The North Vernon Police Department is saying “goodbye” to someone Chief James Webster called “extremely dedicated.”

Chief Webster informed the City Council, during its meeting Monday night, that a longtime reserve officer’s resignation took effect that same day. He said that Reserve Officer Ted Westerman retired after 23 years of service.

Webster noted that such longevity with one department is practically unheard of in what he called “the modern age” of reserve officers, which he dates to 1990. Normally, said Webster, a department can expect an individual reserve officer to stick around for just a few years. Aside from Westerman, the Chief says that the North Vernon Police Department has gone through 50 to 60 reserve officers since 1990.

Webster says that the department will be holding a celebration of Westerman’s service in the near future.