Editor’s note: This essay is part of “Stories from the Street,” a Police1 series featuring first-person reflections from officers across the country. These essays are about the lived experiences and moments that changed how officers think, lead and serve. If you have a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your story here.
By John Blenker
Eleven years ago, I wrapped up my career as a Patrol Deputy Sheriff, marking the end of a decades-long commitment to public service. Leaving a role that had defined my identity was both an emotional and transformative experience. For many law enforcement officers, retirement can feel like a loss of purpose and a sudden shift in identity — a transition that demands resilience, vision and the willingness to reinvent oneself.
During my time in law enforcement, I was fortunate to have opportunities that shaped who I am today — most notably, earning a Master Mariner’s license and serving in the Marine Patrol Unit. My passion for the outdoors and my love of the water remained a constant, even as I transitioned from marine patrol duties back to road work. I maintained my license, knowing one day I might leverage those skills in my next chapter. My vision was clear: retire in South Florida, where my family resided, and indulge in the fishing and boating adventures I had cherished since my youth. But even as I embarked on this new journey, I carried with me the values, skills and passions that had defined my law enforcement career.
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The heart of law enforcement: Service, community and problem-solving
Looking back, my most memorable positions were as a Field Training Officer (FTO). I spent over half my career mentoring new deputies, guiding them not just in tactical skills but in the importance of service-oriented policing. I believed deeply that policing was about solving problems and serving the community — an aspect that gave my work purpose and fulfillment.
The concept of service-oriented policing (SOP) was just emerging when I entered the field. I learned early on that building trust and rapport with community members was the key to effective law enforcement. Whether developing informants or resolving conflicts, the relationships I built on the beat carried long-term benefits. I stayed in contact with many of the community members I served, and those relationships became some of my greatest rewards. The job was more than enforcement; it was about becoming a problem solver, an integral part of my community.
Throughout my career, I also honed leadership and teaching skills, especially as a D.A.R.E. officer, School Resource Officer and FTO. These roles shaped my path, allowing me to influence and train future deputies, instilling core values that I hold dear. I had no desire for promotion into management; I found my fulfillment in doing the work I loved — serving the public directly, solving problems and making a difference on the front lines.
The toll of service: Physical and emotional challenges
Of course, law enforcement is not without its toll. Over the years, I faced physical injuries — two knee surgeries and persistent aches. The mental toll was equally profound. As much as I loved the job, law enforcement can be emotionally draining, exposing officers to trauma and stress. High blood pressure and other health issues prompted me to seek a service retirement at age 50 — an acknowledgment that my body and mind had given all they could.
Retirement often feels like a transition from one identity to another, and for me, it was no different. I was not ready for a complete break from service. Instead, I sought a new avenue to channel my passion, skills and love for the outdoors. I looked to my experience and my credentials — namely, my Master Mariner’s license — and envisioned a new career as a boat captain, sharing my outdoor passions with others. I am very thankful that my agency provided me with the ability and the means to obtain this licensing.
Charting a new course: From deputy to captain
When I retired at age 50, I was determined to make my next chapter meaningful. I transitioned from Deputy Sheriff to Boat Captain — an upgrade that symbolized both my experience and my dedication. My love for the outdoors, hunting and fishing had been a consistent part of my life from my teenage years through my senior years. Those passions fueled my desire to work on the water, not only for recreation but to create memorable experiences for others.
Initially, I worked briefly on a large tour boat as a captain. However, I quickly discovered that this environment lacked the personal touch I craved. Larger boats, while impressive, often create a more impersonal experience for guests. I believed that fostering genuine connections — building rapport and trust — was essential to creating memorable outdoor adventures.
So, I founded my own small charter boat company in the Tampa Bay area, operating from scratch. This decision was driven by the same principles that made me a successful law enforcement officer: perseverance, passion and a commitment to service. Starting a business is akin to solving a complex problem — one that requires patience, strategic planning and a passion for what you do.
Police work teaches us that service is a calling, not just a job. Whether guarding a community or guiding anglers on the water, the core values remain the same. A transition from badge to your life’s passion exemplifies that purpose and service.
I invite officers to see retirement as an opportunity to seek new adventures and new ways to serve. Take your career experience with you and find a fulfilling retirement career. This may very well ease the transition process from sworn to civilian life. This retirement career shouldn’t be based on profit, but on passion.
Finding what’s next
Finding what’s next doesn’t happen overnight. It takes reflection, honesty and a willingness to explore who you are beyond the badge. Start by thinking about what parts of the job gave you the most fulfillment — maybe it was mentoring new officers, working with kids, being outdoors, or solving problems no one else could. Those moments point the way forward.
The skills and discipline built over years of service are tools you can carry into anything you choose to do next. Whether it’s teaching, volunteering, building a business, or pursuing a lifelong passion, the key is to have a plan and a purpose before you hang up the uniform. For me, that next purpose happened to be on the water — creating memories, sharing my love of the outdoors and finding peace in a new kind of service.
About the author
John Blenker is a retired deputy sheriff who traded patrol duty for peaceful days on the water as a full-time inshore and nearshore fishing guide in the Tampa Bay area. A father of five and grandfather of two, he now runs Five O’Clock Charlie Tours, helping others experience the calm and connection he found after leaving law enforcement. A seasoned law enforcement professional and U.S. Coast Guard–licensed captain, John seeks to contribute his maritime and public safety expertise to professional publications and collaborative projects within the law enforcement and marine operations community.
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