Congratulations! I hope the stress level dropped like it did for me.

When a good man leaves the “job” and retires to a better life, many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, wonder. We wonder if he [she] knows what they are leaving behind, because we already know. We know for example that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, it will remain as a longing for those past times. We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the uniforms are hung up in the back of the closet. We know even if he throws them away, they will be on him with every step and breathe that remains in his frame. We also know how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart still is.

These are the burdens of the job. You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from the life. You are only escaping the “job” and we are merely allowing you to leave “active” duty.

So what I wish for you is that whenever you ease into retirement, in your heart you never forget for one moment that “Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called children of God,” and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.

Good luck
Spunk

Congrats! Enjoy your new beginning.

Good for you, and doing something because you want to is the way to go!

I'm six weeks from my proposed last day in the office, then on terminal leave with retirement later this year. 40 years in state service is enough.

Congratulations

quote:

Originally posted by snoris:
My last day was this past Friday.

Although I still feel 50, the planets have now aligned ("magic number" of 75 combining age 65 plus 10 years of service) so I can retire from my current law enforcement agency. It turns out that with my pension, Social Security, and other retirement plans from companies in the private sector kicking in, I'll be making almost as much retired as I was when I was working.

I'm going back to Dallas PD, where I spent 23 years in the reserve unit, and go back and work three or four days a month (all volunteer) to keep my certification and help out. I might work the streets a little, but would like to work an investigative division, too.

My wife and I are healthy and going to travel and do all of the stuff we couldn't while I was working. We might slow down a little in 20 years or so!

Congratulations! I hope you and your wife are able to do all that travel you've been putting off.

You mentioned Dallas PD--are you talking Dallas, TX? Do you live in the area?

I spent 20 years USAF and retired in 1980. Then 24 years with TI and retired in Jan 2005, but they kept me on as a Consultant for 2 more years, ending in Dec 2006.

Thank you for your service.

flashguy

quote:

You will still look at people suspiciously, still see what others do not see or choose to ignore and always will look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a respect for what they do; only grown in a lifetime of knowing. Never think for one moment you are escaping from the life. You are only escaping the “job” and we are merely allowing you to leave “active” duty.

The same issues I still have after 17 years retired. Also, I'm never comfortable walking in public with a stranger following close behind me. I must stop and let that person pass by me.

Congratulations and thank you for your service to your community and to our country.

I’ll join you in about 5 1/2 years from my second 20 year career.

I wish you a very long and happy retirement!

I have six years left. I pray that I make it!!