The Gray Police Department celebrated with a retiring officer who has given decades of service to law enforcement.
The March 31 event for Lt. Thaxton Pennamon was held at Butler Hall and catered by Deuce Black. GPD Chief Adam Lowe began the celebration with opening remarks and a presentation to Pennamon for his 20 years of service with the department.
He said the lieutenant began working part-time for the GPD in 2006 and went full-time in 2010, working his way up through the ranks.
“Thax almost left last year but agreed to give me another year. I understand his retirement, but he will be missed,” the chief said.
Lowe said Pennamon was an exceptional employee and reliable.
“He hardly ever missed a day of work and was good with the young guys. I wish I could clone him,” the chief said.
Lowe went on to say he was glad Pennamon has agreed to help with security at Gray’s Municipal Court, so he will not be completely gone.
The retiree thanked the chief and city council and had a few parting words. He said he has been an officer for 37 years. He went to work after training in 1988 and was certified in 1989.
Pennamon said during his career he worked for four law enforcement agencies, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Jasper County BOE as campus police, Monticello Police Department and GPD.
“GPD is probably the best department I’ve been with,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of good people and a lot of bad people.”
The lieutenant said anyone who stays in law enforcement has to love it.
“I still love it; I’m just tired. That’s why I’m leaving,” he said.
Pennamon said he has 11 grandkids, and he wants to be a part of their lives. Then he spoke to his fellow officers.
“I love the guys I work with, especially my squad, love you,” he said. “And to the young guys, listen to the old guys, and you will be alright.”
Pennamon said GPD has a great administrative staff, and he added one more word of advice.
“In order to get respect, you have to give respect.”
