An emotional video of a Sarasota police officer’s last call is touching hearts of millions around the world.
If you ask around the department, they will tell you this recognition could not have happened to a more deserving guy.
Last Tuesday night, Sarasota police officer Andre Jenkins made a radio transmission 30 years in the making. It was his final task before retirement.
“I wish you all well and a safe tour of duty,” he said.
The video has since been seen by millions around the world.
“President Trump retweeted this video, I’m like what?!” said Jenkins.
In the video, Jenkins tried to keep his composure. But at that moment, he was overwhelmed with his new reality.
“Thirty years of being with these guys, they were my family. It was like it was ripping my heart apart. I thought I was losing my family, the good times we had, and I’m gonna miss ’em. I’m gonna miss ’em truly miss them,” Jenkins told News Channel 8.
Over the course of his career, Jenkins has seen a lot of changes on the streets of Sarasota.
“When I first started, oh wow, it was like a war zone. Crack cocaine was like rampant in the 80s and 90s,” he recalled.
But one thing that hasn’t changed was the brotherhood with the boys in blue.
“[The brotherhood is] one that you won’t understand until you’re actually part of it. They have your back, you have their back through thick and thin,” said Jenkins.
He is surprised and humbled by the response to his video. He feels this video is needed, especially in this age where there’s so much controversy surrounding police officers.
“This was a good thing and it probably was needed just to show that law enforcement, they actually love, we love what we do, we want to protect and serve you,” said Jenkins.
His first order of business in retirement is a trip to Dubai. After that, Jenkins is not done helping others. He’s actually finishing up classes to become a pharmacist.
