It was hugs and tears Friday at the Evanston Police Department as officers wished Mark Buell a happy retirement.
"I just had such a great career and I hope I can look back at that and hopefully tell some corny stories to tell the grandkids," he said. "I'm gonna miss it."
During his 26 years on the force, Buell spent time working everything from violent crime to the burglary unit. But it was a call on March 19 of this year that he'll never forget.
"It was probably one of the most intense calls I've ever experienced in my 26 years in law enforcement," he said.
He and two fellow officers helped save a choking, lifeless infant.
"There hasn't been a day that's gone by that I haven't thought about her," Buell said.
So on his final day at work, he finally got the chance to meet Emmanuella.
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As the officers showered the little girl with gifts, her parents offered Buell a parting gift.
"I'm so grateful, that's all I say," the child's mother said. "I'm still so emotional."
"I owe everything to them," her father said.
And with that, it was time to sign off from a 26 year career.
As he wiped tears from his eyes, Buell's badge number was called by a dispatcher over his police radio one last time.
"We want to thank you for your service congratulations, good luck in retirement and enjoy," the radio crackled. "Badge number 223 is 1042."
