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Top Cop In Milford Hanging Up His Badge

MILFORD — The top cop in a community in Pike County is hanging up his badge after 40 years of being on duty. Milford Borough Police Chief Gary Williams wi...
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MILFORD -- The top cop in a community in Pike County is hanging up his badge after 40 years of being on duty.

Milford Borough Police Chief Gary Williams will be retiring at the end of this year.

“So I came to work for Milford borough then and I've been here ever since.”

For 40 years, Milford Police Chief Gary Williams has patrolled the streets of the borough.

Every landmark has a memory.

“Like coming past Turkey Hill of an armed robbery going down there where a suspect pulled a gun on me, things like that. It just brings back memories,” said Williams.

Joining the force as a patrolman in 1974, Williams has been the chief here for the past 27 years.

But now at the age of 64, it's time to hang up his badge.

Friday is his last day in uniform as he is set to retire on December 31st.

For many people in Milford, Williams is more than a chief; he's their friend and neighbor.

“He waves every time he goes by. He always looks out for everyone. It's been a real blessing having someone that's cared so much for our town,” said Debbie Beck.

“Gary has been one of the best and he's still going to be around, so we're going to be able to bust his chops still,” said Bill Walson.

“Gary's a wealth of information. He knows everything. He knows crimes code, he knows borough code. He's always been a compassionate chief,” said Milford Mayor Bo Fean.

Over the past four decades, Williams says he's seen a lot on the job.

But the recent attacks on police, from the ambush at the nearby State Police Barracks in Blooming Grove to the murders of two New York City officers, have him concerned for the safety of those in blue.

“It's kind of scary. Sometimes you feel like you're riding around with a target on your back,” said Williams.

For his wife, this retirement brings relief for her.

“I'm selfishly glad that he is retiring because my heart just aches for all the other police wives and their families out there,” said Bernice Williams.

As he leaves his post in Milford behind, Chief Williams has advice for those who will follow his footsteps.

“Don't let that badge go to your head. You want to be treated the same, so make sure you treat people the way you want to be treated.”

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