San Angelo Police Lieutenant Retires, Twice

The San Angelo Police Department is saying goodbye and happy retirement to one of its most beloved officers, Jimmie Byrne. Today is Byrne’s last day with the department; however, this is not the first time he has retired.

[[{"fid":"16097","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"The young Officer Byrne. (Photo/SAPD)","title":"The young Officer Byrne. (Photo/SAPD)","height":"480","width":"640","class":"media-element file-default"}}]]Byrne was hired in October 1973.  He began his career as a patrol officer before transferring to the Street Crimes Unit, then on to oversee the Traffic Division. Byrne promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1982 and lieutenant in 1987.

[[{"fid":"16099","view_mode":"default","type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Jimmie Byrne worked as a part-time motors officer from 2008 until his second retirement in 2015. (Photo/SAPD)","title":"Jimmie Byrne worked as a part-time motors officer from 2008 until his second retirement in 2015. (Photo/SAPD)","height":"477","width":"616","class":"media-element file-default"}}]]Byrne retired, the first time, in August 1999 and returned to the department as a part-time officer in December 2008 where he has since worked as a motors officer.  Since his return, Byrne earned the title of Reserve Officer of the Year two years in a row at the department’s annual Awards and Appreciation Banquet.  He has received countess letters of commendation from local citizens, businesses, and the department.  Accruing 2,172 training hours throughout his career, Byrne retires as a Master Patrolman who has served the community for 33 years.

“I have been blessed to have shared my career with such a great man," Police Chief Tim Vasquez. "He is a great officer, great supervisor, and great employee. When he retired and decided to come back part time, we were ecstatic. I will personally miss having him around.”