Retired Law Dawgs... What do you do "after the badge"?

[Marshal Tac]

Pards... I am 4 years away from being able to lay my badge down and collect a pension. I have carried a badge and a gun for my entire adult life. I started out, right out of high school as an Army MP and then right into the Police academy. In my career, the only "marketable" skill I have picked up is teaching firearms and working on guns. I am starting to contimplate "life without a badge" and considering what I might do after I pull the plug. I am looking forward to not having a radio to answer, or a vest to have to wear.. But in the same instance, I am sort of worried, as I really know nothing else in life. I am a 3rd generation Law Dawg, but neither my father or my grandfather make it to retirement (Dad medically retired from injuries sustained in a car wreck, and grandpaw was shot in the chest and lived the rest of his life with one lung).

I am seriously considering a degree in gunsmithing and looking for a job that direction after it's all said and done.

Anyone got a story to share or some advise to send my way?

My wife is a nationally board certified teacher, who is working on her PHD and should have it done before I pull the plug. We have both thought seriously about moving the ranch away from the heat and the city, here in metro Phoenix... Haven't gotten much further than that. (No kids to consider, just us).

I am curious about what "other" law dawg have picked up as second careers and how they reacted to retirement.

[Marshal Tac]

Guess there aren't too many retired Law Dawgs out there.......

[Arcey]

Didn't respond cuz I didn't think I could help ya.

I wuz drivin' the wimmen here nutz bein' home all the time.  Wasn't going to take a job with any real responsibilty.  Gettin' called in at all hours, as I did, didn't appeal to me at all.

Took a job with NAPA deliverin' parts 'n loved it for the most part.  But, they're not used to gettin' employees with the werk ethic we've developed 'n the more ya did the more they wanted.  Wound up in the same traffic tryin' ta get home as I did when I was makin' a lot more as a cop.  When they started interferin' with my shootin' schedule I quit.

Stayed unemployed for awhile then I was asked to come back to the police department part time as a background investigator.  Had an office across the hall from the one I had when I retired.  Apart from that, most of the werk I did sittin' right here.  I checked in 'n out by voice mail.  Went to the office maybe twice a week. Best job I ever had.  If it's too good to be true, it is.  They dropped the fundin' for it after a year.  I got fired.

That was my gig.  I was, 'n am, an investigator first.  I read this dog fightin' stuff with Michael Vick 'n I wanna be in it so bad.  Those days are gone.

Shortly thereafter, I messed up my back.  Didn't shoot for five months.  I couldn't have werked anything if I'd wanted to.

Applied to be a State Police 911 call taker.  Found out they purge their apps every ninety days.  Ain't playin' the game.  Their loss.

One the guys I joined up with has retired 'n he's the head gunsmith at the shop I deal with.  Maybe that's your future.  Another, one of my best friends, is werkin' at a different shop as a salesman.  They seem to have trouble keepin' good employees.  I'm thinkin' 'bout applyin' there.  I'm drivin' the wimmen nutz hangin' 'round here again.  Truth be known I'm gettin' tired of sittin'.

My retirement is good enough I don't have to work but doin' nothing gets old.

[Marshal Tac]

Great response Arcey. I appreciate the time you took for you to tell me your story.

I know there are aspects of this job that I will miss, and many others that I won't.  I am actually kind of worried about retirement in one respect (What do I do now?), and in the same moment, counting the days till it's here.

If there are any other stories out there, I'd sure like to hear 'em.

[Arcey]

My pleasure.  Maybe this will help, Tac.

You're gonna miss some of yer folks.  Others you won't. Yer gonna miss the stuff ya enjoy doin'.

Ya ain't gonna miss the bull crap one l'il bit.  That's an unfortunate universal of the profession.   Did it 32 years.

Shot a fist sized hole out a cardboard target backer at the commercial indoor range this mornin' with my Glock 26.  Left it at the range with the rest of the backers.  Autographed it with a Sharpie.  'Sgt. R.C. -------, NPD, retired. 080107'.  Do it most every Wednesday.

You'll really LOVE that part.

[Marshal Tac]

Anyone else out there got a comment/advice?

[El Rinche]

It really depends on you. What kind of shape are you (will you be) in . What do you like? Do you feel like doing anything? A friend of mine became a substitute teacher. I taught some courses for cops at a community college. Another friend reckoned he was young enough and still in good enough shape that he went to work for a "government contractor" in an "exotic" foreign land. He came back in a flag draped box.
There are plenty of retired guys doing all kinds of security work. Some are doing investigative work. You might find a position as a part-time deputy or dispatcher - I thought about doing the dispatch thing but I'm ashamed to say I still can't type worth a damn and that seems to be a key required skill.

I know guys that started driving over the road - and became owner - operators. It is lucrative but you have to be cut out for it. Many aren't - we've already spent enough time away from our families. I even went to sea for a while - but that is hard work for men half my age - definitely NOT recommended.

You are right to be thinking about it now. As you start to get closer, start to network, ask around, find out who might be needing someone with your skills and background while you still have contacts. Insurance companies hire fraud investigators like for Workers Comp fraud  investigations etc. - as one example.

As I said, you're to think about it now.

Good Luck --- and be carefull out there,

El Rinche
BOLD #867
SASS 76822

[Marshal Tac]

Thanks El Rinche... Appreciate the feed back.

[Cutwires Al]

I've got a little over 5 years till I pull the pin... Provisional plans right now is to GTH out of NJ once im retired..Lookin at Tn, where my pension will go about 5 times as far as it would here..this way i can work, or not work as I want.  I'll probably do something on the side, just to keep busy, maybe tryband hook up with some gunshop down there, or even Yeager's group at Tactical Response.  of course anything can happen between now and then.  My daughter will be around 11, and it'll be tough for her to leave all of her friends behind, but easier than if she was in HS already.

[Marshall Sam Holland]

I had to retire medicically in Dec 2005. I was always worried about after retirement. Well, I haven't missed it ( the job ) and pretty well keep busy. I am still able to do my CAS which keeps me content. Of couse I am not a speedy competitor since I can move too fast now, but I am in it for the spirit of the game, and palying cowboy on weekends.. I had 25 years in and retired from a state agency,,,,,

[Utah Bob]

Work again? 32 years was enough fer me. I still get antsy when I hear sireens but I calm down quick.
I got all I can handle here, Pard.
http://lazybobranch.homestead.com

[gharrod]

I've worn several hats since retiring from corrections in '95. I worked security for a couple of years for a Postal Service contractor that manaufactured postage stamps, then worked as a Private Investigator for a couple more years, then got into insurance investigations for four years. I now work as a Security Training Specialist for a company that trains background investigators and executive/VIP protection personnel for corporate, state/federal governent and military clients.

[Crossdrawnj]

Marshal Tac:

I have been "out" for 18 months now. I have a lot of time to kill. It gave me plenty of time to catch up on things around the house. I'm still not finished! I also have more time to play with my leather crafting. I picked up a stitcher (Campbell) about a year ago and have made myself a couple of rigs. Two I passed along to a vender at the Central Jersey R&P club to sell in October at their 3 day cowboy shoot. I tried the armored car gig. I realized the only person making good money was the owner. When I commented on this fact, I was let go. Now I'm looking for something full time. NJ taxes my pension as of this month. Money is getting tight. I am confident I'll find something. But, like you, all I did was patrol, supervise, qualify the men every six months. Good luck.

crossdraw

[Marshal Tac]

Thanks for your replies Pards... I'm still looking toward my retirement date and trying to figure what I want to do when I finally pull the plug. I am seriously considering going back to school and getting started in a gunsmithing gig... But time will tell.
-Tac

[Charlie Bowdre]

Didn't get a chance tp 'retire' .After 34yers the old clock started acting up so I was let go on a medical discharge. That was very difficult as I missed all the things that go with the last day at work . By the time the medicals and doctors were done with me it was a year down the road.
Anyway I sat on my a## for a bit then realized that if I didn't get going I'd be laying on it!

Always involved in Black Powder shooting and Colonial reenactment so I devoted my time to what I could still do with these hobbies. Took up fly fishing after a 20 year  absence and then.............I discovered that all my boyish fancies were still alive . CAS... So I am just getting into this ,

I have an Open Top .38 ,a 38-357 .and a 45-70 Trap Door HR Officers Model .I try and keep things light so they don't aggravate anything  as the medical aspect  kind of limits  my speed and aggressive approach to the shooting but hay if I can complete the stage that's my goal .
God Bless , take care
Dutchie

[SFT]

I had to retire due to medical (blew out my back twice!), and it was rough going for near two years because of the insurance company not wanting to pay me the long term disability I'd signed up for the first day I began working for the State. A lawsuit finally settled everything and they can only pester me once a year for an update to be signed by my doctor.  They had to pay me retroactively too, nearly a full years pay and now they send me a check once a month.  Was able to pay most all my bills and credit cards off and closed everyone I did.

My goal was always to retire and then get my masters in education so i could teach criminal justice at the HS level, but I only got 9 hours under my belt before my thyroid went bad and they had to cut on me three times to get all the cancer.

I bought a decent sized condo a year ago and am still unpacking and getting organized, so I spend my time just being a home owner for the first time in my life and budgeting to play CAS and a little hunting.  Oh, and I grow plants on my patio; all hand-me-downs from my family.

My SUV is paid for and I bought my dad's 95 pick-up, and I tinker on them plus do some woodworking when I feel that I need a new unfinished project.

[Deputy Duke]

I retired after 30 years in a municipal dept. in a city of 100K with a metro area of 200K+ in July of 06. Moved to the driftless area of SW WI and let the local sheriff talk me into workin' part time as a deputy doin' transports and court house security. Perfect part time job. Buyin' cool toys with the money. Just got a full house Ballard schuetzen rifle. Headed down to the NCOWS convention tomorrow. Oh and I cast thousands and thousands of bullets of nearly all types.

Deputy Duke

[SFT]

I retired after 30 years in a municipal dept. in a city of 100K with a metro area of 200K+ in July of 06. Moved to the driftless area of SW WI and let the local sheriff talk me into workin' part time as a deputy doin' transports and court house security. Perfect part time job. Buyin' cool toys with the money. Just got a full house Ballard schuetzen rifle. Headed down to the NCOWS convention tomorrow. Oh and I cast thousands and thousands of bullets of nearly all types.

Deputy Duke

Got a price list?

[mrwill]

Howdy Gents!

I just joined this board and am enjoying what I have seen so far. Tomorrow (April 1st, I thought the date was meaningful) it will be 1 year since I "pulled the pin" after thirty years of service. A buddy of mine sent me this and I thought I would share it with ya'll.

MRWILL


When Cops Retire

When a good man leaves the job and retires to a "better life," many are jealous, some are pleased and yet others, who may have already retired, actually wonder........

.....wonder whether he/she really knows what they are doing and are leaving behind....... because we already know.

We know for example, that after a lifetime of camaraderie that few experience, such will always remain as a longing for those past times.

We know in the law enforcement life there is a fellowship which lasts long after the badge, cuffs and weapons are turned in and the uniforms are hung up back in the closet.

We know that if he actually might even think of eventually throwing his old uniforms away, they will be always on him with every step and breath that remains.

We also know just how the very bearing of the man speaks of what he was and in his heart, still is and always will be.

These are the burdens of the job.

You will still look at people suspiciously...

Still see what others do not see, or choose to ignore...

You will always look at the rest of the law enforcement world with a deep respect for what they bravely and unselfishly do.

This remains from a lifetime of knowing it, doing it, and living it.

Never think for one moment that you are escaping from "the life."

You are only escaping "the job and we are merely finally allowing you to leave an active duty."

So what I wish for you now is that whenever you eventually and finally ease into your well-deserved retirement, that in your heart you never forget for one moment....

Blessed are the Peacemakers for they shall be called Children of God....

and never, ever forget that as a law enforcement-retiree, you always are part of one the greatest fraternities that the world has known.

Be Well! Be Safe! Be Fair! Be Strong! Be Proud!

[Handsome Dave]

Well I tried contract security for awhile, it sucked.  Then I ran the Graveyard shift as a security Sargeant at a local hospital, good pay, but I got sick (no pun intended) of it, no I transport federal prisoners for the sheriff's dept. for Homeland Security ICE  4 days a week.