A Local Cop’s 38-Year Journey Ends with Memories and Laughs

Coleene Berry spent nearly four decades working for the Boulder Police Department, starting in the records unit with tools like Dictaphones and adding machines. She moved through different roles over the years, from administrative work in patrol and traffic to her final position as a Patrol Services Coordinator. Her career spanned a time when technology transformed law enforcement, from basic tools to modern gadgets like drones. Berry retired this spring and received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions. She grew up in Lafayette and later settled in Erie, but always considered Boulder County home. Berry didn’t plan to join law enforcement—she just needed a job in the area after her old workplace moved to Denver. A data entry role at the department led to a lifelong career. Among her many jobs, she enjoyed her last one the most because it let her interact with officers, event organizers, and community members every day.Technology wasn’t the only thing that changed during her time. Boulder itself evolved, growing more crowded while still keeping its small-town feel. Berry’s favorite memories weren’t just about big events—they were the little things, like organizing officers’ mailboxes by height for convenience. She joked about the phrase “alphabetical by height, ” a system she used to make sure no one had to stretch for their mail. In retirement, she’s looking forward to sleeping in, but she’ll miss the people most. Her coworkers became more than colleagues—they became family. She’s also proud of the connections she built with other agencies and city departments over the years.