By SUSAN LEATHERS
Brentwood Home Page
With a 25-year law enforcement career with the city to his credit,  Brentwood Police Chief Ricky Watson announced his plans to retire at Monday night’s Brentwood City Commission meeting. Surrounded by his command staff, Watson told the board of his intentions. He had sent a letter, dated Oct. 19, to city leaders earlier in the day.

Watson has led the department, recognized as one of the state’s best, “just shy of 12 years,” he said. He is only the second person to hold the position since the city incorporated 41 years ago.

“It’s just time,” Watson said following the meeting. “I’ve had a really good time.” His last day will be Jan. 27, 2012 though his official retirement date is Jan. 29. Though he may explore some other opportunities following his retirement, none will involve law enforcement, he said.

"Ricky has done an excellent job in further professionalizing the BPD during his tenure," City Manager Mike Walker stated. "He has overseen the recruitment and promotion of an excellent staff throughout the ranks that is positioned to do good work and improve on the current foundation long after he retires.

"The department is consistently recognized for providing responsive, quality service to the citizens in this community. We rarely ever receive substantiated citizen complaints or lawsuits about the conduct, or treatment from our officers. As a City Manager, I know that this is not the norm in many cities. I attribute all of this to Ricky’s leadership."

Each of the city commissioners offered their congratulations – and regrets – to Watson during the meeting. Anne Dunne called Watson a “results oriented and citizen oriented” leader and “just a really, really fine person and fun person.”

Several commissioners noted that they will miss the chief’s dry wit.

“Well, I don’t think we should accept his resignation,” said Commissioner Regina Smithson.  “The people who will miss you the most will be the fire department,”she added, a comment which brought laughter to all who know how much Watson likes to claim that all firefighters really wish they could be on the police force.

In his retirement letter, Watson wrote:

“Most of all, I would like to commend the men and women of the Brentwood Police Department for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to duty.  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve and protect the citizens of Brentwood. 

“I remember a speech from General MacArthur that proclaimed most proudly that Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away. And like the Old Soldier of that ballad, this Police Officer will now close my Police career and just fade away, an old Police Officer who tried to do his duty as God gave him the light to see that duty.”

Watson's announcement follows the June retirement of longtime Brentwood Fire Chief Kenny Lane.