My 10th Anniversary at the Dunwoody Police Department

10 years ago today, I was hired by the City of Dunwoody - Government as the 1st ever Chief of Police for the Dunwoody Police Department. A surprise (to me) 10th Anniversary celebration was held in the Council Chambers earlier today.

I was humbled and honored by the outpouring of support and the kind comments offered by many in attendance including some of our founding fathers like Mayor Ken Wright (we had an opportunity to recreate a photo with his daughter from 10 years ago!) and our current Mayor Shortal and Council members, Lynn Prager Deutsch, Terry Nall and Tom Lambert.

I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve the wonderful citizens of Dunwoody who have been supportive of both me and the department all of these years.

The Mayor and Council have always provided their encouragement and supported the needs of the department.

Although 10 years as a police chief is a long time (I think it is calculated like dog years!), I could not have made it without a great group of people I get to work with each and every day. Each one is a professional, with a heart for service. Their commitment to excellence made my job over these last 10 years much easier. I'm glad I work in a department where we can have fun, serve our community together and lift each other up when needed.

I also want to thank the two direct supervisors I have had these years, City Manager Warren Hutmacher, who took a chance and hired me 10 years ago, and my current supervisor, City Manager Eric Linton, who continues to provide the support I need to be an effective police chief.

I would not have made for these 10 years if I did not have the support of my wife, Wanda Grogan, my daughter Hannah Grogan and my son Chuck Grogan.

Lastly, I want to thank a special woman, my Executive Assistant Liz Stell, who organized today's celebration.

Liz has a servant's heart, always putting the needs of others before her own and always thinking about what is best for our department. I am grateful she is on our team because she makes me a better police chief than I could ever be without her.

I loved the Everything Will Be OK sign gift bought from ReVarnē and the big Thank You card I received.

Words can never express the gratitude I feel today for all who have helped me throughout my career, everyone that has assisted me since I've been in Dunwoody and all who made today possible.

All I can say is Thank You!