BEAUMONT, Texas — Ahead of Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary's retirement on July 31, 12News got the chance to sit down with him and discuss his long career in law enforcement.
"The reason I stayed so long, and I have probably stayed way too long, is the people," Singletary said.
After graduating from Lamar University at the age of 22, Singletary admits he was naïve when decided to join law enforcement.
"It's neat to catch bad guys, and have fun doing it, and help people," he told 12News.
During a career that has spanned 54 years, Singletary worked for both the Beaumont Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
"Looking back, I don't know what else I would've done. I've never considered this a job," Singletary said.
As a cop at BPD, he worked on the SWAT team and narcotics unit. He took his skills to the Jefferson County U.S. Attorney's Office to spend more time with family.
"Conferences and trainings and liaison for local law-enforcement. And it was a normal job 8 - 5," said Singletary.
However, he realized he missed the action.
"I'm too stupid to like a normal job. And Mrs. Woods was kind enough to higher to me as a Major with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department. And I worked narcotics there," Singletary shared with 12News.
He also spearheaded the SWAT team, but returned to the police department when he was asked to run for chief.
"I never wanted to be chief. I'm like 'oh my gosh'," said Singletary.
Singletary says some of his proudest accomplishments as chief include having 12 BPD officers trained as school mentors and their Cops and Kids Program.
"We have so many issues with the young folks these days, and we're trying very very hard to get them on the right track," he said.
Singletary is the last remaining Beaumont police officer to have worked at the old building located on 900 Main Street. That location was open from 1950-1974.
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With his retirement only days away, the city still hasn't found a replacement.
"It's almost embarrassing the circus that has been the process," Singletary said.
He hopes to pass the baton to someone within the department.
"[Assistant] Chief Plunkett is by far the best qualified for the job. He's a great pick. All of the members on my executive staff that applied would do a good job. Their skills, in different experience, and different training levels," Singletary told 12News.
Chief looks forward to retiring and spending time with his grandson and on the golf course.
"All this crazy stuff I've been involved in being a chief, I'd at least like to hide for a month," he said.