A former local police chief, martial arts instructor, and dedicated member of the community has passed away.

Bob Heuer died on Friday at the age of 71. Heuer had a long career in law enforcement, beginning as a reserve deputy for the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office. He was later hired as a patrol officer for the Kalama Police Department in 1992. In 2001, he became chief of the Castle Rock Police Department, a position he held until his retirement in 2017.

Heuer also had a storied life in martial arts. For more than 40 years, he was involved in Kajukenbo, eventually earning the rank of senior grandmaster—one of the highest honors in the discipline. He ran a local martial arts school for many years, teaching and mentoring students throughout the area.

A Kelso High School graduate, Heuer was also active in local pool leagues as a younger man.