People from all around Perry and Dallas County came to the Perry Police Department Thursday afternoon to pay tribute to Officer Pat Jans at a retirement open house.

Jans has worked in law enforcement for the last 23-and-a-half years, 22 of which was in Perry, and he’s decided to hang up his badge after a highly distinguished career. Throughout his time in the Perry Department, he’s served as a member of the Special Response Team, a firearms instructor, and ALICE instructor. However, his fondest memories, and what he’s most known for, was the 15 years he spent as the School Resource Officer and DARE instructor.

Chief Eric Vaughn, who has spent his entire career in Perry alongside Jans, says he’ll feel the officer’s absence both personally and professionally. “You know, I’ll miss him. We spent a lot of time together, worked together quite a bit. He’s going to be a valuable asset that we’ll be missing. His years of experience, and the knowledge that he has of the community, and in the relationships he’s had with the community. I just want to thank him for everything he’s done for us. And I wish him well in his next endeavor!”

Attendees at the retirement party had universal praise to heap on Jans, and each said they will miss having him around. Officer Josh Sienkiewicz has served as School Resource Officer this past year, and will also take over the DARE duties the next school year.