author unknown
submitted by Tony Pinnisi, NYPD, retired
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.
