Tears, laughter fill PSU retirement ceremony
McMinnville’s Public Safety Unit said good-bye to three of its officers Wednesday. The ceremony came with tears and laughter.
Lierd Woodlee will be retiring after serving three years. His most memorable moment was when a woman drove straight through McMinnville before stopping and asking him where McMinnville was. She was trying to find Gribble’s Landing.
‘I tried to explain to her how to get to Sparta Street and how she could get to Gribble’s Landing from there,’ said Woodlee. ‘I could tell she was new to the area so I had her follow me. I remember her flashing her lights at me to let me know she would be fine.’
Bill Wanamaker will be retiring after two years. He recalls his first day on the job and what made becoming a PSU officer worthwhile.
‘I was scared when I first started,’ said Wanamaker. ‘I was scared when I directed my first funeral. Sometimes it can be difficult. I enjoyed walking the greenway and helping stranded motorists. I really enjoyed it.
Dearl Cole will be retiring after two years. He will miss the laughter he had while serving in the program as well as his fellow PSU officers.
‘My whole time was memorable,’ said Cole. ‘I liked being around these guys. I’ll miss being with them. We had fun together. I don’t think I gave the program as much as it gave me.’
The ceremony was attended by friends, family and spouses. Woodlee’s wife, Dorothy, commented on how much her husband liked being a Public Safety officer and how dedicated all the officers are to the program. Then, she jokingly added, ‘I think I should have paid the city for taking him off my hands for a while.’
Each retiring volunteer received a plaque for their dedicated service to the Public Safety Unit from the city of McMinnville. The plaques were presented by Mayor Royce Davenport, who thanked the men for their dedication, honesty and dependability.
As for his thoughts on retirement, comedian George Burns once said, ‘Retirement at 65 is ridiculous. When I was 65, I still had pimples.’ When Burns turned 87, he was asked what he would most appreciate getting and he replied, ‘A paternity suit.’
If anyone is interested in volunteering with the Public Safety Unit, contact McMinnville Police Department at 473-3808.