Lieutenant Perkins Announces Retirement

To all the great citizens of our beloved community, it saddens us to announce the retirement of Lieutenant Mark Perkins. We have been honored to have had such a dedicated person to the law enforcement profession as well as dedication to his God and to his country. Lieutenant Mark Perkins has expressed that he is retiring with the most sincere gratitude for the opportunity to have served you, the citizens, and feels that serving you has been one of the biggest blessings and honor in his law enforcement career. Lieutenant Perkins’ retirement was effective at the end of his shift on Sept. 18, 2020. We wish “Perk” the best in whatever his future may hold and want him to know our support and prayers are with him. Our Lieutenant submitted a letter that he would like to be shared with you. The following is a copy of that letter:

Good afternoon,

I never thought that I would write this letter. I guess like most old military/police types we think we are going to live and last forever!

I am proof that God has a great sense of humor! I didn’t really have a good plan – maybe I wasn’t smart enough to think that far or that hard. That’s not to say that I didn’t have a dream….. As a young boy, I grew up watching my dad leave for work every night as a police officer. I was always in awe of him. He was proud to serve and he took great pride in his uniform. I remember that when I reached middle school age, he allowed me to shine his boots and brass. Each night, before “Gun Smoke, Little House on the Prairie or HEE HAW” (depending on which night of the week it was), I would grab his uniform, his boots, and the polish kit. I got to take part in his pride. I loved doing that for him. From that “job” though, came a dream. I knew that one day I would be a police officer just like my Dad. So it started with my Dad, became a dream, became a reality, and eventually – became a career!

I have been in police work for a long time now and have had an opportunity to experience so many different parts of the job. I’ve been in many foot chases, fights, pursuits, worked undercover, etc. and been involved in so many types of investigations. I’ve even held all of the ranks. I started as a Patrolman and then promoted into the positions of Corporal, Sergeant, Administrative Supervisor, and Lieutenant. I have held several special service titles such as Training Officer, Detective, D.A.R.E. Officer, and School Resource Officer. I feel as though I have literally “Done it all”. I just started doing what I love to do and here we are 3 decades later.

I have many……so many great memories to look back on in my career. I want you to know that my fondest memories have been made over the last five years – right here in Danville! When I look back and recall the “Good stuff” it will be Danville. I have been so honored to serve you as a Danville Police Officer and your School Resource Officer.

As I said, we think it is going to last forever. However, that just isn’t possible! Please, allow this email to serve as my notice of retirement. I will take my leave effective – Friday, September 18, 2020. I will remain as an auxiliary officer with the Danville Police Department and so will still be around and serving – just not in a full-time position.

Please, know that I have been truly blessed to get to do this job. I hope that I have served “Well” and have been what you needed when you most needed it. I salute you folks for doing what you do and for never losing sight of what’s at stake here – the kids, our kids, our future!

Respectfully,
Lieutenant Mark A. Perkins