After 30 years with the Salina Police Department, Captain Paul Forrester has retired, with a ceremony held on Friday, June 16.
In a heartfelt tribute to Captain Forrester, Chief Wise expressed his admiration for the officer's dedication and regretted his departure. "We wish Forrester was staying around a little while longer," Chief Wise remarked. "I've made a deal with myself, that I won't ever beg a cop to stay. Whenever they know it's time I go, I just won't do that."
Chief Wise did recognize the immense value of Captain Forrester's leadership. "Some of the best supervision a supervisor can do will never be seen by their people," Chief Wise explained. "It's at meeting tables where they're taking care of their people, and that's what Forrester does. There are so many times that he's taken care of, just in this short time I've been here, all of his people to make sure they're treated fairly, and that says a lot. He's one of the guys that if people haven't gotten to work with him directly, they're not going to realize what they had until it's gone. Once he goes, people are going to miss him."
To honor Forrester's remarkable career, he was presented with a plaque commemorating the positions he held during his time as a Salina police officer. Additionally, the dispatch and records department purchased Forrester's firearm as a retirement gift, symbolizing his commitment and service.
During the retirement ceremony, Forrester took the opportunity to reflect on his 30-year journey on the force, highlighting his proud accomplishments with the Salina Police Department. Notably, in 2003, he introduced a sexual assault/nurse examiner/sexual assault response training to the department, a program that has since conducted over 2,000 exams in its 20-year existence. "30 years seems like a long time, but when you start reflecting on it, you realize it goes by quick," Forrester remarked humbly.
As a ceremonial send-off, Salina dispatch paid tribute to Captain Forrester.
"Salina dispatch to 460. Paul Forrester began his service to the Salina Police Department on May 1, 1993, and will complete his service on June 19, 2023, after 30 years of service. During his tenure, he served as a patrol officer, bike officer, master police officer, detective, lieutenant, and captain. Thank you for your dedication, loyalty, and service to the Salina Police Department, citizens of Salina, and Saline County, Kansas. You have made us all better with your respect and compassion for others. Congratulations, Paul, and thank you to you and your family, on your well-deserved retirement."
