Four recent retirees from the Wabash Police Department were honored Monday, Sept. 12, at the Wabash City Council meeting. Mayor Scott Long presented plaques to Steve Gatchel, Jim Kirk and Ryan Short for their service to the department.
Long said that he learned many things from the retirees when he joined the department. He also noted that with their retirement, the department lost nearly 100 years of police experience.
“They served the city well,” he said. “And I wanted to recognize with this award their service to the city.”
Kirk is now the North Manchester police chief, while Short has joined the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department. Gatchel has joined the Wabash County Probation Department.
Following the presentation to the trio, Council President Bryan Dillon surprised Long with a plaque of his own.
Long retired last year after winning the November mayoral election.
For more details, see the Sept. 21 edition of The Paper of Wabash County.