Officers Bid the BHPD Farewell

Eleven retiring members of the were honored during a flag ceremony Wednesday for serving more than 350 years combined on the city’s force. 

“I’m sad I won’t be seeing the same people every day,” Det. James Greene said. “It’s been like a family for 29 years.”

A 33-year BHPD veteran, Motor Officer Thomas Gates has spent 27 of those with the city’s traffic unit. 

“The department has treated us with such respect,” Gates said. “I started at 19 as a cadet and then made it to the motor squad. It’s been a good ride.” 

Det. Sgt. Michael Corren has the longest tenure of any sergeant in the city’s detective bureau at 26 years. He started with the BHPD as a jailer in 1975. 

“The police department has been my family and life for 36 years,” Corren said. 

Tears were shed and hugs were given as younger officers said goodbye to their mentors:

• Capt. Edward Kreins—Investigative Services Division, 31 years
• Det. Sgt. Michael Corren—Detectives, 36 years
• Sgt. Richard Knudsen—Special Projects, 33 years
• Sgt. David Perez—Special Tactics Unit, 28 years
• Det. Albert Lightfoot—Detectives, 38 years
• Motor Officer Paul Kramer—Traffic, 35 years
• Officer Ronald Derderian—Special Projects, 35 years
• Det. Russell Sharp—Detectives, 33 years
• Motor Officer Thomas Gates—Traffic, 33 years
• Officer Andrew Serrao—Special Projects, 29 years
• Det. James Greene—Detectives, 29 years

“How many years have these men been here? Add that up,” Police Chief David Snowden said. “That’s the number of years of knowledge, experience and brain trust that the force is losing.” 

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