Article updated on July 22, 2018
By Rich Von Voigt, C1 Contributor
I’ve been retired for over 15 years, and have absolutely no regrets of leaving the job. I served for 30 years with two departments and served both well.
I’m a veteran of the street. The profession was troublesome at times and rewarding as well. We wear blue, gray, green and brown – uniforms of every style, with different designs on our badges and patches.
It is a profession like no other. So what happens to us when we separate from that profession and move back into civilian life?
For me the transition was easy. I was done at 51 years old – tired of the chase and tired of the changes that were rapidly coming – and I knew it was just time to move on.
I found work outside the job and tried many jobs until I found what I enjoyed. I even tried farming for a while.
For some, retirement can make you feel alone. You’re no longer part of the big picture. You are a civilian.
Many of us are sheepdogs. We still carry retired and still have the watchful eye and the instincts to do what is right if trouble hits. The difference is, you no longer have the teeth to bite as readily as a LEO.
My number one rule: Relax! Enjoy the fresh breath of air that you will take.
Rule number two: Choose your battles wisely. Don’t get involved in petty situations that don’t concern you or your family. You can stand by, call 911, be a good witness, or just wait for PD if they are called.
Rule number three: You may still have your old badge and still carry and have retired ID. Great! Just remember that you’re not a cop. Don’t announce that you are.
Rule number four: You have no department backing, no defense lawyers to help you. You are on your own. If you point your weapon at someone you better be sure you were protecting life – yours or a third party.
Rule number five is last and best: If you find yourself in a felony situation and the sworn officer shows up and you hear the words, “Drop the weapon and get down on the ground,” do it. Do it fast. Don’t turn toward them and start negotiating your retirement status. That might get you dead.
Find a hobby – something you enjoy like fishing or golfing or riding a motorcycle.
Just chill. You earned the right to relax.
You may feel alone, but you just joined the ranks of thousands of us who are enjoying life. I did and it’s very rewarding. I’m still part of the big picture in my own way.
Life is good if you learn how to separate yourself from the profession. Enjoy!