Coffeyville Police lieutenant retiring after 24 years of service

COFFEYVILLE, Kan. — A Coffeyville Police lieutenant is retiring after serving the community for more than 24 years.

On Thursday, the Coffeyville Police Department and City officials celebrated Lt. Rockie Yell and the work he has done for the department and community over the years.

FOX23 went to Coffeyville to talk with Yell about his service.

Yell has worked for the Coffeyville Police Department for more than two decades and that is an accomplishment he says he will cherish forever.

“A lifelong dream to get to where I am and I wouldn't be able to do it without the citizens and the friends,” Yell said.

Yell started working for Coffeyville Police in the year 2000.

Coffeyville Police threw Yell a retirement party to celebrate his accomplishments and his hard work.

“It was really heartwarming. The people of the city, citizens and not only citizens but the people I work with, the chief, the captain all the way up to the city manager,” Yell said.

He told me the department is always there for one another and that's what kept him coming back every day.

“It's a family and it's kept me going through these years. The citizens I have helped that backed me are always checking on me, giving me encouragement and it's just helped me get through the 24 years,” Yell said.

After 24 years, he said there is one thing he will miss most about the police department.

“The comradery of the department and the people I work with. I was lucky to get a shift that was active and we work together well. The dispatchers were really great, they were always checking on us, they've got our backs.

After spending so much time in law enforcement, FOX23 asked him what his advice is to young people who have the same dream as him.

“Just be patient and listen. A lot of things can be figured out by talking to people. Communication is the key. Ninety-five percent of the time we arrive at the worst times of their lives and that's the least we can do is listen and try to help out,” Yell said.

FOX23 asked him what he will take away from working in law enforcement for so long.

“Being compassionate to people, listening to their side and not being too quick to jump to conclusions. That's what's mainly got me through the whole thing,” Yell said.

While it is a bittersweet moment, Yell said he now leaves this to the young folks.

Friday is his last official day and then he is off to retirement. He said he plans to enjoy some Royals games.