Community's Heartfelt Farewell As Longtime Police Officer Retires

SOUTHOLD, NY — The community bid farewell to a longtime, beloved member of the Southold Town Police force last week, as Police Officer Richard Jernick Jr. retired after a career that spanned 31 years of dedicated service.

His loved ones, fellow police officers and community members gathered last week for his final "walk-out," a time-honored tradition as Jernick left the police station for the last time in uniform.

In a heartfelt message on social media, Jernick wrote: "Today is my last day in over 31 years wearing a police uniform."

During that time, he said, he worked for the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety, the Horry County Police Department, the New York City Police Department, the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department, and his final destination, the Southold Town Police Department.

"I am humbled by the fact that I was recognized by three of the above departments as their police officer of the year for my service," one of those being the Southold Town Police Department, he said.

"During my 31 plus years I worked alongside some of the finest men and women to wear a badge. God bless each and everyone, stay safe, healthy, and have a long, remarkable career. I also want to remember three of my colleagues from Horry County and Myrtle Beach who were murdered in the line of duty. I had the distinct of honor of knowing all three of them. Cpl. Dennis Lyden, Lt. Randy Gerald and P.O. Joe McGarry. May God continue to bless you and your families," he said.

Jernick had a message for the communities he so faithfully served. "I hope that I had a positive impact and please support the men and women who still put the uniform each day to serve you. More than ever they need your support," he said.

He also opened his heart and thanked his family, who mean everything.

"To my parents: Thanks for all you have done and continue to do for me and my family. I hope I made you proud thus far," Jernick said. "To my son Richard, I am proud of the person you have grown to be. You have blessed me with a beautiful daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandsons. Stay safe and have a long healthy career. Thomas Jay, let's just say that you say more without saying a word and teach everyone the true meaning of love. And to my wife Tara, it has been a wild and crazy ride. We have survived through some very tough times and I can't thank you enough for standing by me. I know that I put my career in front of my family on numerous occasions and you always made the best of it. Love ya."

(Patch courtesy photo)

After the ceremony, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell reflected on Jernick's retirement: "It is always a shame when someone with such skill and professionalism leaves the town. However, that's being selfish of me. I wish him all the best in retirement."

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley reflected on Jernick's dedication. "Rich Jernick Jr. has always been a pleasure to work with because of his calming demeanor with members of the public and his understanding of problems and scenarios presented to him while performing his role as a police officer," he said. "Rich brought a wealth of experience with him when we hired him from his previous law enforcement jobs in South Carolina and in the New York metropolitan areas. Residents of the North Fork definitely benefited from Rich’s work experience and years spent as a Southold Town police officer. He will be missed by our department but am very happy to see him looking forward to retirement and spending more time with his family."

Jernick's colleague Holly Weingart added: "He was a pleasure to work with and will be missed. Rich always had a smile on his face, was very calm and compassionate."

Jernick's son Richard also spoke about his father on social media. "So the guys at work may have seen a couple tears running down my face yesterday but I'd like to explain. The man that I've looked up to my entire life, that I've seen various uniforms in my 31 years, and have worked along side for the last 10, whose always been there to help guide and support me, retired yesterday. Yesterday was the last time that I'll see him wear a police uniform. As much as I'm sad I'm also excited for him to start this new chapter in his life. Congrats Dad. I love you."