To protect and serve
I'm looking forward to a Greensboro Police Department retirement ceremony this afternoon in which Capt. William "Tony" Phifer will be among those honored.
Capt. Phifer has worked for the department for 22 years in a variety of jobs, including homicide and vice and narcotics.
He's also my sister's husband.
He doesn't talk much about his police work but occasionally he's shared what it's like to chase a suspect on foot and have to tackle him -- and what's it's like to come upon the nauseating aroma of death.
He also has abiding interest in young people and has been a Boy Scout leader for years. He'll continue to work with young people after he retires as a mentor in a local high school.
I'm proud of his service and wish him and his fellow retirees the very best. They've served honorably and they've served well.