Menu
33 years behind the badge
Sgt. James T. Patterson, was honored Friday night following his retirement last week after 33 years of service with the Mountain Home Police Department.
A going away party, held at the American Legion hall, was filled with Patterson's family members, including his wife, Nina, his sons, Patrick and Brady, as well as several other relatives.
Mountain Home Police Chief John Walter served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
Walter took time to welcome the distinguished guests in the audience, including Mountain Home Mayor Tom Rist, Fire Chief Phil Gridley and representatives from the Republic of Singapore air force.
Walter assured the audience that if they had stories about Patterson to go ahead and tell them without repercussion because, "He's no longer an active police officer."
Walter spoke about how Patterson was always on time and how he reminded him of his father's motto: "Late is on time and on time is late."
Walter presented Patterson with a traditional shadowbox that consisted of his issued service weapon, nameplate, badge and department patch.
Walter's presentation was followed by Lt. Jesse Cobos, who presented Patterson with his credentials and a Cabela's gift card.
As the presentations concluded, Walter began to roast Patterson on what was going on the world in 1976, when Patterson began his tenure with the department.
Walter noted that several staff members of city hall and of the police department weren't even born in 1976.
Patterson said he was overwhelmed during the festivities. "This is very impressive. I didn't anticipate this. I want to thank everybody, this is really nice. Thirty-three years. I wouldn't trade one day of it. There were ups and downs and probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make was to retire," said Patterson.
The event concluded with several of the guests sharing their most memorable stories of Patterson.
See the Mountain Home News for the complete story.
More photo's available in the Mountain Home News Photo Gallery