With members of the Brentwood City Commission looking on, the Brentwood Police Color Guard folds a special flag to be presented to retiring Police Chief Ricky Watson

Party full of laughs, tributes and a few tears
By SUSAN LEATHERS
Brentwood Home Page
A who’s who of Tennessee law enforcement and government gathered late Friday afternoon, when a three-hour tribute to retiring Police Chief Ricky Watson was held at the FiftyForward Martin Center.

With his wife Lisa by his side, the always humble chief had to sit for about 90 minutes while speaker after speaker shared stories, presented proclamations and otherwise saluted only the second man to lead the city’s police force in its 41-year history.

Congressman Marsha Blackburn reads her tribute to Ricky Watson while the retiring police chief and his wife, listen.

Chief Jeff Hughes, who today takes the reins of the 72-member department, served as emcee.

Among the many who spoke was U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn, who shared a fact-filled “60-second” tribute she wrote into the official Congressional Record.

Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder said she is usually “a bit stingy” when it comes to giving out recognition. But she told the chief he had inspired everyone who knows of his unselfish actions in support of the men and women serving in the military.

“This is a great American” she told the capacity crowd “…I hope that during your retirement, you come work for me.”

At 56, Watson has made it clear he plans to start a new career after some R&R.

Mayor Paul Webb and five of the city’s commissioners attended and spoke. Jill Burgin told the chief she never would have even dreamed of seeing “Brentwood ladies standing on the sidewalk in the rain.” But the Dec. 20 2011 homecoming for Wounded Warrior Andrew Wilson, 24, that Watson spearheaded proved her wrong, she said. It brought out thousands of them.

Attending Friday’s event were Wilson’s father and stepmother, Cliff and Kim Wilson, and Mike and Jama Maenza, parents of Pfc. Ben Maenza. In December 2010, Watson helped raise funds and coordinated construction efforts to rehab the Maenza’s Brentwood home so Ben could come  home for the holidays. Both Andrew and Ben lost their legs while serving their country.

City Commission Anne Dunn recited a poem “The Case of the Missing Mural,” penned by City Attorney Roger Horner and others. The takeoff on “T'was the Night Before Christmas” brought the house down. (Click here to read the poem).

New Police Chief Jeff Hughes shares a moment with his former boss while members of the BPD Command Staff look on.

One of the event’s most impressive moments came when all of the Brentwood Police Department’s command staff, officers and civilian employees came forward to say goodbye to their leader. Watson went down the long line personally thanking each for his or her service.

When Watson finally took the podium, he was gracious in his thanks.

“I know almost everybody in this room,” he said looking out over the crowd that spilled out of the doorway and into the lobby. “I’ve decided to run for political of...” he started, then paused and added “but that’s a lie.”

Watson gave his biggest shout out to his former chief and mentor, Howard Buttrey, who was the city’s first chief and served in that role for 29 years.

 “I had extra large shoes to fill.”

Brentwood's three police chiefs: Jeff Hughes, Howard Buttrey and Ricky Watson	Planning Commissioner Carol Crigger and her son, Matt Crigger
DEA representatives Mike Stanfill, Charlie Gravat and Adrian Breedlove	Scott Ellis, Angie Rumbaugh, Mike Worsham and Jackie Jackson
Williamson County district attorney Kim Helper was among Watson's well wishers.	Retired City Commisioner Joe Reagan catches up with Jimmy Campbell, Tracey Windrow and Debbie Hedgepath.
Long-time Brentwood residents Francis Redd, Elise Buttrey, Jim Redd, Regina Smithson and Lauren Lexa visit before the program.	Williamson County Judge Robbie Beal, center, with his wife Heather, left, and City Commissioner Anne Dunn.
Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder, with County Commissioner Tom Bain and State Rep. Charles Sergeant.	City Commissioners Jill Burgin, Paul Webb and Rhea Little are joined by Dennis Tatum, retired Brentwood Fire & Rescue captain.