Ever had a really big moment in life that you knew, even at the time, marked the end of an era?
Perhaps you graduated from college, moved to a new state, or quit a job you’d been working for a long time.
Though some careers are the sort that you can’t wait to get away from, others lead to an incredibly emotional farewell.
Mike Gross of the Fort Mitchell Police Department in Kentucky knows all too well how bittersweet it is to work your last day as a cop.
For the past 20 years, he’s worked tirelessly to serve his community. Stepping down to retire isn’t easy to do after you’ve gained such a passion and commitment for the job you do.
But on November 30, it was Mike’s time to leave.
On a Facebook post shared by the Fort Mitchell Police Department, we got to know exactly what a shining star Mike had been in his police force.
The post, accompanied by a photo of Mike in his uniform, read:
“Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Mike Gross who retires today after 20 years of service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sgt. Gross began his career in 2000 with the Boone County Police Department prior to their merger with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department.”
“In 2013 he joined the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department as a Sergeant in charge of operations. Sergeant Gross began working for the Fort Mitchell Police Department in 2015.”
“Among his many contributions to our department and community, Sgt. Gross helped modernize our evidence room, played an integral role in the launch and maintenance of our body worn and cruiser cameras, and has been the creative force behind our department’s social media accounts.”
“He is also a regular supporter of young entrepreneurs at their lemonade stands across the city. Congratulations and thank you Sgt. Gross.”
It’s a touching farewell from his colleagues and friends, but it’s the video of Mike that’s left people misty-eyed.
The clip, which has been shared by Mike’s wife Erin and several police departments, shows Mike radioing in to log out for the final time.
He thanks his colleagues on the force for “always having my back” and wishes them well, saying that he knows they’re in good hands with “you on the other side of the mic”.
And here comes the plot twist: the woman “on the other side of the mic” is actually Mike’s daughter!
As Mike’s emotional daughter reads a statement, Mike bites his lip, looking on the verge of tears:
“All units, today on Nov. 30 at 1200 hours, my father, Sgt. Michael Gross, is retiring after 20 years of service,” Kylie Gross read. “He began his career at Boone County Sheriff’s Department then continuing to Kenton County Sheriff’s Office, ending his career at Fort Mitchell Police Department.”
“He has served and inspired the community, and his brothers and sisters in blue are showing his passion for law enforcement in helping others through his work and through his daily life. Thank you for your 20 years of service. You have always been my hero and I love you to the moon and back daddy. Forth Mitchell eight, I show you off shift.”
It’s clear that it has hit Mike hard that he won’t be returning to work tomorrow morning – or ever again for that matter.
He says, “Oof, that was rough”, then sighs and adds, “Aww… that was sweet.”
It was sweet – sweet enough to touch the hearts of hundreds of people on the internet! We wish Mike all the best in his retirement.
You can watch the emotional video of him signing off for the last time just below.
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