By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Growing up, Charles Orth intended to pursue music as a profession, but
after 40-plus years in law enforcement, Orth is retiring as the Larned Police
Chief this week.
Born in Oakley, Kansas but growing up mostly in Junction City, both of Orth’s
parents were music teachers. Former Great Bend High School band director Joe
Boley is Orth’s uncle. Another uncle, Jimmy Maxwell, played the trumpet
professionally and spent time as the lead trumpet for the Glenn Miller Band. It
made sense that Orth wanted to be a performer.
“I was talking to my uncle (Maxwell) my junior year of high school,” said Orth.
“He knew I was interested in going into music and he talked me out of it. He
said living out of a suitcase and travelling was hard on him. He didn’t suggest
that I make music as my living. It was probably some good advice.”
Once ruling out music as a profession, Orth knew law enforcement was his next
passion.
“I wanted to make a difference with law enforcement,” said Orth. “I have no
regrets for choosing this line of work. It can be frustrating, but it’s also
very rewarding. It has served me and my family well.”
Orth went to school at Wichita State University for a couple of years and was
hired by WSU as a part-time police officer in 1976. He became a full-time
police officer on his 21st birthday in 1977. Former Great Bend
Police Chief Hank Salmans then hired Orth in 1978.
“I kind of worked my way up through the ranks in Great Bend to Detective
Sergeant,” said Orth. “When Jim Daily was looking for an undersheriff with the
Barton County Sheriff’s Office, I served with him for five years beginning in
1989.
In December 1993, Orth accepted the job as Chief of Police in Larned. After
nearly 30 years with Larned, Orth’s last official day before his retirement is
Friday, June 16.
“You kind of know, especially in this line of work...it’s nice to be able to go
out on my own terms,” said Orth. “I’m proud I’ve been in law enforcement for 45
years total. I have no regrets and I’ve loved the people that I’ve worked with.”
Orth thanked all the administrators that hired him along his career.
“I’ll miss the comradery, but the job does take a toll on you emotionally and
physically after a while,” said Orth. “I was 37 when I came to Larned. Now I’m 67,
and it’s a lot different going into heavy calls. It’s a working chief’s
position in Larned, and I’m ready to retire and pass it on to someone a little
bit younger than I am.”
Current Larned Police Department Captain Lance Duft will take over as Police
Chief on June 17.
“I felt good about the hire because the city decided to promote within the
department,” said Orth. “That told me they (the city) weren't dissatisfied with
the department and the direction it was going. I think we have a really good
crew.”
Starting this weekend, Orth can pick up his saxophone more often. Who knows, maybe he will rethink that musical career.