The Carroll Police Department said goodbye to its longest serving officer during a retirement party Wednesday afternoon at City Hall. Captain Mark Heino served with law enforcement for nearly 40 years, most of those in Carroll, and was greeted by a number of current and former colleagues and community members impacted by his service. Former Police Chief, Jeff Cayler, says Heino hasn’t lost a step over the years.
All in attendance were sad to see Heino go, and many said to have an officer of his caliber is a rare opportunity. Current Chief Brad Burke says you don’t really replace someone like Heino, you just find a way to do your best in his absence. Sgt. Gary Bellinghausen echoed that sentiment and says Heino was always there to help.
Burke presented a custom patriotic flag to Heino using service cartridges to mark the stars in the union. He also arranged for the retiring officer to keep his service weapon and badge. Heino was recognized at the city council meeting Monday night and is still deciding how to adjust to retirement.
Following his retirement, he plans to spend time restoring old firearms and enjoying the retired life. Of all the comments about Heino, the one heard most often at the event is how much he will be missed.
Photos courtesy of JJ Schreck
