforcement service, which includes time in Iowa.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office were on hand for the ceremony as well as those from the Austin Police Department, and the Mower County Attorney’s Office.

“I’ve had the luxury of working with Bruce for 11 years in investigations,” said Pete Hillman. “He’s been a mentor to me and pretty much everybody in the department. We had a lot of fun together and he will be missed.”

It was a sentiment that was shared by members of APD.

“There’s not a whole lot I can say that isn’t said by the amount of people in this room,” APD Police Chief David McKichan said, adding that they both spent time working together in uniform. “Bruce has been a great partner to work with.”

“He’s just a joy to be around,” said Steve King, director of Mower County Corrections. “Bruce really brought that professionalism everywhere we went.”

On the other side of Hemann’s work relationships, Mower County Assistant Attorney Megan Burroughs said that working with Hemann through the years has been both a professional pleasure as well as that of a friend.

“The County Attorney’s Office, obviously we will miss you,” Burroughs said. “It’s those small connections that are so greatly appreciated from our office.”

“I know firsthand the commitment you’ve had for your case load,” she continued. “Everybody owes you a debt of gratitude.”

For his part, Hemann said he has enjoyed his time in law enforcement and the opportunity to work with those people in both agencies. As part of that was the opportunity to be a mentor to other officers.

“I hope I have accomplished that in my 32 years,” he said. “The friendships I’ve had over the years have been invaluable.”