Rockwall Police Department Honors Longest Serving Officer

(ROCKWALL, TX — October 31, 2018) The Rockwall Police Department celebrated the retirement of the longest tenured officer in its history with a ceremony at the Center yesterday. The event marked the official retirement of Sergeant Jeff Welch, who spent 35 years on the force in Rockwall.

“Being a part of the police department family is the best job in the world to have,” Welch said. “In Rockwall, our officers enjoy a strong supporting community. The City of Rockwall and the Rockwall Police Department have been very good to me over the past 35 years.”

Welch began his 39-year law enforcement career with the Melissa Police Department and then with the Collin County Sheriff’s Department. He joined the Rockwall Police Department in 1983 as one of only 10 total officers making up the force at that time. Welch served in nearly every capacity of the department in his 35-year tenure. He served as a school resource officer at Williams Middle School, control sergeant, and community service sergeant. Welch also played a big role in growing the department’s Citizens on Patrol program.

“Jeff, thank you so much for being the great officer and an example for all of us throughout your amazing career,” said Rockwall City Manager Rick Crowley. “What a wonderful mark you have left on our police department and our city.”

During the ceremony, Welch received an honorary plaque from the police department recognizing his service. Jason Ross with Congressman John Ratcliffe’s Office also presented Welch with an American flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Story and photos by Austin Wells, Blue Ribbon News.

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