How do I say good-bye after a lifetime of serving as a law enforcement officer in Greeley?

First, let me say it has been my privilege to both lead and serve with the men and women of the Greeley Police Department. It has been a special honor to finish my career as Greeley's Police Chief.

As a 22-year-old police recruit, I could have never dreamed of all the fun, satisfying, challenging, crazy, dangerous and sometimes heart wrenching experiences that I would be a part of. I especially never dreamed of becoming the police chief of the department and city that I have loved for so many years.

In 2018, I was appointed to the position of Chief and my intentions were to serve for a minimum of 5 years.  Obviously, I did not know the future, nor how our country and state would be tossed into turmoil with anti-police sentiment and COVID.

These events and a number of others, both professionally and personally, have led to my decision to retire. I want the citizens of Greeley to know this is my choice and that I will forever be grateful for my opportunity to serve you as a police officer and end my career as the Police Chief.

It has not always been easy, but nothing truly rewarding ever is. The bottom line is it is time for me to end an almost 35-year law enforcement career and move on to my next adventure.

If I can ask one thing of this community, it would be to please continue to show your support for our police, with your thank yous, kind words and prayers. In these difficult times, it truly does impact our ability to both hire and retain the best men and women in this complex and difficult career.

I used the word continue because the citizens of Greeley as a whole have been outstanding in their show of support for our police department over the past several years. It has been so appreciated by the men and women who serve.

Lately I have been telling people that being a police officer has always been a difficult job but never as difficult as now. As I exit law enforcement, I want to help educate you on changes that are important to know as you interact with police in the future.

There have been many changes placed upon law enforcement in this state. Through new laws, court rulings, prison reform, parole and probation limitations, and many other factors, police cannot do many of the things we have in the past. So please don't immediately blame the police when they don't physically arrest someone or tell you they cannot act in certain situations.

Times have changed and police are prevented from doing many of the things that citizens have grown accustomed to in the past.  Serious and violent crime is on the rise in the country, in this state and unfortunately in our community.

In my opinion, this is at least partially a result of limitations and liabilities placed on our law enforcement officers along with the changes in prison time served, parole, probation and the overall lack of people being held accountable for their behavior. I am aware that not everyone would agree with me, but this is my opinion based on 35 years in law enforcement.

As I walk out the door, I want to assure you that the Greeley Police Department has strong leaders in place and the best men and women in blue. They have a strong desire to serve and protect this great city.

You are in good hands.

If you ever make it to the Lake of the Ozarks you will find me golfing, fishing, hunting or just sitting on my new dock satisfied that I committed 35 years to this great profession and did it with integrity, honor, and a conscious effort to do the right thing in all circumstances.

To the men and women of GPD stay safe and you will always be in my heart.

— Mark Jones is chief of the Greeley Police Department. His last day on the job is September 11.