CHARLES SHELABARGER BIO

I have been a reserve officer for the Des Moines Police department since January of 2000.  I have always been interested in law enforcement.  After graduating high school I entered the U.S. Army 3 days later on June 5th 1972. I served nearly 11 years in the military. When I got out I tried out for the local PD in Bartonville Illinois. I had the highest point count but was passed over for the first female the department ever hired. I was a single parent with custody of three kids so, out of necessity, I looked elsewhere.
My career took a different turn when I got accepted into a training program for Business programmers.  I became a computer programmer with Caterpiller Tractor Company in Peoria Illinois.  Since then job opportunities have taken me from Peoria to Chicago, the Quad Cities and then here to Des Moines.  My interest in law enforcement never left me. When I was given the opportunity to become a reserve, I jumped at the chance and am very glad I did.  I love the fact that as a law enforcement officer I can have an immediate positive impact on people’s lives.  I do not get that in my other profession. I also enjoy putting the ‘bad-guys’ where they belong.
 
I am married to my wife Debra of 15 years and have an 8 year-old son with her named Jonathan.  He is smart, affectionate, very athletic and we are very proud of him.  He keeps us very busy. We live on the south-side of Des Moines.  I also have three grown children, Angela (33) married and mother to my two grandchildren, Chad (32) who is serving in Iraq, and Benjamin (30).  At the age of 43 I went back to college and earned a BA in Business Administration graduating Magna-Cum-Laude. I am active with the Cub Scouts, Masonic Lodge, church and am a member of the American Legion, VFW, Methodist Church and our local PTA.
 
We own a camper and spend a lot of time in the summer camping.  I am into Scuba and do that whenever possible.  I am also a fanatic about my lawn and try to keep it the best looking in the neighborhood.  My wife teases me about being a little obsessed.
 
I am thankful for the work that the ISRLOA has done in the past and hope to contribute to it’s future success and the benefit of all reserves in the state. If I can be of assistance, I can always be reached at either my home 515-287-4944 or on my cell at 515-689-9004.