Over 80 Years of Yakima Police Service Retires
YAKIMA -- KIMA was there for the retirement of three Yakima Police Officers with a combined service of more than 80 years.
One of those hanging up his badge is Preston Brown, 72, who started his career later in life. He was 50 when he joined YPD, and spent most of his time as a patrol officer. And it sounds like he'll spend most of his retirement in an equally-active role.
"I've got a long list of things I'm ready to do. I've got a lot of miles out in front of my motorcycle that haven't been traveled yet. And I bought a boat last year. So, that needs to go in the water. I've got a couple scuba trips lined up in the Caribbean. And I bought a season pass to White Pass for skiing this winter. So, the time's gonna be filled." said Brown.
The other two officers calling it quits are detectives, Mike Blankenbaker and Perry Skipton. Each has more than 30 years with the force.
And while were plenty of pats on the back for these officers within the department, it's sobering to know that we're losing more than 80 years of combined law enforcement experience in one day.
All of us here at KIMA wish these three officers and their families the very best. And we thank you for your years of service to our community. Congratulations.
One of those hanging up his badge is Preston Brown, 72, who started his career later in life. He was 50 when he joined YPD, and spent most of his time as a patrol officer. And it sounds like he'll spend most of his retirement in an equally-active role.
"I've got a long list of things I'm ready to do. I've got a lot of miles out in front of my motorcycle that haven't been traveled yet. And I bought a boat last year. So, that needs to go in the water. I've got a couple scuba trips lined up in the Caribbean. And I bought a season pass to White Pass for skiing this winter. So, the time's gonna be filled." said Brown.
The other two officers calling it quits are detectives, Mike Blankenbaker and Perry Skipton. Each has more than 30 years with the force.
And while were plenty of pats on the back for these officers within the department, it's sobering to know that we're losing more than 80 years of combined law enforcement experience in one day.
All of us here at KIMA wish these three officers and their families the very best. And we thank you for your years of service to our community. Congratulations.
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