I can only imagine what was going through this officer's mind as he listened to a radio call congratulating him on his retirement.  I got choked up watching the video as it seemed like the perfect way to send off a proud man who gave his city - and his community - so much.

On the afternoon of Thursday October 29th at approximately 2:47 pm, a Saratoga Springs police sergeant sat in his patrol car as a call came over his radio from the dispatcher.  The man fidgeted somewhat nervously as the dispatcher announced that she had "some news" regarding Sergeant Dennis. The video was shared by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. 

The officer clicked his radio to communicate back to dispatch announcing that he was there and ready to receive the information.  "0-6 is on, go ahead," the officer said as he prepared himself for what was about to happen next.

The officer on the receiving end of that particular radio call was in fact Sergeant Robert Dennis, the man that dispatch would be speaking of for the next 45 seconds or so.

"It is with great pleasure that we are able to announce that after 30 years of dedicated service to the Saratoga Springs Police Department, and to the community of the city of Saratoga Springs, Sgt. Dennis will be retiring from the Saratoga Springs Police Department," the dispatch said.

The retiring Dennis, choking back emotion, listened intently to the radio call as the dispatcher continued, "Thank you for your hard work and dedication...you will be truly missed," she said.

Dennis stared straight ahead, listening intently as she concluded, "Sergeant Dennis, you are officially out of service...October 29th, 2020 at 1448."

After 30 years of service, Dennis reached for his radio, hesitated for a brief moment, and then responded on final time,  "0-6 copies...it's been an honor," he said.   "You're all doing good work, remember that.  I'll be 10-8."

10-8 in police lingo is a way of saying "I'll be in service, available for work" a fitting way to go out for a man who made himself available for 3 decades as he protected and served.

Congratulations to Sergeant Robert Dennis from the Saratoga Springs Police Department. Enjoy your retirement, sir and thank you for your service.

 

More From 107.7 WGNA