The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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May 13, 2011

31-year EPD veteran retires

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Sgt. Chris Bush has retired from the Enid Police Department after more than 31 years of service with the department.

Bush’s retired the May 1 and will continue to teach digital photography classes at Autry Technology Center and work as in private security.

“So far, so good,” Bush said of retirement. “It just feels like a vacation or a few days off right now.”

Bush joined the EPD originally in October of 1977. He stayed for about a year and half before returning to work the oil fields as a draftsman. However, his stay away from law enforcement didn’t last long.

“I realized pretty quickly that wasn’t going to work for me,” he said.

Bush applied again to rejoin the department and took the first open position. His rejoined the department was Sept. 8, 1980.

He served in each of the department’s division during his 31-year career with the department.

“I have worked with Sgt. Chris Bush for over 30 years of my career.,” said Chief Brian O’Rourke. “He dedicated a large part of his life to service in the Enid Community. Chris was an exceptional and innovative patrol officer, detective and ultimately retiring as a supervisor.”

Bush said the most rewarding time he spent with the department were the years he served as in the juvenile detectives division.

“That was the most rewarding time,” he said. “Really, it was satisfying to investigate and prosecute an adult who was abusing or sexually assaulting a juvenile because that child didn’t have to suffer anymore. They didn’t have to be abused and be punished and hurt like that.”

Bush said he enjoyed working in each of the department’s divisions.

“It’s all fun, it’s all exciting,” he said. “There’s never a dull time.”

Bush said he purchased a Honda Goldwing Trike and plans on traveling to Arkansas and Colorado to visit family. He also said he and his wife Sandy are considering taking an Alaskan cruise.

Bush said he will also continue teaching classes in photography and the use of PhotoShop.

“It’s a lot of fun. The students present challenges to me and they keep me up on things,” he said. “It’s a good interactive class.”

He said he will also teach classes for Oklahoma’s Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training when funding for the agency allows.

“That will keep me busy and keep me in touch with law enforcement officers.”

Bush said it was his wife’s support that allowed him to accomplish so much in his career with the department.

“My wife supported me in every instance,” he said. “She never complained. I have to give all the praise to my wife for staying with me and staying beside me and never complaining.”

O’Rourke said he wanted to congratulate Bush on his career.

“Chris was, and still is, a member of the EPD family and has served well,” O’Rourke said. “I congratulate him on his career as it comes to a close.”

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