Dozens of former and current colleagues gathered at the Kosciusko Police Department Friday evening as Captain David White retired from 28 years of service with the Kosciusko Police Department.
White told those gathered that he considers it an honor to have served the citizens of Kosciusko.
“During my 28 years, I never one time dreaded going to work,” he said. As a testimony of the love he has had for his job, he said he leaves the police department regretting that he was 34 years old before he became involved in law enforcement.
“I have enjoyed my work and wish I had gotten into law enforcement at an earlier age,” he said.
He is retired from service with the U.S. Army Reserves, as well.
During his years with the KPD, he has worked during the administrations of Mayors Cletone Pope, George Lewis and Jimmy Cockroft and Police Chiefs Dirk Thayer, Junior Coleman, R.J. Adams and Herbert Dew.
Most changes he has noted through the years have been changes made in laws governing arrests. Starting as a patrolman on the force, he has served as the canine handler, and all the positions leading up to his final rank as Captain.
White said he believes domestic violence calls are the most dangerous to handle.
“When you go into a home situation, you have to be on your toes,” he said. Taking caution, being alert and being prepared are foremost thoughts, he added.
Use of DNA in solving crime is among advancements White said he has seen. He cited cases in Attala County to which DNA is attributed for bringing closure.
White is active in the American Legion Riders, a group that honors veterans by serving as escorts in funeral processions and taking part in other events involving veterans. The Riders conduct a flag retirement ceremony at Parkway Cemetery on Memorial Day in May during the Aisle of Honor ceremonies and on Veterans Day in November. He serves as Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1983.
White said he has no special plans for retirement other than not having to keep a regular schedule. Fishing and taking care of wife Karen’s “honey do” list will probably take some of his time as he establishes a new routine, he admitted.
