By Mark Macaulay

I wish to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to each and every member of our department for the fellowship and professionalism you have demonstrated in my tenure with this agency. The fellowship and professionalism I have shared with each of you is something I will cherish for many years to come.

Being a police officer is an accomplishment that I am very proud of.

Since 1974 it has been my honor to wear a badge that supports our judicial system and the constitution. In each of my assignments I always tried to give 110 percent as I have seen so many of you do over the past 19 years with Los Altos.

Many times I was asked what agency I worked for, and when I said “Los Altos,” the response was always the same, “nothing ever happens in Los Altos!” Nothing could be further from the truth.

We may not have a murder or an armed robbery every day, yet I have had the opportunity to watch officers diligently try to develop physical evidence or information to solve each case they are assigned as if it were a major crime.

When the department was short on staffing, you as officers still went the extra mile to try to solve a crime or the simplest of problems for a citizen.

I see the department with a new leader who has a vision and new ideas to bring pride back to the Los Altos Police Department. As a leader he takes time to look in on his staff and help them when the time is right. His leadership and desire to serve the community to the best of his ability are true examples of where he is trying to lead the department.

I truly believe the community will take notice of the extra effort put forth by each of you as an officer for this agency.

I leave this department with the warmest of thoughts and commend all for making me proud to be among those who could call themselves part of the Los Altos Police Department!

End of Watch, June 10, 2005.