Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The Warsaw Police Department bid a fond farewell to a 34-year veteran at a reception Wednesday afternoon.
Sgt. Douglas K. Brumfield was recognized for his years with the police department Wednesday afternoon as co-workers and members of the public attended a reception in his honor from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Warsaw Police Department training room.
Brumfield's retirement after nearly 35 years of police service became official Wednesday, but his history with law enforcement goes beyond his employment with the Warsaw Police Department. He started as a dispatcher in Warsaw because he was too young to carry a gun as a police officer.
After his work as a dispatcher, Brumfield enlisted in the Army and became a military policeman.
When he returned from his military service in 1971, Brumfield was hired as a sworn officer at the Warsaw Police Department.
Through the years, Brumfield moved up the ranks in the department, serving as a patrolman, sergeant, lieutenant and patrol lieutenant. But most of all, Brumfield enjoyed working on the streets.
"Doug loved working the street," said Warsaw Police Chief Steve Foster. "He did not want to sit at a desk. It didn't matter what he was doing, if he was in the area, you could count on Doug to offer his assistance. He would be there regardless of the color of the uniform -Êdepartment, town or state police."
In his 34-year career, Brumfield earned numerous service awards and honors including commendations from the mayor in both 1984 and 1995, the 1984 Optimist Law Enforcement Award, the 1984 Exchange Club Outstanding Service Award, the Veterans of Foreign Wars 1995 Police Officer of the Year honor and the Order of Kosciuszko 2005 Award.
"He was a take-charge guy," Foster said. "When Doug was at the scene, you never had to worry about having someone to take charge. ... He always knew what was best for all parties concerned."
When he received the Order of Kosciuszko honor at a Veterans Day ceremony in November, Sons of the American Legion Commander David Beall mirrored Foster's sentiment, "(Brumfield has) continuing enthusiasm toward his job and the ability to control any situation that has come before him - and there have been many. In his line of work, he has the ability to help many people in our community. As co-workers, we admire his enthusiasm and willingness to serve our community."
