Celebrating a Dedicated Career: Colorado Springs Police Sgt. Olav Chaney Approaching Retirement
For Sergeant Olav Chaney of the Colorado Springs Police Department, a childhood aspiration that persisted throughout his life is now nearing its conclusion as he prepares for retirement. After serving four years with the Army’s prestigious 82nd Airborne Division, Chaney faced numerous challenges on his path to becoming a police officer, including multiple attempts to pass the necessary assessments. “I tested five different times,” Chaney shared during an interview following Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade’s announcement during the annual State of the City address, where he revealed that Chaney would soon hang up his badge.
Getting into law enforcement was no easy feat for Chaney. His initial attempts in 1985 placed him in competition with 3,000 other candidates vying for just 20 positions. “It was tough competition. I’d test every year until they finally said yes,” he recalled. Inspired by his childhood favorite show, “The Blue Knight,” Chaney developed a deep desire to serve and protect his community.
A Career Marked by Service
Now, after nearly 35 years in law enforcement, Chaney finds the thought of leaving both bittersweet and challenging. “I’ll be 65 in November, and it’s hard for me to leave,” he remarked, expressing his enduring passion for the job. Throughout his tenure, he has held various significant roles within the Colorado Springs Police Department, serving as a:
- Street patrol officer
- Plain-clothes officer in the Investigative and Special Operations Bureau
- Member of the Patrol Impact Team
- Head of the Homeless Outreach Team since 2020
Additionally, Chaney has been actively involved in the Honor Guard since the early 1990s, taking pride in the work that honors fallen officers and their families. During the recent State of the City address, he represented the Honor Guard in full ceremonial uniform, further demonstrating his commitment to service.
A Legacy of Compassion and Leadership
Chaney’s career has been filled with both triumphs and heartbreaks, including the tragic loss of his partner, Detective Jared Jensen, who was killed in the line of duty. Despite the challenges, he has always aimed to reflect the values instilled in him by his father, a 22-year military veteran, focusing on serving others.
His ability to connect with people has been particularly evident during events like the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. Employing communication and de-escalation techniques, Chaney received a flower from a protester as a gesture of goodwill while working to maintain peace during a potentially volatile situation.
| Role | Year |
|---|---|
| Joined Colorado Springs Police Department | 1985 |
| Honor Guard Membership | 1992 |
| Head of Homeless Outreach Team | 2020 |
In his latest role, Chaney leads the Homeless Outreach Team, coordinating efforts to provide essential supplies to homeless individuals while also enforcing laws and engaging with the community. His work has not gone unnoticed; colleagues and community leaders alike have praised his compassionate leadership. “Sgt. Chaney is a strong and compassionate leader,” Beth Roalstad, executive director of Homeward Pikes Peak, remarked. “While we may have slightly different approaches, he’s always been respectful and seeks the best solutions for the homeless.”
Chaney’s impact extends beyond the career he has built. He is a devoted family man, sharing a blended family with his wife, Wendy, and their six children, who maintain a legacy of service as some work in law enforcement themselves. “We affectionately call ourselves The Chaney Bunch,” he said. Now, with 27 grandchildren, his family continues to grow.
As he prepares to retire in approximately three years, Chaney reflects on his career with a sense of fulfillment. “To me, this job is a calling and not just a job,” he noted, adding, “It’s making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s what I’m going to miss the most.”
