WALDEN – Jeffry Holmes has retired from the Walden Village Police Department with the distinction of being the longest serving chief in Orange County.
Colleagues, family and friends lined up outside the police station on Friday to salute him in a ceremonial “walk-out,” the last time he would leave headquarters in uniform.
Holmes started his career with the Walden PD 38 years ago as a part-time officer. In 1987, he went full-time with the department. He was named chief 27 years ago.
VIDEO: Chief Holmes’ “walk-out” (Video: Bob McCormick)
In addition to his law enforcement career, Holmes served in the US Army Reserves for 27 years, achieving the rank of major.
Crawford Town Police Chief Dominick Blasko, who is the current president of the Orange County Police Chiefs Association, emceed the ceremony bringing a chuckle from everyone when he recounted Holmes’ career and said there was no truth to the rumor that he was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware.
