“Retirement might initially seem like you’re escaping from the daily grind, but this sense of relief can be short-lived.”

That’s an important observation from my friend Gordon Graham, who apparently flunked retirement because he’s still as active as ever.

In many ways, working in public safety is one of the most rewarding careers. With it comes the chance to serve others, save lives, protect property and help prevent tragedy. Every day brings a different set of challenges, providing a wide variety of opportunities to help those in your community.

Additionally, there is nothing quite like the camaraderie that comes from belonging to an organization where you eat, sleep, live and work together. You learn to rely on others while also learning to be a person others can rely on.

Lastly, you serve a community for 20 to 30 years. You get to know the citizens you serve like they’re part of your family. You know every part of the city — just like you know your own home. And since you spend more time with your co-workers and the community you serve than with your own family, the people you work with become extensions of your family.

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