Members of Sarnia Police Service are wishing a retiring constable all the best after 30 years on the job.
Les Jones joined the military shortly after high school and was deployed to Cyprus serving as a regimental policeman on a UN peacekeeping mission. After four years in the military, he joined the Sarnia police force in February 1986 and assumed the media role just two years ago.
He says he's had many accomplishments in his career.
"I've helped try to bring a positive image to policing because it's very important. That comes from the beginning of policing, the 'people serving people'. I think sometimes on both sides we forget that, that we're all in it together," says Jones. "I'm happy with my career. I think I've made friends on both sides, on the civilian side and the policing side."
At this morning's police board meeting, Police Chief Phil Nelson awarded Jones the Chief's Coin.
"Anytime an officer goes out the door, part of you sorta goes out the door with them. You miss them. He's a great officer to work with and a well respected man," says Chief Nelson.
The 54-year-old Jones officially retires January 31. He plans to spend time with his son and do some part-time work with Crime Stoppers.