Dad's Retirement

This week the craziness continued as we celebrated Dad's retirement from the Great Falls Police Department. He served for 24 hours, beginning just before my 4th birthday. Throughout his career he worked in patrol, as a field training officer, as a DARE education officer, as a sex crimes detective, as the swing shift sergeant, as the training sergeant, and as the public information officer, He also served as the treasurer for the Great Falls Police Association. He was also awarded a Medal of Honor for pushing another officer out of the way when he was threatened by a suicidal man. We're incredibly proud of his service to his community, and excited for him as he transitions into a full time professorship at the University of Great Falls.

We started off the celebration with a formal ceremony at the police station. Jack Allen and Chief Dave Bowen spoke very kindly of dad and his service over these years. After that, we all ate cake. Pretty typical government ceremony.

Later that night, the police association hosted his party at Elks' Riverside Park, and the turnout was great. Traditionally, these parties are held at a sports bar, but dad wanted a family friendly atmosphere. I think everyone really appreciated the tone of the party, and it was just another way my dad shows his discipleship. More speeches were given, including one from my mom, who teased him a little about wrecking two police cars throughout his career- one by hitting a stop sign and one by hitting a deer. All in all, everyone had a great time.

The partying continued the next day when my parents hosted a party at their house for their friends. Unlike the night before, the food was awesome. All parties should be hosted by Mormon women. We should seriously make that a rule. Most of dad's friends from church came, and I hope he felt supported in his decisions. I know he's going to really enjoy teaching full time in these coming years. He's an awesome instructor, and UGF is lucky to have him.