KRALENDIJK - On Thursday afternoon, police officer Ronald Schleper officially bid farewell to the Caribbean Netherlands Police Force (KPCN) on Bonaire. Schleper, who has served nearly thirty years on the island and will soon retire, was honored during a gathering at Plasa Niki Tromp.
The farewell gathering was attended by island council members James Kroon and Benito Dirks, among others, as well as Chief of Police Alwyn Braaf, who personally came to bid farewell to the valued officer.
Schleper took the floor himself and expressed his gratitude to all attendees and colleagues. He thanked those he had worked with over the years and the Bonaire community for their support and trust during his service.
Ronald Schleper was particularly known on the island as the familiar face on the bicycle: approachable, visible, and always ready to engage in conversation. Throughout his career, he witnessed Bonaire’s transformation and his involvement with the community grew. Many island residents know him not only as an officer, but also as a fan of football club Ajax.
During his farewell, attendees expressed their appreciation for his dedication and involvement with the local community. The gathering provided family, friends, and neighbors the opportunity to personally bid farewell and thank Schleper for his years of commitment to safety and livability on Bonaire.
In December, Schleper took farewell from the Saba Police Force, marked by a farewell moment and a gift presented by Governor Johnson.
Schleper will be leaving Bonaire soon. Since the retirement age in the European Netherlands is 67, he will first work for another two years as a police officer in Scheveningen.
