Here are a few thoughts I've collected over the years of knowing a great many retired officers who are incredibly happy and successful after they've shelved the uniform, returned to civilian ranks, and done amazing things as "regular people" after leaving active-duty.
A detective with the Warren (RI) Police Department who suffered a staph infection in 1998 and has been on paid medical leave ever since has reportedly retired.
An officer retiring from the Quincy (MA) Police Department received a standing ovation from his now-former colleagues as he walked out of the agency's headquarters building.
An officer with the San Diego Police Department who is preparing to retire from nearly two decades of service to her community was given the opportunity this week to add an unusual garment to her duty uniform—the "caddy bib" for none other than PGA legend Tiger Woods.
Officer James Zegar served more than a quarter century in law enforcement.
Officers in Oaxaca, Mexico often retire in their 80s or even 90s because they cannot afford to live off the miniscule pensions the government provides.
A federal law enforcement officer chose to retire after he reportedly failed a drug test after using a cannabidiol (CBD) product to relieve severe lower back pain.
A K-9 and his handler retired simultaneously from the Vineland (NJ) Police Department on Sunday.
An officer with the Vermillion (OH) Police Department made his final radio call Monday morning and in his prepared remarks "handed the family torch over to Unit 450," his son.
An NYPD deputy chief fatally shot himself while sitting in an unmarked patrol car Wednesday, just weeks before his scheduled mandatory retirement.