A Fanfare Farewell
It’s always very difficult saying goodbye to something that’s been a part of you for such a long time. That’s what occurred to sheriff deputy Wade Hilliard who logged in his final radio dispatch call to conclude his 30-year career with law enforcement.
A video documenting this last call was captured by Grant County Sheriff’s Office on April 27th showing an emotional Deputy Wade Hilliard as he spoke with his daughter and MACC 911 dispatcher, Amy Hilliard.
Throughout the call, Amy recounts some of Deputy Wade’s finest achievements experienced in his time working with the county. These achievements include working as a volunteer with the Spokane Police Department Co-op Program as he attended Spokane Community College and earned his degree in Criminal Justice.
In 1990, Deputy Hilliard then served as a patrol officer for six years until he was transferred to the Grant County Sherriff’s Office in 1996 where he would serve his remaining 24 years of service.
Deputy Hilliard has dedicated the majority of his time focusing on the Marine Patrol Unit where he was recognized both nationally and by the state of Washington.
Furthermore, according to his daughter Amy, he was an instructor and mentor in law enforcement boating and many other agencies in general around the state of Washington.
One of Deputy Hilliard’s finest achievement includes receiving the title of Captain by the United States Coast Guard in 2016. Others include working as a patrol deputy, public works deputy, motor traffic deputy, school research officer, and firearms instructor.
We can see Deputy Hilliard progressively getting more affected by the recognition throughout the dispatch call as his eyes tear up and his face looks visibly overwhelmed with emotion.
An End To An Era
Saying farewell to a very illustrious career can be very hard especially when someone such as Deputy Hilliard has shown such character and dedication to the craft of his profession.
“You’ve been a mentor and great friend to many during your career. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication. We thank you and wish you well on your future endeavors. And dad, our family is happy to welcome you home for good,” said Amy Hilliard in near the end of her dispatch call.
At this point, you can tell that Deputy Hilliard has accepted where this was going and he has ultimately made peace with the realization that his long journey has finally come to an end.
“All units on line on dispatch JT 15 out of service for the final time. I love you daddy.” said Amy as you could tell that Deputy Hilliard was fighting off the tears coming from such a moment.
Deputy Hilliard had his last words by taking the time to appreciate the Grant County Sherriff’s Office and stating that it has been a great honor and great family to work with.
The applauses from the surrounding law enforcement supporters roared in the background as the dispatch call finished. Hilliard put the radio down on his vehicle’s center console one last time. It was truly a touching moment to witness.
Nobody can prepare you for moments like these, but for Deputy Hilliard, it’s comforting to know that he has been a great inspiration to many people around him. His work and influence will always be felt in the community and he can always look back at the enormous impact he has created for those around him.
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