Arizona highway patrol officer makes emotional final call before retirement
Apr 1, 2018, 8:54 PM
Policemen, firefighters and other first responders can show their commitment to helping others and their love of their careers by, simply, doing their work.
Few times, however, do we get to see the emotions that build up in a career that includes sacrificing their time, energy and sometimes their lives.
For one state trooper who faced retirement this past week after more than 37 years on the force, a little thing called YouTube gave the public a window into all that goes into his line of work.
State trooper Mark Gilberg out of the Kingman district called it a career, and his final radio call in his patrol car was caught on video and reposted on social media by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, among others.
“I just wanted to thank everybody for everything they’ve ever done,” Gilberg said into the radio on Thursday while holding back tears. “It’s been an honor and a privilege and a great career — it’s been a great adventure.
“This is 152, badge 2988 — 37 years and three weeks later. It’s been a great ride. Thank you very much and keep smiling.”
After thanking his colleagues and giving his final 10-7 — an officer’s going out of service call — Gilberg sat in his car, unable to keep the emotions inside.
