Shimek Retiring From Schulenburg PD

Betty Shimek retired last week from the Schulenburg Police Department after 22 years of service as the department’s administrative assistant.

“What I’ve enjoyed the most is working with so many men and a few women, so many different personalities, I can’t even name them all,” Shimek said.

Shimek started with the police department on Oct. 1, 2000. Most folks in Schulenburg know her as the voice on the phone and the lady behind the counter at the police station. But her duties included a whole lot more than that. Shimek handles records management for the PD. That involves reporting crime statistics to state and national databases, maintaining the sex offender and ensuring cases are appropriately filed. She dispatches officers to respond to calls.

“She has been an important part of the department and the culture here,” said Schulenburg Police Chief Troy Brenek. “She’s been at the forefront of all the changes over the years – technology, all of that. We’re losing a mainstay.”

Shimek will stay with the department on a part-time basis to transition her successor. Brenek said he is currently reviewing applications for the job.

When asked what she plans to do in retirement, Shimek said, “I’m going to try to enjoy myself and do nothing.”