Tobin Takoda Bolter (1997-2024)
Deputy Tobin Bolter, 27, of Middleton, Idaho, passed away on 4/21/2024 as a result of a gunshot wound sustained in the line of duty the night prior.
Tobin was born January 17, 1997 in Walnut Creek, California to Steve and Cindy Bolter. As a little boy, Tobin was full of joy and decided he wanted to be a policeman. The thought of helping and protecting others, of running into danger to save someone else, made him so excited. As a student he worked hard in academics, was gifted in athletics and was recognized as being respectful, forgiving and having an infectious smile. He didn’t know what second place was, but his desire to succeed was motivated by a heart that understood who God was and sought to glorify Him in everything.
Tobin was an avid runner and was heavily involved in both cross country and track in high school and college. He was very focused and goal driven, as is evident by the fact that he graduated from The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, California in two and a half years while attending with an athletic scholarship. He then returned to the Bay Area and coached both cross country and track while attending the Police Academy.
Tobin met his wife, Abbey, in 8th grade at church, where they formed a strong friendship. They attended every high school event together as friends until Tobin asked Abbey’s father for permission to date Abbey his senior year. They began dating in 2014 and were married in 2018. Tobin and Abbey’s bond was a testament to the power of love and friendship, built on a foundation of their belief in God, mutual respect, and sacrificial commitment. Together, they exemplified the beauty of a life lived in service to both God and each other.
Tobin had a lifelong aspiration to be a law enforcement officer. In high school, Tobin was a police cadet at the Walnut Creek Police Department. After he graduated from college, Tobin immediately joined the police academy as a self-sponsored recruit. He started his career with the Pleasant Hill Police Department (CA) in 2017. Tobin was then hired at the Meridian Police Department in August of 2022, he and Abbey moved to Middleton, Idaho shortly thereafter. He finished his service with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office.
Tobin’s faith in Jesus Christ was evident in all he did. He found strength and wisdom in the truth of the Bible and depended on the power of prayer in both the triumphs and trials of life. He recognized his need for a savior as a young man and trusted in Christ’s forgiveness and redemption by repenting and committing to follow Jesus wherever that may lead. Tobin was an active and dedicated member of Compass Bible Church in Meridian and NorthCreek Church in Walnut Creek.
Tobin will be remembered for his smile, his kindness, his wisdom, his devotion to Abbey and his unwavering faith in Jesus. His legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. Though he now stands in the presence of The Lord, his example will live on in the hearts of those he touched in his life and even now, in his death.
Tobin is survived by his wife, Abbey; his unborn child; his parents, Steve and Cindy; his sister, Tessa (Bolter) Araujo; his in-laws, Benjie and Shelly Wells; and countless family and friends.
Tobin’s memorial service will be held on April 30th, 2024, at 3pm MST at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa, Idaho. The indoor service will be closed to the public. A livestream of the ceremony will be available online, at the Ford Idaho Center Outdoor Amphitheater and at NorthCreek Church in Walnut Creek, CA. The service will be officiated by Kent Dresdow.
“It is my eager expectation and hope that…Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is to gain.” Philippians1.20-21
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Prov 22:1
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.