By Police1 Staff
ATMORE, Ala. — Sgt. Jimmy Jay, 75, is turning in his badge after more than 30 years with the Atmore Police Department.
Originally hired as the city’s “alleyman” in 1983, Jay walked the alleys and streets downtown because he didn’t have a police cruiser, according to WKRG. To this day, he still occassionally walks down the alleys to check on businesses.
Retirement wasn’t completely Jay’s decision; his family encouraged him to slow down so he could spend more time with them.
The thing he’ll miss most about the job are the people he has met during his legendary career.
“I know everybody, everybody knows me. We all get along good,” Jay told the publication. “That’s what I’ll miss the most. It was the hardest decision to make. I’m gonna miss it.”
Jay — who never had to draw or fire his weapon in his 33-year career — said if he gets bored in retirement, he might return as a part-time officer.
Although he is sad to be leaving the force, Jay is looking forward to spending time with his wife, eight children, and 29 grandchildren.