Fort Scott Public Safety Director Jeff Davis (left) presents retired Fort Scott Police Sergeant Bob Jackson (center) with his retired police officer credentials on Friday, while FSPD Lt. Travis Shelton waits for his turn to congratulate Jackson. Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo

On August 6, Jackson began a new career at Shepherd Team Auto Plaza as a sales consultant. The decision to retire from the local police department was not an easy one, according to Jackson, who was first hired on to the force in 1988 as a reserve officer.

"I really enjoyed the police department," Jackson said. "I am thankful they allowed me to be a police officer. It (retiring) was not an easy decision to make," he said.

Jackson said he will really miss working with the police department's employees, as the police station has been his "home away from home" for more than 20 years.

Not only will Jackson miss working with the other officers at the police department, but the police department officers will miss Jackson as well, according to Fort Scott Public Safety Director Jeff Davis. Explaining not only was Jackson a good officer to have on the force, but he was also a good supervisor. When the police officers found themselves in the midst of a chaotic event, Jackson always remained calm.

"Bob's the guy you look to for calmness," Davis said. "He's the voice of reason and calm. That is going to be missed," he said.

Jackson's ability to remain calm in every situation is not the only reason he will be missed by his former co-workers, Davis said. Jackson's years of experience have made him a good resource of information for the other officers. In addition, Jackson was not seen only as an officer to his co-workers, he was much more, according to Davis.

"He (Jackson) was not only a good police officer, but a good friend too. He still is a good friend," Davis said.

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When asked what influenced him to leave a career he seemingly enjoyed, Jackson said the schedule of a police officer did not allow him to be at home with his family very much.

"I wanted to be able to spend more time at home," Jackson said. "It's neat to see my boys go to bed at night and be there when they get up in the morning. In the past, when I was home, my family was gone, and when I was at work, they were home," he said.

According to Jackson, his family really enjoys having him at home more often. Although he is enjoying the extra time with his family, in addition to his new career, a part of him really misses being on the police force.

"When you are a police officer," he said. "You are giving yourself to the community. You are out there kind of like a guardian angel. Now, when I hear sirens, I still want to see what's going on, but I have to hold myself back."