A fond farewell for retiring officers

Marion Police Department holds ceremony for Burns, Tankersley

It’s always bittersweet seeing a co-worker go off into retirement, and when it’s a retirement times two, it’s doubly so.

But such was the case last Friday when the Marion Police Department bid adieu to not one but two members of its force.

Friends, family, co-workers and city officials gathered in the conference room of the newly-expanded Marion Police Department to honor and thank Assistant Chief of Police Dennis Burns and Corporal Howard Tankersley for their time and service to the Marion Police Department and the community.

“Dennis has been here, well, forever,” said Marion Police Chief Gary Kelley. “At least it seems like we’ve been working together that long.”

It has been a long time. Burns’ retirement comes after 21 years of service to the MPD, including the last six as Assistant Police Chief.

Marion Mayor Frank Fogleman presented Burns with a plaque marking the occasion, reading an inscription from it.

“In recognition of a distinguished 21-year career with the Marion Police Department,” said the mayor. “Through your distinction and devotion you have contributed immeasurably to the level of high standards of the Marion Police Department.”

Fogleman offered similar

See OFFICERS, page A3

Marion Mayor Frank Fogleman presents Assistant Chief Dennis Burns a plaque in honor of his retirement from the Marion Police Department. Burns served with the MPD for more than two decades.

Photos by Ralph Hardin

Cpl. Howard Tankersley is all smiles holding up his commemorative plaque as Chief Gary Kelley and Mayor Frank Fogleman offer a round of congratulatory applause during Friday’s retirement ceremony.

From page A1

kudos to Tankersley, but not before the chief had a little fun with his retiring corporal.

“Tank really has been doing this forever,” quipped Kelley. “How many retirements does this make for you?”

“I think this one will be number ten,” said Tankersley as he accepted his plaque from Mayor Fogleman.

“Here, you can add this one to your collection,” said the mayor before reading from the placard.

“On behalf of your fellow ofcers and the citizens of Marion, we are happy to present this award in honor of your retirement. The members of the Marion Police Department extend to you their deepest gratitude for your years of service and extend best wishes to you in the future.”

Burns and Tankersley were both presented with their service pistols by Chief Kelley.

“You are proudly hereby recognized as lifetime honorary members of the Marion Police Department,” he told the pair.

Mayor Fogleman closed the presentation with a word of Scripture.

“Matthew 5:9 says, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Before the cutting of the retirement cake, Burns and Tankersley received a special message from the Dispatch Unit, giving the two a chance to ofcially sign off duty for the last time.

When asked what his plans for retirement were, Burns said, “I hope to nd myself in a boat a lot.”

Tankersley was asked if this latest retirement meant he was “really retired this time.”

“I think this one will stick,” he said.

Asked what he had planned, Tankersley said, “I guess I’ll have to nd something to do. I’ll talk to the chief. Maybe I can just work part-time …”