Douglas Chief of Police Ron Casalenda choked back tears as he made his final service call to dispatch over the weekend.
While it was a touching way for the longtime police chief to end his years of service, it was a bittersweet time to leave his fellow officers and colleagues to return to the civilian life.
A 50-second long video was posted to Facebook on Friday to show Casalenda’s final moments as police chief, displaying him making his final service call to the dispatch.
“Out of service, retired,” Casalenda said. “Appreciate everything you guys have all done.
The dispatcher thanked the chief for his years of service to the community of Douglas, Converse County and the state of Wyoming and wished him well in his retirement.
A celebratory Facebook post shared by the department on Friday told the story of the chief’s career.
Casalenda spent the majority of his career at the Douglas Police Department, 39 years in total, with two years prior at another agency. He worked the special task force with the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, was the town’s first school resource and D.A.R.E. officer, a sergeant and finally chief of police.
Casalenda has also been heavily involved in Special Olympics Wyoming and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
“It’s been quite a ride, RT. Enjoy your retirement!!” the post ended.
